I'm really hoping to get some advice because I'm kind of freaking out over here. I recently adopted this adorable little puppy, Max, a few weeks ago, and I’m a bit unsure about his vaccination status. The shelter gave me some paperwork, but it’s all a bit confusing to me, and there's no clear information about what shots he's actually received. I wasn’t able to get much help from them when I called back. I really want to make sure Max is safe and healthy, but I’m not sure what my next steps should be. Can anyone here help me figure out how to confirm if he's fully vaccinated or what I should do if he’s missing something crucial? Thanks so much in advance—Max and I would really appreciate your guidance!
Hello! Congratulations on your new puppy! Getting a new furry friend is so exciting, and it's great that you're checking on their vaccinations—keeping your puppy healthy is very important.
To determine if your puppy is fully vaccinated, you'll need to know their age and vaccination history. Puppies usually start their vaccine series around 6-8 weeks of age and continue every 3-4 weeks until they're about 16-20 weeks old. The core vaccines typically include those that protect against distemper, parvovirus, and rabies.
You should have received a vaccination record from the breeder, shelter, or previous owner. If you didn’t, it’s best to contact them for this information. Meanwhile, if your puppy hasn’t started vaccinations, or missed some, make an appointment with a vet to get back on track.
At home, ensure your puppy doesn’t interact with unknown dogs and avoid places where dogs congregate, like parks, until their vaccinations are up-to-date.
Watch for signs of illness like coughing, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, as these could indicate diseases that vaccines protect against. If you notice any of these, get in touch with a vet promptly.
For a personalized vaccination plan and to ensure your puppy is on the right track, consider booking a video consult with us at Dial A Vet. We'd be happy to help!
The "Ask a Vet" forum on Dial A Vet offers general information and helpful tips on pet health, but it's
not a substitute for professional veterinary care. The advice here doesn't create a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and our vets can't diagnose or treat your pet remotely.
For emergencies or specific medical concerns, always contact your local veterinarian immediately. Your pet's health is unique, and decisions should only be made after consulting with a qualified professional. By using this forum, you acknowledge these limitations and agree to seek in-person veterinary advice for all your pet's health needs. View our
content guidelines.