Bringing a puppy home is a joyful moment filled with playful paws, wagging tails, and new routines. One of the first big responsibilities you’ll take on as a pet parent is building a preventive care plan that keeps your puppy healthy as they grow. Coolidge Veterinary Clinic is your partner in that journey, starting with a vaccination plan designed to strengthen your puppy’s immune defenses.
Vaccination protects your puppy against serious illnesses before they encounter them in the world, giving them the best possible start in life.
Why Vaccinations Are Important for Puppies
Puppies start out with limited immunity. As their natural maternal antibodies fade, they become more vulnerable to infectious diseases. Vaccines train the immune system to recognize and fight off dangerous bacteria and viruses, helping prevent illness before exposure.
Staying on a proper vaccination schedule protects your puppy and helps safeguard other dogs throughout the Coolidge community.
Core Vaccines Every Puppy Should Get
Some vaccines are considered essential for all puppies because the diseases they prevent are common and can be severe.
DHPP Combination Vaccine
This vaccine guards against four major viral infections:
- Distemper
- Parvovirus
- Adenovirus (canine hepatitis)
- Parainfluenza
These diseases spread easily and can cause serious sickness in unprotected puppies.
Rabies Vaccine
Rabies vaccination is required by Arizona law. Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the nervous system and can be transmitted between animals and people. Vaccinating helps protect pets, families, and the community.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that often comes from wildlife or standing water. It can affect both dogs and humans, making vaccination an important option depending on your puppy’s lifestyle.
Additional Vaccines Based on Lifestyle
Some puppies benefit from extra protection depending on how they socialize and where they go.
Your veterinarian may recommend:
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough) for puppies attending daycare, grooming, boarding, or group training
- Canine Influenza for dogs frequently around other pets
- Lyme Disease Vaccine for puppies spending time in tick-prone environments or traveling outside the region
Our team will guide you in choosing vaccines that match your puppy’s daily activities and exposure risks.
Typical Puppy Vaccination Timeline
Every puppy’s care plan is personalized, but most follow a schedule similar to this:
6 to 8 Weeks Old
- First DHPP vaccine
- Conversation about lifestyle vaccines
10 to 12 Weeks Old
- DHPP booster
- Continued lifestyle vaccines if recommended
14 to 16 Weeks Old
- Final DHPP booster
- Rabies vaccine
- Completion of any other recommended vaccines
Completing the full series builds strong, lasting immunity before your puppy begins social activities like dog parks or training classes.
What Happens After the Puppy Series
Once the initial vaccines are complete, your puppy will move into an ongoing wellness plan suited for adult dogs. This may include:
- Periodic DHPP boosters based on veterinary recommendations
- Rabies boosters following Arizona regulations
- Annual boosters of lifestyle vaccines when risk persists
- Routine wellness exams to track growth, behavior, nutrition, and parasite control
These checkups let your veterinarian evaluate overall health as your puppy transitions into adulthood.
Comprehensive Puppy Care
At Coolidge Veterinary Clinic, we are dedicated to your puppy’s health at every stage of life. Beyond vaccines, we offer guidance on parasite prevention, nutrition, behavior, dental care, and more so your puppy thrives.
Whether you’re welcoming your first puppy or expanding your furry family, our team is here to support you with compassionate, customized care.