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Vaccinations & Deworming
Understanding your puppy's vaccination and deworming schedule is one of the most important parts of keeping them healthy in their first year of life.
Please Note
We are not veterinarians or medical professionals. The information on this page is based on what we have learned through our own research and through guidance from our veterinarian. This is not professional veterinary advice. Please make sure to contact your own veterinarian and speak with them about the appropriate vaccination, deworming, and parasite prevention schedule for your specific puppy.
Core Vaccines
Puppies are born with some maternal immunity passed through their mother's milk, but this protection fades over the first several weeks of life. Vaccinations help bridge the gap and build your puppy's own immune system. Because maternal antibodies can interfere with vaccines, puppies need a series of shots — not just one — to ensure they are fully protected.
DA2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
This combination vaccine is the most important core vaccine for puppies. It protects against several serious and potentially fatal diseases. Puppies receive a series of DA2PP shots starting around 6–8 weeks of age, with boosters every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks of age or older.
Rabies
Required by law in most states. Typically given at 12–16 weeks of age. Your veterinarian will advise on the appropriate timing and local requirements.
Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
Recommended for puppies who will be around other dogs, including at groomers, boarding facilities, dog parks, or training classes. Your veterinarian can advise whether this vaccine is appropriate for your puppy's lifestyle.
Your puppy will leave us with documentation of the vaccinations they have received and information about what boosters are due. It is important to follow up with your veterinarian promptly to continue their vaccine series on schedule.
Deworming Schedule
Intestinal parasites are extremely common in puppies, even in puppies from clean, well-managed environments. Many puppies are born with roundworms passed from their mother, and others can pick up parasites through normal puppy behaviors. Deworming is a routine and important part of puppy care.
First deworming treatment, targeting roundworms and hookworms.
Second deworming treatment.
Third deworming treatment.
Fourth deworming treatment, typically around the time of placement.
After your puppy comes home, your veterinarian will check a fecal sample and advise on any additional deworming needed. Monthly heartworm prevention that also covers intestinal parasites is commonly recommended for ongoing protection.
Until your puppy has completed their full vaccine series, it is important to limit their exposure to unvaccinated dogs and potentially contaminated public areas. Your veterinarian is the best resource for guidance on when it is safe to expand your puppy's world.
Have questions about your puppy's health care?
We're happy to answer questions and point you in the right direction. Your veterinarian is always your best resource for personalized guidance.
Contact UsDog & Puppy Parasite Medication Comparison
Common veterinary dewormers plus medications used for coccidia and Giardia. Coverage depends on the exact product, parasite species, dose, age, weight, and veterinary plan.
| Medication / Ingredient | Roundworms | Hookworms | Whipworms | Tapeworms | Coccidia | Giardia | Heartworm Prevention | Key Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strongid-T / pyrantel pamoate | YES | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO | Simple roundworm + hookworm dewormer |
| Panacur C / fenbendazole | YES | YES | YES | LIMITED | NO | YES* | NO | Broad intestinal nematode coverage; Giardia use is common veterinary practice |
| Drontal Plus / praziquantel + pyrantel + febantel | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO | CAN BE USED* | NO | Broad labeled intestinal-worm coverage |
| Droncit / praziquantel | NO | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO | NO | Primarily a tapeworm drug |
| Nemex / Nemex-2 / pyrantel | YES | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO | Similar parasite spectrum to other pyrantel products |
| Interceptor Plus / milbemycin oxime + praziquantel | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO | NO | YES | Monthly preventive with broad intestinal-worm coverage |
| Ivermectin + pyrantel products (e.g., Heartgard Plus-type) | YES | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO | YES | Heartworm prevention plus roundworm/hookworm control |
| Moxidectin-containing preventives | Varies | YES | Varies | Varies | NO | NO | YES | Product-specific; some cover larval/young-adult hookworms |
| Albon / sulfadimethoxine | NO | NO | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO | FDA-labeled treatment for enteritis associated with canine coccidiosis |
| Ponazuril | NO | NO | NO | NO | YES* | NO | NO | Veterinarians commonly use it extra-label for canine coccidia |
| Toltrazuril | NO | NO | NO | NO | YES* | NO | NO | Anticoccidial used in veterinary medicine; regulatory/availability status varies |
| Metronidazole | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO | YES* | NO | Not a dewormer; one medication used for Giardia and some GI conditions |
* An asterisk means the medication may be used by veterinarians for that parasite in circumstances that are not necessarily the standard U.S. product-label indication. Do not substitute this chart for a veterinarian's dosing instructions.