German Shepherd

Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus combination vaccine. First dose of the puppy series.

Start at 6-8 weeks. Maternal antibodies may interfere before 6 weeks.

Initial health check: heart, lungs, eyes, ears, teeth, belly palpation, fecal test for parasites.

Bring any breeder records. Ask about deworming schedule.

Permanent identification. Can be done at any vet visit. Register the chip number with your contact info.

Update registration whenever you move or change phone numbers.

Recommended for dogs that will be boarded, groomed, or attend daycare/dog parks.

Intranasal or injectable. Repeat annually or every 6 months for high-exposure dogs.

Second dose of the core puppy vaccination series. Boosts immune response as maternal antibodies wane.

Give 3-4 weeks after first dose.

Bacterial disease spread through contaminated water. Increasingly recommended as a core vaccine.

Two initial doses 3-4 weeks apart, then annual boosters. Important in areas with wildlife/standing water.

Final dose of the puppy series. Critical — immunity is not reliable until this dose.

Must be given at 16 weeks or later for reliable immunity. Do NOT skip this dose.

Required by law in most jurisdictions. One-year vaccine first, then 3-year boosters.

Some jurisdictions require as early as 12 weeks. Check local laws.

Discuss timing with vet. Large breeds benefit from waiting until growth plates close (12-24 months). Small breeds can be done earlier.

Timing is breed-dependent. Giant breeds: 18-24 months. Small breeds: 6-9 months. Discuss with vet.

Comprehensive physical exam, heartworm test, fecal test, dental assessment. Foundation of preventive care.

Every year for life. Senior exams start at 7 years (large breeds) or 10 years (small breeds).

Switch from puppy to adult food. Large breeds switch earlier (12 months), giant breeds at 18-24 months.

Transition gradually over 7-10 days. Large/giant breeds should switch to large-breed adult formula.

Booster one year after the puppy series completes. Then every 3 years.

After this, core vaccines are given every 3 years per AAHA guidelines.

German Shepherds have very high hip dysplasia rates. OFA or PennHIP evaluation recommended.

PennHIP can be done as early as 16 weeks for preliminary evaluation.

Professional dental cleaning under anesthesia. Most dogs need their first by age 2-3.

Small breeds may need earlier. Daily brushing reduces frequency needed. Dental disease is #1 diagnosed condition in dogs.

Comprehensive blood panel (CBC, chemistry, thyroid) to establish baseline values before age-related changes begin.

Large/giant breeds: start at 5-6 years. Small breeds: start at 8-10 years. Then annually.