Miniature Schnauzer Puppy Vaccination Guide
From Sunlight Peak Schnauzers · Practical schedule, grace periods, and links to buy each vaccine at Murdoch’s
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Core vaccine
Non-core (give if risk applies)
| Age | Vaccines | Buy at Murdoch’s | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | DHPP / DA2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvo, ± Parainfluenza) | Durvet Canine Spectra 5 (DHPP) | Start series. |
| 10–12 weeks | DHPP (2nd dose) Bordetella | DHPP • Bordetella (KC3) | Bordetella if puppy will be around other dogs. |
| 12 weeks+ | Leptospirosis (1 of 2) | Spectra 9 (includes Lepto) | Two doses, 2–4 weeks apart, if Lepto risk. |
| 14–16 weeks | DHPP (final puppy dose) Rabies | Rabies via VIP Petcare clinic | Rabies timing and who can administer depend on local rules. |
| 12 months | DHPP booster Rabies booster Lepto booster (annual) Bordetella (annual; some require 6 months) |
DHPP •
Rabies Lepto (via Spectra 9) • Bordetella |
After this, DHPP is typically every 3 years per AAHA. Follow your vet. |
| Risk-based | Lyme (2-dose series) Canine Influenza (2-dose series) |
Spectra 10 + Lyme
Influenza is often vet-administered. |
Consider if you travel to tick-heavy areas or board/groom frequently. |
Note for Mini Schnauzers: Breed does not change core timing. Always confirm combinations and timing with your veterinarian.
How long can you wait between doses?
Use these guardrails if life gets busy. When in doubt, ask your vet.
- DHPP/DA2PP (core, modified-live): Give every 2–4 weeks until at least 16 weeks old. If a dose is late, give the next dose as soon as you can and make sure there is a dose at 16+ weeks. A full restart is usually not required for these core viral vaccines, but your vet may add an extra dose if the gap was long.
- Leptospirosis, Lyme, Canine Influenza, injectable Bordetella (inactivated 2-dose series): If it’s been > 6 weeks since the first dose and you missed the second, most vets restart the 2-dose series 2–4 weeks apart. After the series, boost annually.
- Leptospirosis long gap rule of thumb: If the annual booster is missed and it has been about 15 months from the very first Lepto dose, many protocols restart the 2-dose series.
- Bordetella intranasal/oral: Often a single dose immunizes. Some facilities require boosters every 6–12 months. If you used the injectable version and are > 6 weeks late for dose 2, restart with 2 doses.
- Rabies: Follow Colorado and local ordinances. Overdue adult boosters don’t “restart a series.” A single dose brings the dog current for the labeled duration, but legal rules control certificates. Get rabies from a vet or clinic that issues certificates.
How to give puppy shots safely
- Store correctly. Keep vaccines refrigerated per label. Let warm to room temp a few minutes before use.
- Use new gear each time. Fresh needle and syringe for every dose. Check expiration dates and lot numbers.
- Reconstitute the right way. Inject diluent into the powder vial, gently swirl. Don’t shake hard.
- Injection route: Most DHPP/Lepto are subcutaneous over the shoulder. Bordetella KC3 is intranasal. Follow each product insert.
- Record it. Log date, vaccine name, lot/serial, and site. Bring this to vet visits.
- Watch for reactions. Mild sleepiness or a small lump is common. If facial swelling, vomiting, hives, trouble breathing, or collapse occur, go to a vet immediately.