Proven Strategies

Puppy Protocol: Deworming and Vaccines

Puppy Protocol: Deworming and Vaccines

Puppy deworming and vaccination protocol

Deworming Protocol:

  • All puppies receive pyrantel by mouth at 1ml/10 lbs. of body weight, beginning at 2 weeks of age until 12 weeks of age. 
  • Puppies (<6 months) receive ponazuril by mouth (50mg/kg) once for coccidia prophylaxis. 

Puppy Vaccinations:  

Puppies are defined as less than 6 months of age. Age of puppies is determined by records and teeth. 

  1. DHPP - Modified Live vaccine 
    1. Puppies will be vaccinated until at least 18 weeks of age. 
    2. Give first vaccine at 4 weeks of age.  If the puppy arrives older than 4 weeks of age, give the vaccine right away unless it has had a verified vaccine within the last 2 weeks.  
    3. Give the second and following vaccines every 2 weeks (minimum 2 weeks, no more than 3 weeks). 
    4. Give the last booster vaccination at 18 to 20 weeks of age. 
    5. Booster DHPP one year after the initial vaccine series, then every three years (see adult protocol). 
  2. Rabies 
    1. Give once the puppy is 12 weeks of age.   
    2. If there is ambiguity about the age, delay the rabies vaccine until a better age estimate can be made. 
    3. Booster one year after the initial vaccine, then every three years (see adult protocol). 
  3. Bordetella and Parainfluenza - intranasal 
    1. Give the first vaccine at 4 weeks of age or immediately upon intake if older than 4 weeks at intake. 
    2. Booster in one year and continue annual vaccination (see adult protocol). 

Adult Vaccinations: 

Considered adult if they have all of their adult teeth and they appear to be over 6 months of age. 

  1. DHPP - MLV 
    1. Check records to see when it was given last/how many were given. 
    2. If no known (documented) vaccine history: 
      1. Give one vaccine on intake, then booster in 2-3 weeks.  Give the next DHPP one year after the initial vaccine series, then every three years thereafter.  
    3. If documented/verified vaccine history: 
      1. Adult dogs with only one documented vaccine:  
        1. If vaccine was before 18 weeks of age, give intake vaccine, booster in 2 weeks, then every three years. 
        2. If vaccine was after 18 weeks of age, booster once upon intake, then every three years thereafter. 
      2. Adult dog that received at least 2 vaccinations after 18 weeks of age: schedule the next vaccine for 3 years from the last vaccine, and then every 3 years. 
      3. If vaccine history is questionable, err on the side of administering additional vaccines. 
    4. Pregnant or nursing canine moms will be vaccinated with DHPP on intake and as per the usual adult schedule.  
  2. Rabies  
    1. If no known vaccine history, give vaccine right away, booster in 1 year, and vaccinate every 3 years. 
    2. If only documented to have received one rabies vaccine and it was given when the dog was over 12 weeks of age, schedule a booster 1 year from the original vaccination date.  Vaccinate every 3 years thereafter. 
    3. If the dog has received multiple rabies vaccines, schedule the next booster 3 years after the last documented vaccination. 
    4. Pregnant or nursing moms will be vaccinated according to the normal schedule. 
  3. Bordetella and Parainfluenza - Intranasal 
    1. Give the first vaccine upon intake. 
    2. Booster in one year and continue annual vaccination. 
    3. If dog’s temperament prevents intranasal vaccination, an injectable vaccine may be given.   
    4. Pregnant or nursing moms will be vaccinated according to the normal schedule.  

Exceptions:  

Individual animal exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis, and the decision should include both the attending veterinarian and management.

Updated August 16, 2021.

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