Critters and Pals Animal Clinic

To be fully protected against distemper and parvo, puppies need a series of three vaccinations given three weeks apart.  The schedule may vary depending upon when the first vaccination is given.  It is not a good idea to delay beginning this series because parvo is highly communicable, expensive to treat, and frequently fatal. 

Here is a health care schedule for puppies:

• 6 weeks:  distemper / parvo
• 6 to 8 weeks:  begin monthly year-round heartworm prevention
• 9 weeks:  distemper / parvo and begin monthly flea control year-round
• 12 weeks:  distemper / parvo
• Between 3 and 6 months:  1-year rabies vaccination
• 4 - 6 months for large or giant breeds:  may need a booster os distemper / parvo

An adult dog should follow this health care schedule:

• Distemper / parvo booster given annually.
• Rabies vaccination given at 1-year or 3-year intervals depending upon the life stage of the dog.
• Heartworm test annually.

As you can see, dogs have different health care needs as they age from puppyhood to being an adult.  Their health care needs change as they age from being a young adult to being a senior citizen.  Click here to read our recommended health care for each stage of a dog's life:  Canine Health Care Recommendations .

Heartworm is a serious disease in dogs.  It is carried by mosquitoes, is not detectable in a fecal examination, and can be fatal.  Click here to see our website's page with more information on heartworm disease and prevention:  "Heartworm: Cats and Dogs" .