Dog Health FAQs: Vaccines, Growth & Wellness
Expert answers to common dog health questions — vaccination schedules, growth milestones, spay/neuter timing, and preventive care. Based on WSAVA and AAHA guidelines.
Laatst bijgewerkt: July 2026. Bronnen: AAFCO, AAHA, WSAVA, AAFP, ASPCA
Deze pagina verzamelt 7 veelgestelde vragen uit onze gidsen en rekenmachines.
Dog Vaccination Schedule
Ga naar Dog Vaccination Schedule →Which vaccinations does my dog need?
Core vaccines (required for all dogs) include DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) and Rabies. Non-core vaccines — Leptospirosis, Lyme Disease, Bordetella — depend on your region and lifestyle. Our schedule follows AAHA and WSAVA canine guidelines.
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How often does my dog need booster shots?
After the puppy series (3 DHPP doses at 6-8, 12, and 16 weeks), DHPP boosters are every 3 years. Rabies boosters follow local laws (1-3 years). Non-core vaccines may need annual boosters. Our calculator generates a timeline tailored to your regional factors.
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When do puppies need their first shots?
Puppies start their vaccination series at 6-8 weeks of age. Standard schedule: 6-8 weeks — 1st DHPP; 10-12 weeks — 2nd DHPP + optional Bordetella/Leptospirosis; 14-16 weeks — 3rd DHPP + Rabies. The series starts when maternal antibodies from the mother's milk begin to wane.
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What happens if I miss a puppy vaccination?
Missing by more than 4 weeks can create a "window of susceptibility" where the puppy has neither maternal nor vaccine-induced protection. If you miss a dose: do not restart the series. Contact your vet to give the missed dose as soon as possible. Keep your puppy away from high-risk areas until fully vaccinated.
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Puppy Growth Predictor
Ga naar Puppy Growth Predictor →How can I predict how big my puppy will get?
Our puppy growth predictor uses breed size growth curves. Enter your puppy's current age, weight, and expected adult size. The tool interpolates from standardized growth curves to estimate adult weight with ±15% variance. For mixed breeds, select the expected size category.
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When do puppies stop growing?
Small dogs reach full size by 10-12 months, medium dogs by 12-15 months, large dogs by 18-24 months, and giant breeds continue growing until 24-36 months. Growth plates (epiphyseal plates) close at different times by bone location — large breed puppies need controlled exercise until 18-24 months to protect joints.
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Spayed vs Unspayed Comparison
Ga naar Spayed vs Unspayed Comparison →When should I spay or neuter my dog?
Current AAHA and ASVAB guidelines recommend individualized timing based on breed size. Small breeds: 6-9 months. Large/giant breeds: 12-24 months (after growth plate closure to reduce orthopedic risks). Discuss your specific breed's cancer and joint risk profile with your veterinarian.
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Alle inhoud op petsMetrics is gebaseerd op gepubliceerde veterinair richtlijnen van gezaghebbende bronnen, waaronder AAHA, WSAVA, AAFCO, AAFP en ASPCA. Onze rekenmachines gebruiken door beoordeelde formules, en onze toxiciteitsgegevens worden samengesteld uit de database van het ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Elke bewering wordt geciteerd met de oorspronkelijke bron voor onafhankelijke verificatie.
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