How Often Should I Vaccinate My Dog in Houston?

# How Often Should I Vaccinate My Dog in Houston? As a pet owner in Houston, keeping your dog up-to-date on vaccinations is one of the most important things you can do for their health. At Hearthstone Animal Clinic, we follow the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) guidelines to ensure your furry family member receives the best protection against serious diseases. ## Core Vaccinations for Dogs ### Puppy Vaccination Schedule - **6-8 weeks**: First DHLPP vaccination - **10-12 weeks**: Second DHLPP vaccination - **14-16 weeks**: Third DHLPP vaccination + Rabies - **12-16 months**: Booster vaccinations ### Adult Dog Vaccinations - **DHLPP**: Every 1-3 years depending on vaccine type - **Rabies**: Every 1-3 years (required by Texas law) ## Non-Core Vaccinations Depending on your dog's lifestyle and risk factors, we may recommend: - **Bordetella**: Every 6-12 months for dogs that board, go to doggy daycare, or frequent dog parks - **Canine Influenza**: Annually for high-risk dogs - **Rattlesnake Vaccine**: Annually for dogs in areas with snake exposure ## Houston-Specific Considerations Living in Houston presents unique challenges for pet health: - High humidity can increase disease transmission - Mosquito-borne diseases like heartworm are common year-round - Urban environments increase exposure to other animals ## Why Regular Vaccinations Matter Vaccinations protect your dog from: - Rabies (fatal and transmissible to humans) - Distemper (highly contagious and often fatal) - Parvovirus (especially dangerous for puppies) - Hepatitis and other serious infections ## Schedule Your Dog's Vaccination Don't wait until your dog is sick. Preventive care, including regular vaccinations, is the key to a long, healthy life. Contact Hearthstone Animal Clinic today to ensure your dog is protected. *Ready to schedule your dog's vaccination? [Request an appointment online](https://practices.allydvm.com/online-booking?practice=hearthstone) or call us at (281) 859-9244.*