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My dog missed a booster. Do we have to restart all the puppy shots?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 4 months and 4 days old | 40 lbs

so i missed the last round of booster shots for my pup is it really needed for me to start all over?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on January 14th, 2018

No, he doesn't need to begin the entire series again. Have him boosted again by your veterinarian as soon as you can. Depending on his age and how many vaccines he has already received, he may need one more set about 4 weeks after this one. Discuss the situation with your vet to provide maximum protection.

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2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 9th, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would take her in to get a Rabies vaccine and I’d do the DHPP vaccine twice 3 weeks apart. Sge should restart the series. She will then be good for 1 year for the most important vaccines. Have a good day!

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 30th, 2020

    If your dogs finished all their puppy vaccines (which should have been 3-4 rounds with the final set at 16-18 weeks of age), then you don't have to restart the core vaccines. The should be ok with 1 round of vaccines. It looks like your pups had 3 rounds of vaccines but I don't know how old they were at the time. If they did not finish their puppy vaccines appropriately, they will need two rounds of vaccines done 2-4 weeks apart. Adult dogs do not need 3 and 4 rounds like puppies do because their immune systems are mature. I do recommend to contact your vet. Vaccines are considered essential by many clinic even during this time because it affects the human and pet population. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 7th, 2017

    Great question! The distemper/parvo combination vaccine needs to be given every 3-4 weeks for a total of 3-4 times depending on the puppy's age. If he never finished that series, he would need to restart, but will only require 2 vaccines. The rabies vaccine does not require a booster, so if this was the only vaccine he needed, he will only need it once now. That vaccine is good for 1 year after the first one, then every 3 years (depending on your area and laws). Kisses to Choco!

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