| Puppy Vaccines & Vaccination Schedule Race Foster, DVM Marty Smith, DVM Holly Frisby, DVM, MS Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc. |
The vaccination of puppies is one of the crucial steps in assuring the puppy will have a
healthy and happy puppyhood. The who, what, why, when, where, and how of vaccinations
are complicated, and may vary from puppy to puppy. Always consult with your veterinarian
to determine which vaccines are appropriate for your puppy. To better understand
vaccines, it is important to understand how the puppy is protected from disease the
first few weeks of its life.
Protection from the mother (maternal antibodies)
A newborn puppy is not naturally immune to diseases. However, it does have some antibody protection which is
derived from its mother's blood via the placenta. The next level of immunity is from antibodies derived from
the first milk. This is the milk produced from the time of birth and continuing for 36-48 hours. This
antibody-rich milk is called colostrum. The puppy does not continue to receive antibodies through its mother's
milk. It only receives antibodies until it is two days of age. All antibodies derived from the mother, either via
her blood or colostrum are called maternal antibodies. It must be noted that the puppy will only receive
antibodies against diseases for which the mother had been recently vaccinated against or exposed to. As an
example, a mother that had NOT been vaccinated against or exposed to parvovirus, would not have any
antibodies against parvovirus to pass along to her puppies. The puppies then would be susceptible to developing a
parvovirus infection.
Window of susceptibility
The age at which puppies can effectively be immunized is proportional to the amount of antibody protection the
puppy received from its mother. High levels of maternal antibodies present in the puppies' bloodstream will
block the effectiveness of a vaccine. When the maternal antibodies drop to a low enough level in the puppy,
immunization by a commercial vaccine will work.
The antibodies from the mother generally circulate in the newborn's blood for a number of weeks. There is a
period of time from several days to several weeks in which the maternal antibodies are too low to provide
protection against the disease, but too high to allow a vaccine to work. This period is called the window of
susceptibility. This is the time when despite being vaccinated, a puppy or kitten can still contract the disease.
When should puppies be vaccinated?
The length and timing of the window of susceptibility is different in every litter, and even between individuals
in a litter. A study of a cross section of different puppies showed that the age at which they were able to
respond to a vaccine and develop protection (become immunized) covered a wide period of time. At six weeks of
age, 25% of the puppies could be immunized. At 9 weeks of age, 40% of the puppies were able to respond to the
vaccine. The number increased to 60% by 16 weeks of age, and by 18 weeks, 95% of the puppies could be
immunized.
Almost all researchers agree that for puppies and kittens, we need to give at least three combination
vaccinations and repeat these at one year of age.
Drs. Foster and Smith prefer to vaccinate puppies with a combination vaccine at six weeks of age initially, with
boosters given every three weeks until the puppy is about sixteen weeks of age. We feel that this schedule will
help protect the widest range of dogs. We realize that with our protocol, we will be vaccinating some dogs that
are not capable of responding, and we will be revaccinating some dogs that have already responded and
developed a protection. But without doing an individual test on each puppy, it is impossible to determine when the
puppy's immune system will be best able to respond. We also realize that in the face of an infection, due to the
window of susceptibility, some litters will contract a disease (e.g., parvo) despite being vaccinated. By using
quality vaccines and an aggressive vaccination protocol, we can make this window of susceptibility as small as
possible. Our vaccination protocol may not be right for every puppy. Puppies that are not exposed to other dogs
and have a very small chance of coming in contact with parvovirus, may not need to be vaccinated as frequently.
At the same time, some 'high risk' puppies may need a more intense and aggressive vaccination program. It is
best to work with your veterinarian on a vaccination protocol that is best for your individual puppy or kennel,
taking into consideration your individual situation.
Against which diseases should puppies be vaccinated?
The AVMA Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents' Report on Cat and Dog Vaccines has recommneded that
the core vaccines for dogs include distemper, canine adenovirus-2 (hepatitis and respiratory disease), and canine
parvovirus-2.
Noncore vaccines include leptospirosis, coronavirus, canine parainfluenza and Bordetella bronchiseptica (both are
causes of 'kennel cough'), and Borrelia burgdorferi (causes Lyme Disease). Consult with your veterinarian to
select the proper vaccines for your puppy.
AVMA Vaccination Recommendations for Dogs
Component Class Efficacy Length of Risk/Severity Comments
Immunity of Adverse
Effects
Canine Distemper Core High > 1 year for Low
modified live
virus (MLV)
vaccines
Measles Noncore High in Long Infrequent Use in high
preventing risk environments
disease, but for canine distemper
not in preventing in puppies 4-10 weeks
infection of age
Parvovirus Core High > 1 year Low
Hepatitis Core High > 1 year Low Only use canine
adenovirus-2 (CAV-2)
vaccines
Rabies Core High Dependent Low to
upon type of moderate
vaccine
Respiratory Noncore Not Short Minimal If vaccination warranted,
disease from adequately boost annually or
canine studied more frequently
adenovirus-2
(CAV-2)
Parainfluenza Noncore Intranasal MLV Moderate Low Only recommended for dogs
- Moderate in kennels, shelters, shows, or
Injectable MLV large colonies; If vaccination
- Low warranted, boost annually or
more frequently
Bordetella Noncore Intranasal MLV Short Low For the most benefit,
- Moderate use intranasal vaccine
Injectable MLV 2 weeks prior to exposure
- Low
Leptospirosis Noncore Variable Short High Up to 30% of dogs may
not respond to vaccine
Coronavirus Noncore Low Short Low Risk of exposure high
in kennels, shelters,
shows, breeding
facilities
Lyme Noncore Appears to be Revaccinate Moderate
limited to previously annually
unexposed dogs;
variable
A possible vaccination schedule for the 'average' puppy is shown below.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Age Vaccination
5 weeks Parvovirus: for puppies at high risk of exposure to parvo, some veterinarians
recommend vaccinating at 5 weeks. Check with your veterinarian.
6 & 9 weeks Combination vaccine* without leptospirosis.
Coronavirus: where coronavirus is a concern.
12 weeks or older Rabies: Given by your local veterinarian (age at vaccination may vary according to
local law).
12 & 15 weeks** Combination vaccine
Leptospirosis: include leptosporosis in the combination vaccine where leptospirosis
is a concern, or if traveling to an area where it occurs.
Coronavirus: where coronavirus is a concern.
Lyme: where Lyme disease is a concern or if traveling to an area where it occurs.
Adult (boosters)§ Combination vaccine
Leptospirosis: include leptospirosis in the combination vaccine where leptospirosis
is a concern, or if traveling to an area where it occurs.
Coronavirus: where coronavirus is a concern.
Lyme: where Lyme disease is a concern or if traveling to an area where it occurs.
Rabies: Given by your local veterinarian (time interval between vaccinations may
vary according to local law).
*A combination vaccine, often called a 5-way vaccine, usually includes adenovirus cough and hepatitis, distemper,
parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Some combination vaccines may also include leptospirosis (7-way vaccines) and/or
coronavirus. The inclusion of either canine adenovirus-1 or adenovirus-2 in a vaccine will protect against both
adenovirus cough and hepatitis; adenovirus-2 is highly preferred.
**Some puppies may need additional vaccinations against parvovirus after 15 weeks of age. Consult with your
local veterinarian.
§ According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs at low risk of disease exposure may not need
to be boostered yearly for most diseases. Consult with your local veterinarian to determine the appropriate
vaccination schedule for your dog. Remember, recommendations vary depending on the age, breed, and health
status of the dog, the potential of the dog to be exposed to the disease, the type of vaccine, whether the dog is
used for breeding, and the geographical area where the dog lives or may visit.
Bordetella and parainfluenza: For complete canine cough protection, we recommend Intra-Trac II ADT. For
dogs that are shown, in field trials, or are boarded, we recommend vaccination every six months with Intra-Trac
II ADT.
Vaccine dose
It is NOT true that a small breed of puppy should receive a smaller vaccine dose than
puppies of larger breeds. All puppies regardless of age, body weight, breed, and gender
are given the same vaccine dose. Vaccines are generally administered in one milliliter (cc)
doses. Simply follow the manufacturer's recommendations. To administer a lesser
vaccine amount than recommended will likely result in insufficient immunity.
Time to produce protection
Vaccines do not stimulate immunity immediately after they are administered. Once a vaccine is administered,
the antigens must be recognized, responded to, and remembered by the immune system. In most puppies,
disease protection does not begin until five days post vaccination. Full protection from a vaccine usually takes up
to fourteen days. In some instances, two or more vaccinations several weeks apart must be given to achieve
protection. In general, modified live vaccines and those vaccines administered intranasally provide the fastest
protection.
Why do some vaccinated animals still get the disease?
It is a fact that in the USA today, literally hundreds and perhaps thousands of vaccinated dogs and cats are still
contracting the diseases they were vaccinated against. Some term this 'vaccine failure,' although it is more
likely a failure of the immune system to respond than a problem with the vaccine itself.
Parvovirus is a serious case in point. How can a puppy get the disease and possibly die if it was vaccinated?
Unfortunately, for some reason the vaccine did not stimulate the immune system enough to protect the puppy
from disease. The reason may be interfering maternal antibodies, the vaccines themselves, the dog's own
immune system, or genetics. By far, the most common reason in puppies is interfering maternal antibodies.
References and Further Reading
Al-Sarraf, R. Update on feline vaccine-associated fibrosarcomas. Veterinary Medicine. 1998;729-35.
American Association of Feline Practitioners/Academy of Feline Medicine. Recommendations for Feline
Leukemia Virus Testing. The Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian. 1997;1105-7.
Bell, FW. Recommendations for FeLV- and FIV-positive cats with cancer. In August, JR (ed.) Consultations in
Feline Internal Medicine. W.B. Saunders Co. Philadelphia, PA; 1997;572-8.
Bergman, PJ; Couto, CG; Hendrick, MJ; Macy, DW; Richards, JR; Starr, RM (contributors). Vaccine-associated
feline sarcoma symposium. Sponsored by the Vaccine-Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force and the Arm &
Hammer Division of Church & Swight Co., Inc. July 25, 1998.
Brakeman, L (ed.) Researchers suspect genetic cause for vaccine site sarcomas. dvm 1998; July 1, 41-45.
Cole, R. Rethinking canine vaccinations. Veterinary Forum; 1998 (Jan);52-7.
Greene, CE. Immunoprophylaxis and immunotherapy. In Greene, CE (ed.) Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat.
W.B. Saunders Co. Philadelphia, PA; 1998;717-750.
Jarrett, O. Development of vaccines against feline leukemia virus. In Kirk, RW; Bonagura, JD (eds.) Current
Veterinary Therapy XI. W.B. Saunders Co. Philadelphia, PA; 1992;457-60.
Klingborg, DJ; Hustead, DR; Curry-Galvin, EA; Gumley, NR; Henry, SC; Bain, FT; et al. AVMA Council on Biologic
and Therapeutic Agents' report on cat and dog vaccines. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical
Association. November 15, 2002 (Volume 221, No. 10); 1401-1407.
Pfizer Animal Health. Duration of immunity in companion animals after natural infection and vaccination. Pfizer
Animal Health; June 30, 1998.
Roitt, I; Brostoff, J; Male, D. Immunology. CV Mosby Company. St. Louis, MO; 1985.
Rosen, DK. Feline infectious diseases and rational vaccine protocols for immunization. Presented at the
Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association Convention. October 10, 1998.
Schultz, RD. Current and future canine and feline vaccination programs. Veterinary Medicine. 1998;233-253.
Tizard, I; Yawei, N. Use of serologic testing to assess immune status of companion animals. Journal of the
American Veterinary Medical Association. 1998;213;54-60.
Veterinary Learning Systems. Recombinant vaccine technology. Supplement to The Compendium on Continuing
Education for the Practicing Veterinarian. 1997;19(2).
Veterinary Learning Systems. Vaccine technology in the 21st century. Supplement to The Compendium on
Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian. 1998;20(8c).
healthy and happy puppyhood. The who, what, why, when, where, and how of vaccinations
are complicated, and may vary from puppy to puppy. Always consult with your veterinarian
to determine which vaccines are appropriate for your puppy. To better understand
vaccines, it is important to understand how the puppy is protected from disease the
first few weeks of its life.
Protection from the mother (maternal antibodies)
A newborn puppy is not naturally immune to diseases. However, it does have some antibody protection which is
derived from its mother's blood via the placenta. The next level of immunity is from antibodies derived from
the first milk. This is the milk produced from the time of birth and continuing for 36-48 hours. This
antibody-rich milk is called colostrum. The puppy does not continue to receive antibodies through its mother's
milk. It only receives antibodies until it is two days of age. All antibodies derived from the mother, either via
her blood or colostrum are called maternal antibodies. It must be noted that the puppy will only receive
antibodies against diseases for which the mother had been recently vaccinated against or exposed to. As an
example, a mother that had NOT been vaccinated against or exposed to parvovirus, would not have any
antibodies against parvovirus to pass along to her puppies. The puppies then would be susceptible to developing a
parvovirus infection.
Window of susceptibility
The age at which puppies can effectively be immunized is proportional to the amount of antibody protection the
puppy received from its mother. High levels of maternal antibodies present in the puppies' bloodstream will
block the effectiveness of a vaccine. When the maternal antibodies drop to a low enough level in the puppy,
immunization by a commercial vaccine will work.
The antibodies from the mother generally circulate in the newborn's blood for a number of weeks. There is a
period of time from several days to several weeks in which the maternal antibodies are too low to provide
protection against the disease, but too high to allow a vaccine to work. This period is called the window of
susceptibility. This is the time when despite being vaccinated, a puppy or kitten can still contract the disease.
When should puppies be vaccinated?
The length and timing of the window of susceptibility is different in every litter, and even between individuals
in a litter. A study of a cross section of different puppies showed that the age at which they were able to
respond to a vaccine and develop protection (become immunized) covered a wide period of time. At six weeks of
age, 25% of the puppies could be immunized. At 9 weeks of age, 40% of the puppies were able to respond to the
vaccine. The number increased to 60% by 16 weeks of age, and by 18 weeks, 95% of the puppies could be
immunized.
Almost all researchers agree that for puppies and kittens, we need to give at least three combination
vaccinations and repeat these at one year of age.
Drs. Foster and Smith prefer to vaccinate puppies with a combination vaccine at six weeks of age initially, with
boosters given every three weeks until the puppy is about sixteen weeks of age. We feel that this schedule will
help protect the widest range of dogs. We realize that with our protocol, we will be vaccinating some dogs that
are not capable of responding, and we will be revaccinating some dogs that have already responded and
developed a protection. But without doing an individual test on each puppy, it is impossible to determine when the
puppy's immune system will be best able to respond. We also realize that in the face of an infection, due to the
window of susceptibility, some litters will contract a disease (e.g., parvo) despite being vaccinated. By using
quality vaccines and an aggressive vaccination protocol, we can make this window of susceptibility as small as
possible. Our vaccination protocol may not be right for every puppy. Puppies that are not exposed to other dogs
and have a very small chance of coming in contact with parvovirus, may not need to be vaccinated as frequently.
At the same time, some 'high risk' puppies may need a more intense and aggressive vaccination program. It is
best to work with your veterinarian on a vaccination protocol that is best for your individual puppy or kennel,
taking into consideration your individual situation.
Against which diseases should puppies be vaccinated?
The AVMA Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents' Report on Cat and Dog Vaccines has recommneded that
the core vaccines for dogs include distemper, canine adenovirus-2 (hepatitis and respiratory disease), and canine
parvovirus-2.
Noncore vaccines include leptospirosis, coronavirus, canine parainfluenza and Bordetella bronchiseptica (both are
causes of 'kennel cough'), and Borrelia burgdorferi (causes Lyme Disease). Consult with your veterinarian to
select the proper vaccines for your puppy.
AVMA Vaccination Recommendations for Dogs
Component Class Efficacy Length of Risk/Severity Comments
Immunity of Adverse
Effects
Canine Distemper Core High > 1 year for Low
modified live
virus (MLV)
vaccines
Measles Noncore High in Long Infrequent Use in high
preventing risk environments
disease, but for canine distemper
not in preventing in puppies 4-10 weeks
infection of age
Parvovirus Core High > 1 year Low
Hepatitis Core High > 1 year Low Only use canine
adenovirus-2 (CAV-2)
vaccines
Rabies Core High Dependent Low to
upon type of moderate
vaccine
Respiratory Noncore Not Short Minimal If vaccination warranted,
disease from adequately boost annually or
canine studied more frequently
adenovirus-2
(CAV-2)
Parainfluenza Noncore Intranasal MLV Moderate Low Only recommended for dogs
- Moderate in kennels, shelters, shows, or
Injectable MLV large colonies; If vaccination
- Low warranted, boost annually or
more frequently
Bordetella Noncore Intranasal MLV Short Low For the most benefit,
- Moderate use intranasal vaccine
Injectable MLV 2 weeks prior to exposure
- Low
Leptospirosis Noncore Variable Short High Up to 30% of dogs may
not respond to vaccine
Coronavirus Noncore Low Short Low Risk of exposure high
in kennels, shelters,
shows, breeding
facilities
Lyme Noncore Appears to be Revaccinate Moderate
limited to previously annually
unexposed dogs;
variable
A possible vaccination schedule for the 'average' puppy is shown below.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Age Vaccination
5 weeks Parvovirus: for puppies at high risk of exposure to parvo, some veterinarians
recommend vaccinating at 5 weeks. Check with your veterinarian.
6 & 9 weeks Combination vaccine* without leptospirosis.
Coronavirus: where coronavirus is a concern.
12 weeks or older Rabies: Given by your local veterinarian (age at vaccination may vary according to
local law).
12 & 15 weeks** Combination vaccine
Leptospirosis: include leptosporosis in the combination vaccine where leptospirosis
is a concern, or if traveling to an area where it occurs.
Coronavirus: where coronavirus is a concern.
Lyme: where Lyme disease is a concern or if traveling to an area where it occurs.
Adult (boosters)§ Combination vaccine
Leptospirosis: include leptospirosis in the combination vaccine where leptospirosis
is a concern, or if traveling to an area where it occurs.
Coronavirus: where coronavirus is a concern.
Lyme: where Lyme disease is a concern or if traveling to an area where it occurs.
Rabies: Given by your local veterinarian (time interval between vaccinations may
vary according to local law).
*A combination vaccine, often called a 5-way vaccine, usually includes adenovirus cough and hepatitis, distemper,
parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Some combination vaccines may also include leptospirosis (7-way vaccines) and/or
coronavirus. The inclusion of either canine adenovirus-1 or adenovirus-2 in a vaccine will protect against both
adenovirus cough and hepatitis; adenovirus-2 is highly preferred.
**Some puppies may need additional vaccinations against parvovirus after 15 weeks of age. Consult with your
local veterinarian.
§ According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs at low risk of disease exposure may not need
to be boostered yearly for most diseases. Consult with your local veterinarian to determine the appropriate
vaccination schedule for your dog. Remember, recommendations vary depending on the age, breed, and health
status of the dog, the potential of the dog to be exposed to the disease, the type of vaccine, whether the dog is
used for breeding, and the geographical area where the dog lives or may visit.
Bordetella and parainfluenza: For complete canine cough protection, we recommend Intra-Trac II ADT. For
dogs that are shown, in field trials, or are boarded, we recommend vaccination every six months with Intra-Trac
II ADT.
Vaccine dose
It is NOT true that a small breed of puppy should receive a smaller vaccine dose than
puppies of larger breeds. All puppies regardless of age, body weight, breed, and gender
are given the same vaccine dose. Vaccines are generally administered in one milliliter (cc)
doses. Simply follow the manufacturer's recommendations. To administer a lesser
vaccine amount than recommended will likely result in insufficient immunity.
Time to produce protection
Vaccines do not stimulate immunity immediately after they are administered. Once a vaccine is administered,
the antigens must be recognized, responded to, and remembered by the immune system. In most puppies,
disease protection does not begin until five days post vaccination. Full protection from a vaccine usually takes up
to fourteen days. In some instances, two or more vaccinations several weeks apart must be given to achieve
protection. In general, modified live vaccines and those vaccines administered intranasally provide the fastest
protection.
Why do some vaccinated animals still get the disease?
It is a fact that in the USA today, literally hundreds and perhaps thousands of vaccinated dogs and cats are still
contracting the diseases they were vaccinated against. Some term this 'vaccine failure,' although it is more
likely a failure of the immune system to respond than a problem with the vaccine itself.
Parvovirus is a serious case in point. How can a puppy get the disease and possibly die if it was vaccinated?
Unfortunately, for some reason the vaccine did not stimulate the immune system enough to protect the puppy
from disease. The reason may be interfering maternal antibodies, the vaccines themselves, the dog's own
immune system, or genetics. By far, the most common reason in puppies is interfering maternal antibodies.
References and Further Reading
Al-Sarraf, R. Update on feline vaccine-associated fibrosarcomas. Veterinary Medicine. 1998;729-35.
American Association of Feline Practitioners/Academy of Feline Medicine. Recommendations for Feline
Leukemia Virus Testing. The Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian. 1997;1105-7.
Bell, FW. Recommendations for FeLV- and FIV-positive cats with cancer. In August, JR (ed.) Consultations in
Feline Internal Medicine. W.B. Saunders Co. Philadelphia, PA; 1997;572-8.
Bergman, PJ; Couto, CG; Hendrick, MJ; Macy, DW; Richards, JR; Starr, RM (contributors). Vaccine-associated
feline sarcoma symposium. Sponsored by the Vaccine-Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force and the Arm &
Hammer Division of Church & Swight Co., Inc. July 25, 1998.
Brakeman, L (ed.) Researchers suspect genetic cause for vaccine site sarcomas. dvm 1998; July 1, 41-45.
Cole, R. Rethinking canine vaccinations. Veterinary Forum; 1998 (Jan);52-7.
Greene, CE. Immunoprophylaxis and immunotherapy. In Greene, CE (ed.) Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat.
W.B. Saunders Co. Philadelphia, PA; 1998;717-750.
Jarrett, O. Development of vaccines against feline leukemia virus. In Kirk, RW; Bonagura, JD (eds.) Current
Veterinary Therapy XI. W.B. Saunders Co. Philadelphia, PA; 1992;457-60.
Klingborg, DJ; Hustead, DR; Curry-Galvin, EA; Gumley, NR; Henry, SC; Bain, FT; et al. AVMA Council on Biologic
and Therapeutic Agents' report on cat and dog vaccines. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical
Association. November 15, 2002 (Volume 221, No. 10); 1401-1407.
Pfizer Animal Health. Duration of immunity in companion animals after natural infection and vaccination. Pfizer
Animal Health; June 30, 1998.
Roitt, I; Brostoff, J; Male, D. Immunology. CV Mosby Company. St. Louis, MO; 1985.
Rosen, DK. Feline infectious diseases and rational vaccine protocols for immunization. Presented at the
Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association Convention. October 10, 1998.
Schultz, RD. Current and future canine and feline vaccination programs. Veterinary Medicine. 1998;233-253.
Tizard, I; Yawei, N. Use of serologic testing to assess immune status of companion animals. Journal of the
American Veterinary Medical Association. 1998;213;54-60.
Veterinary Learning Systems. Recombinant vaccine technology. Supplement to The Compendium on Continuing
Education for the Practicing Veterinarian. 1997;19(2).
Veterinary Learning Systems. Vaccine technology in the 21st century. Supplement to The Compendium on
Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian. 1998;20(8c).
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