Puppy Vaccinations at Stokeshire: Core Vaccines, Schedule, and Wisconsin Requirements
Navigating puppy health and immunization requirements can feel overwhelming for new doodle owners. To help you protect your puppy and keep their care plan clear, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide covering safe vaccination timelines, disease prevention, legal mandates, and what to expect as your puppy grows.
Understanding Core vs. Non-Core Dog Vaccinations
Core puppy vaccinations and dog vaccinations are considered vital to all canines based on a universal risk of exposure, the severity of disease, and the risk of transmission to other dogs, as well as other animal species including human beings.
The American Animal Hospital Association's Canine Task Force considers the following dog vaccinations to be core:
Core Vaccines (Recommended for All Dogs)
Rabies
Canine Parvovirus
Canine Distemper
Hepatitis
Non-Core / Lifestyle Vaccines (Based on Risk & Exposure)
Bordetella (kennel cough)
Canine Influenza (dog flu)
Leptospirosis
Lyme vaccine
An Informed Alternative: The Dodds Protocol
Some families, together with their veterinarian, choose the protocol developed by Dr. Jean Dodds, a veterinarian and researcher. It spaces vaccines further apart, avoids giving several at once, and uses titer testing to check immunity before revaccinating. This is a more individualized approach, and not every veterinarian uses it, so talk it through with yours first. Dr. Dodds' puppy schedule is below.
Testing: Before vaccinating a dog, it is recommended to perform a blood test called a "vaccine titer" to determine if the dog is already immune to the disease being vaccinated against. If the titer is positive, it may not be necessary to vaccinate.
Timing: Dr. Dodds recommends spacing out vaccines over a longer period of time and avoiding giving multiple vaccines at the same time, as this can increase the risk of adverse reactions.
Dose: Using the minimum effective dose of vaccine is recommended to reduce the risk of adverse reactions.
Supportive care: Administering a homeopathic remedy called Thuja occidentalis after vaccination may help to reduce the risk of adverse reactions.
It is important to note that this protocol is not universally accepted by veterinarians and may not be appropriate for all dogs. It is always best to discuss your dog's vaccination needs with a veterinarian and make a decision based on your dog's individual circumstances.
9 – 10 weeks of age
Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV
e.g. Merck Nobivac (Intervet Progard) Puppy DPV
14 – 15 weeks of age
Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV
18 weeks of age
Parvovirus only, MLV
Note: New research states that last puppy parvovirus vaccine should be at 18 weeks old.
20 weeks or older, if allowable by law
Rabies – give 3-4 weeks apart from other vaccines
Mercury-free (thimerosol-free, TF)
1 year old
Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV
This is an optional booster or titer. If the client intends not to booster after this optional booster or intends to retest titers in another three years, this optional booster at puberty is wise.
1 year old
Rabies – give 3-4 weeks apart from other vaccines
3-year product if allowable by law; mercury-free (TF)
Perform vaccine antibody titers for distemper and parvovirus every three years thereafter, or more often, if desired. Vaccinate for rabies virus according to the law, except where circumstances indicate that a written waiver needs to be obtained from the primary care veterinarian. In that case, a rabies antibody titer can also be performed to accompany the waiver request.
A Closer Look at Specific Dog Diseases & Conditions
Bordetella Bronchiseptica
This highly infectious bacterium causes severe fits of coughing, whooping, vomiting, and, in rare cases, seizures and death. It is the primary cause of kennel cough.
Because it spreads easily through shared air and direct contact wherever dogs gather, proof of this vaccination is frequently required if you plan on boarding your puppy in the future, attending group training classes, or using dog daycare services. At Stokeshire, we manage group socialization carefully, but because our puppies go on to active lives, understanding exposure is key.
The vaccine is available in various forms, including intranasal and injectable formulations, and your veterinarian can advise you on the most suitable option for your dog based on their lifestyle risks. Puppies can generally receive their first Bordetella vaccination between 6 and 8 weeks of age, followed by a booster shot 2 to 4 weeks later. After the initial series, frequency can vary, as some vets recommend an annual booster while others suggest a 6-month interval for dogs with higher exposure risks.
Note: While the Bordetella vaccine helps reduce the severity of symptoms associated with kennel cough, it may not entirely prevent the disease. Proper hygiene, minimizing exposure to infected dogs, and maintaining a healthy immune system through our core standards are vital in reducing your puppy's risk.
Canine Distemper
Distemper is a severe and highly contagious viral disease that attacks a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It spreads through airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing, as well as shared food and water bowls. Early signs look like a stubborn cold, including runny eyes, nasal discharge, and a fever, before progressing to vomiting, neurological seizures, and skin thickening on the paw pads and nose.
Because it is frequently fatal and leaves surviving dogs with permanent neurological damage, it is a non-negotiable anchor of our core vaccination schedule. There is no cure for distemper, and recovering dogs can continue shedding the virus for months. Maintaining core immunity is our best line of defense.
Canine Hepatitis
Infectious canine hepatitis is a highly contagious viral infection caused by canine adenovirus type 1, and it has no relation to human hepatitis. It targets the liver, kidneys, and lining of blood vessels, spreading through contact with infected urine, saliva, or feces.
Mild cases may pass unnoticed, but severe infections can cause sudden liver failure and are often fatal. There is no specific cure, so doctors treat the symptoms while relying on prevention through the core series. At Stokeshire, ensuring our puppies have this core protection early is vital to protecting their developing immune systems.
Canine Parainfluenza
Parainfluenza is one of several respiratory viruses that contribute to the kennel cough complex. It spreads rapidly through direct dog-to-dog contact wherever dogs share enclosed spaces.
While it rarely causes severe systemic illness on its own, it leaves a puppy's airways vulnerable to secondary bacterial infections. It is typically included as part of the standard combination vaccine your vet administers during the puppy series to build robust respiratory defenses.
Coronavirus
Canine coronavirus is not the same virus that causes COVID-19, and dogs are not considered at risk from human COVID strains. Instead, canine coronavirus primarily targets the intestinal tract, causing sudden loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.
While infections are usually mild and managed with supportive care, rest, and hydration, preventing digestive setbacks is important during a puppy's critical growth windows. There is no drug that kills coronaviruses directly, meaning care is entirely supportive. Your veterinarian can advise if regional or lifestyle factors make this non-core vaccine necessary for your dog.
Heartworm
The name is descriptive, as these destructive worms live in the heart and the major vessels leading to the lungs. Heartworms are spread exclusively by mosquitoes, not by direct contact with other dogs.
Early infection often shows no outward signs, but advanced cases cause a persistent cough, lethargy, and heart failure. Because heartworms are diagnosed through a blood test rather than a routine fecal exam, your vet will screen before starting prevention. When your puppy is around 12 to 16 weeks old, talk to your vet about starting heartworm prevention.
Kennel Cough
Also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, kennel cough is a general term for upper respiratory inflammation usually caused by a combination of agents working together, including Bordetella and parainfluenza.
Most cases present as a harsh, dry, hacking cough that clears up on its own with rest and a supportive environment, such as using a harness instead of a collar to protect the trachea. Severe cases can bring retching and loss of appetite. It spreads fast wherever dogs are housed or trained in close proximity.
Leptospirosis
Unlike most viral conditions on this list, Leptospirosis is caused by spiral-shaped bacteria found in stagnant water, damp soil, and areas shared with wildlife, and it can pass easily from animals to humans.
Some dogs show no signs, while others suffer a sudden fever, vomiting, weakness, and severe kidney or liver trouble. Antibiotics work well against it, and early treatment makes all the difference. Given our active outdoor lifestyles in Wisconsin and across the country, we recommend discussing lepto exposure risks with your veterinarian. It is included in the combination vaccine for dogs with elevated outdoor exposure.
Lyme Disease
Unlike the famous human bull's-eye rash, dogs infected with Lyme disease rarely show that pattern. Instead, watch for sudden lameness, shifting leg joints, swollen glands, a fever, and a dog who stops eating.
Lyme is a bacterial infection spread by blacklegged ticks. Antibiotics help, but untreated infections can cause chronic health issues months or even years later. For families living or exploring wooded or grassy regions, we recommend discussing the Lyme vaccine schedule with your vet to ensure continuous protection.
Parvovirus
Parvo is a highly contagious virus that affects all dogs, but unvaccinated dogs and puppies less than four months of age are at the most risk to contract it. The virus attacks the gastrointestinal system and creates a loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, and often severe, bloody diarrhea. Extreme dehydration can come on rapidly and kill a dog within 48-to-72 hours, so prompt veterinary attention is crucial. There is no cure, so keeping the dog hydrated and controlling the secondary symptoms can keep him going until his immune system beats the illness. At Stokeshire, we use a variety of cleaning products and a robust gut health regimen to help bolster our puppy’s immune systems.
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease of mammals that invades the central nervous system and is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear. It spreads through the bite or saliva of an infected animal and can pass to people, which is why the vaccine is strictly required by state and local laws.
Of course, your veterinarian should always weigh in on exact timing and local ordinance compliance.
Legal Requirements, Side Effects, and Costs
Are Dog Vaccinations Required By Law?
Rabies vaccinations are required by law in most states, including WI. Owners must periodically have their dogs and puppies vaccinated against rabies, but the specific time frames for puppy vaccinations and dog vaccinations vary by state. In WI, the puppy rabies vaccine is generally given at 16 weeks ( no earlier than week 15), and the first rabies vaccination is good for one year. For adult dogs, the rabies vaccination is good for three years. We recommend, a puppy would receive the rabies vaccine at 20 weeks, 1 year, and then again at age 4. (See above)
Wisconsin law says all dogs must be vaccinated for rabies by the age of five months. Rabies vaccines are good for 1 year or 3 years, depending on age at vaccination and vaccination history. Check with your vet to be sure your dog stays up to date on rabies vaccination
The Amount Of Time Each Vaccination Is Effective Is As Follows:
DHPP - 3 years
Rabies - 3 years
Bordetella (Kennel Cough) - 1 year
Canine Influenza - 1 year
Leptospirosis - 1 year
Lyme Disease - 1 year
Side Effects And Risks Associated With Dog Vaccinations
The benefits of vaccinations far outweigh any risks. Adverse reactions to dog vaccines are rare. However, As with any medication or immunization protocol, puppy vaccinations and dog vaccinations can cause some side effects. Dog vaccinations stimulate your puppy or dog's immune system in order to create protection from specific infectious diseases. This can cause mild symptoms to occur ranging from soreness at the injection site to fever and allergic reactions. We do recommend that you have your puppy or dog vaccinated at a time when you can monitor them after the vaccination.
If your dog does experience any reaction to vaccinations, symptoms may include:
Fever
Severe sluggishness or lethargy
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Pain or swelling around the injection site
Collapse, difficulty breathing, and seizures (anaphylactic shock)
Just as with human vaccines, mild symptoms can be ignored. The majority of reactions are mild and short-lived. If you suspect a more severe reaction to puppy vaccines or dog vaccines, such as facial swelling, vomiting, or lethargy, you should contact your veterinarian immediately to determine whether any special care is needed.
Puppy Vaccinations Cost
The average cost can average around $75—100. These cover the core vaccines. At Stokeshire, your puppy's first vaccine combination is given at about 6 weeks, and our recommended schedule after go-home is 8, 12, and 16 weeks. If you choose the Dodds schedule above, the visits fall at 9–10, 14–15, and 18 weeks. Confirm the schedule with your local veterinarian.
The core vaccines include the DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo, and parainfluenza). Your doodle pup will also need a rabies vaccination, which is usually around $15—20. (Some clinics include the cost of the rabies vaccination.)
Our protocol follows AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines and the recommendations of Medford Veterinary Clinic (Dr. Matt Moodie, DVM).