Bringing home a new puppy to Laguna Woods is exciting! Proper vaccination is crucial to protect your puppy from potentially deadly diseases. California has specific requirements, and understanding the vaccination schedule helps ensure your puppy stays healthy.
California Core Vaccines (Required)
- Rabies - Required by California law for all dogs 4 months and older
- DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) - Essential protection
- Parvovirus - Critical for puppies, highly contagious in California
Recommended Vaccination Timeline
Puppies receive maternal antibodies that fade between 6-16 weeks. This critical window requires a series of vaccinations:
- 6-8 weeks: First DHPP vaccination
- 10-12 weeks: Second DHPP, Leptospirosis, Bordetella
- 14-16 weeks: Third DHPP, Rabies (required in California)
- 12-16 months: DHPP and Rabies boosters
- Adult: DHPP every 1-3 years, Rabies per California law (1 or 3 years)
Orange County has high parvovirus cases. Keep puppies away from dog parks and unvaccinated dogs until 2 weeks after their final puppy shot at 16 weeks.
California Lifestyle Vaccines
Based on your Laguna Woods lifestyle, your veterinarian may recommend: Bordetella (kennel cough) if boarding or using dog parks, Leptospirosis (common in Southern California), Canine Influenza, and Lyme disease if traveling to tick-endemic areas.
Post-Vaccination Care
Mild reactions like soreness or lethargy for 24-48 hours are normal. Contact OC Vet Animal Hospital immediately if your puppy shows facial swelling, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing - these indicate allergic reactions requiring emergency care.
About Dr. Ashvin Dhankhar, DVM
Dr. Ashvin is a dedicated veterinarian at OC Vet Animal Hospital, passionate about keeping pets healthy through preventive care.
