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.
- DHPP - Modified Live vaccine
- Puppies will be vaccinated until at least 18 weeks of age.
- 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.
- Give the second and following vaccines every 2 weeks (minimum 2 weeks, no more than 3 weeks).
- Give the last booster vaccination at 18 to 20 weeks of age.
- Booster DHPP one year after the initial vaccine series, then every three years (see adult protocol).
- Rabies
- Give once the puppy is 12 weeks of age.
- If there is ambiguity about the age, delay the rabies vaccine until a better age estimate can be made.
- Booster one year after the initial vaccine, then every three years (see adult protocol).
- Bordetella and Parainfluenza - intranasal
- Give the first vaccine at 4 weeks of age or immediately upon intake if older than 4 weeks at intake.
- 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.
- DHPP - MLV
- Check records to see when it was given last/how many were given.
- If no known (documented) vaccine history:
- 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.
- If documented/verified vaccine history:
- Adult dogs with only one documented vaccine:
- If vaccine was before 18 weeks of age, give intake vaccine, booster in 2 weeks, then every three years.
- If vaccine was after 18 weeks of age, booster once upon intake, then every three years thereafter.
- 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.
- If vaccine history is questionable, err on the side of administering additional vaccines.
- Adult dogs with only one documented vaccine:
- Pregnant or nursing canine moms will be vaccinated with DHPP on intake and as per the usual adult schedule.
- Rabies
- If no known vaccine history, give vaccine right away, booster in 1 year, and vaccinate every 3 years.
- 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.
- If the dog has received multiple rabies vaccines, schedule the next booster 3 years after the last documented vaccination.
- Pregnant or nursing moms will be vaccinated according to the normal schedule.
- Bordetella and Parainfluenza - Intranasal
- Give the first vaccine upon intake.
- Booster in one year and continue annual vaccination.
- If dog’s temperament prevents intranasal vaccination, an injectable vaccine may be given.
- 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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