Example Shih Tzu Vaccination Timeline

This is a general educational example, not an individual medical plan. Vaccine needs and timing depend on the dog’s history, health, exposure risk, and local requirements; confirm a plan with your veterinarian.

This page is general educational information, not a vaccination plan for an individual dog. Discuss vaccine choices and timing with your veterinarian based on health, records, exposure risk, and local requirements.

Understanding the schedule helps you coordinate with your veterinarian, know what's due next, and ensure your Shih Tzu never falls behind on critical protection. For a broader view of preventive care, see our guide to Shih Tzu health problems and prevention.

Core Vaccines Commonly Recommended for Dogs

Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs regardless of lifestyle. They protect against diseases that are widespread, highly contagious, or pose a significant risk to health and survival.

DHPP Combination

Distemper · Hepatitis · Parainfluenza · Parvovirus

Puppy vaccine series timing depends on age, prior doses, product, health, and local risk. Your veterinarian can set an individual schedule.

Rabies

Required by law in most states

Rabies vaccine timing and boosters depend on local law, vaccine product, and your veterinarian’s plan.

Example Puppy Vaccination Timeline

Puppies receive maternal antibodies through their mother's first milk (colostrum), but these wane between 8–16 weeks — creating a "window of vulnerability." The vaccine series bridges this gap with multiple doses to ensure immunity is established when maternal protection fades.

Age	Vaccines Due	Notes
6–8 weeks	DHPP (1st dose), Bordetella (optional)	First vet visit; deworming typically given
10–12 weeks	DHPP (2nd dose), Leptospirosis (1st dose if recommended)	Discuss additional vaccines with your veterinarian.
14–16 weeks	Rabies timing and boosters depend on local law and your veterinarian’s plan.	Puppy series complete; fecal parasite check
12–16 months	DHPP booster, Rabies booster, Bordetella (if lifestyle warrants)	First adult annual wellness visit
Every 1–3 years	DHPP (per vet recommendation), Rabies (per state law)	Annual wellness exam; bloodwork at age 7+

Additional Vaccine Decisions for Your Dog

Additional vaccines may be appropriate depending on the dog’s health, exposure risk, and local guidance. Discuss options with your veterinarian.

Bordetella (Kennel Cough)

Caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica (and sometimes canine influenza), kennel cough produces a harsh, honking cough and can progress to pneumonia in puppies and immunocompromised dogs. The vaccine is given intranasally or by injection, and is required by most groomers, boarding facilities, and doggy daycares.

Who needs it: Any dog that visits groomers, boarding, dog parks, or puppy classes.

Leptospirosis

A bacterial disease spread through the urine of infected wildlife (raccoons, deer, rodents) in standing water or moist soil. It can cause serious kidney and liver failure and is transmissible to humans. The vaccine requires two doses initially, then annual boosters.

Who needs it: Dogs in suburban or rural areas with wildlife exposure, dogs that hike or swim in natural water sources.

Lyme Disease

Spread by the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis), Lyme disease causes lameness, fever, and potentially severe kidney disease in dogs. The vaccine is most relevant in tick-endemic regions of the Northeast, Upper Midwest, and parts of the West Coast.

Who needs it: Dogs in high-tick-exposure areas, especially those who spend time outdoors in wooded or tall-grass environments.

Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)

Two strains (H3N8 and H3N2) cause canine influenza, which spreads rapidly in shelters, boarding facilities, and dog events. The bivalent vaccine covers both strains and requires two initial doses plus annual boosters.

Who needs it: Dogs that board frequently, travel to dog shows, or live in areas with recent influenza outbreaks.

What Our Puppies Come With

Every puppy from Royal Shih Tzu Puppies goes home with a strong health foundation already in place. We believe the breeder's job doesn't end at birth — it includes giving every puppy the best possible start before they join their new family.

First age-appropriate DHPP vaccine — administered at our vet's office, documented on a vaccination record
Complete deworming treatment — puppies are routinely treated for roundworms and other common parasites
Full veterinary health examination — nose-to-tail clearance from a licensed veterinarian before departure
Complete health records packet — including vet visit summary, vaccine dates, and deworming history for your new vet
AKC registration paperwork — everything you need to complete registration with the American Kennel Club

Your Vet Visit Timeline After Bringing Puppy Home

For a Royal Shih Tzu puppy, follow the examination requirements in the written health guarantee. Your veterinarian can review the puppy’s records and advise on future vaccination timing.

Within 72 hours

First vet visit — health exam, review of breeder records, schedule next booster

10–12 weeks

Second DHPP booster, discuss non-core vaccines, fecal parasite test

14–16 weeks

Third DHPP booster, Rabies vaccine, puppy series complete

6 months

Spay/neuter consultation if applicable, heartworm test, microchip if not done

12–16 months

Adult booster year, full wellness bloodwork panel, adult weight recorded

What to Budget for Vaccines

Vaccination costs vary considerably by region, clinic type, and which vaccines are included. Here's a general guide for planning:

Vaccine and examination costs vary by clinic and location. Contact local veterinary clinics for current estimates.
Vaccine and examination costs vary by clinic and location. Contact local veterinary clinics for current estimates.
Vaccine and examination costs vary by clinic and location. Contact local veterinary clinics for current estimates.
Vaccine and examination costs vary by clinic and location. Contact local veterinary clinics for current estimates.
Vaccine and examination costs vary by clinic and location. Contact local veterinary clinics for current estimates.
Vaccine and examination costs vary by clinic and location. Contact local veterinary clinics for current estimates.

Low-cost vaccination clinics hosted at pet stores can significantly reduce upfront costs, but keep in mind these typically don't include a full physical examination. A traditional vet visit provides much more comprehensive oversight of your puppy's overall health.

Your New Shih Tzu Puppy for Sale Arrives Ready for Step Two

Ask about the individual puppy’s veterinary records and review them with your veterinarian to determine the next steps in care.

See Available Puppies

Shih Tzu Health Problems & Prevention

Vaccines are just one part of preventive care. Learn about breed-specific conditions like BOAS, eye problems, and dental disease — and how to prevent them.

Shih Tzu Grooming Guide

Regular grooming catches health issues early. Master the brushing, bathing, ear cleaning, and nail trimming routine every Shih Tzu owner needs.

Shih Tzu Feeding Schedule by Age

Good nutrition supports your Shih Tzu's immune system and vaccine effectiveness. Get age-appropriate feeding amounts and food recommendations.