What is the recommended vaccination schedule for puppies?

The recommended vaccination schedule for puppies includes administering vaccines every 3-4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. This approach is critical because puppies are born with maternal antibodies that can provide protection against certain diseases but also can interfere with the effectiveness of vaccines if given too early. By vaccinating every 3-4 weeks, it allows for a better opportunity to ensure proper immunization as the maternal antibodies decline.

In this schedule, the initial vaccinations typically begin at around 6-8 weeks of age, with boosters following until the puppy reaches about 16 weeks old. This timing helps ensure that the puppy is protected from common infectious diseases, such as distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus, when they are most vulnerable.

Other potential schedules do not provide adequate protection in the early phase of a puppy's life. Vaccinating once at 8 weeks and again at 6 months could leave the puppy susceptible to disease for too long, while waiting until after 16 weeks significantly increases the risk of exposure to infections during that critical early development period. Therefore, the every 3-4 week schedule aligns with veterinary guidelines to ensure the best health and immunity for puppies as they grow.