Vaccines are key to defending your dog from harmful diseases as they age. However, some breeds benefit from a different vaccination schedule than others. In this post, our Orange vets provide a complete guide to your French and English bulldog's vaccination schedule.
In general, bulldog puppies should follow the same vaccination schedule as most breeds of dogs and as required by law in your state. Consult your veterinarian for specifics if you are unsure when to get your Frenchie vaccinated.
The best way to protect any dog against serious illnesses and infections is prevention. Our Orange veterinarians always recommend getting your bulldog vaccinated in order to maintain their health and defend them against any harmful conditions dogs commonly contract.
In their first year, your bulldogs need these shots by these ages:
6 - 8 Weeks Old
By the time your bulldog puppy is 6 weeks old, they are typically ready to receive their first vaccinations. Your vet will administer DHPP vaccines, which are the preventive vaccines against parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis and parainfluenza.
DHPP side effects may include lethargy, decreased appetite, and sometimes fever. If you notice any of these side effects in your puppy after their first vaccines, contact your veterinarian right away.
10 - 12 Weeks Old
At 10 to 12 weeks old, your bulldog is ready to receive their DHPP booster. They are also mature enough to receive some optional vaccines, such as those for Bordetella and leptospirosis.
14 - 16 Weeks Old
This is when your bulldog puppy will receive their next round of DHPP vaccines. English and French bulldogs are now mature enough to receive their first required rabies vaccine, which is a vital vaccine as it defends your dog against a highly fatal disease!
They can also receive boosters for their optional Bordetella and Leptospirosis vaccines now.
12 - 16 Months Old
At 1 to 1.5 years old, your English and French bulldog pups are ready to receive their final booster shots for rabies and DHPP.
Now that your French bulldog has received all of their initial shots, it is important to know when follow-up boosters are required. Many dogs will intermittently receive vaccine boosters throughout their lives to prevent these serious conditions from affecting them.
Following DHPP boosters should be administered every 1 to 2 years after puppyhood (depending on your vet's recommendation) and every 1 to 3 years for rabies.
If you have been giving them the optional Bordetella and leptospirosis vaccines, this is also the age they receive the final boosters for those.
Optional Vaccines
At certain milestone ages in your dog's life, there are optional vaccines that your bulldog could receive (meaning that these vaccines are not always required by law in your state, but some veterinarians will recommend them depending on your location and your dog's lifestyle.
These optional vaccines include:
- Bordetella
- Lyme disease
- Leptospirosis
While you're getting your English or French bulldog vaccinated, consult our veterinarians at Vet4HealthyPet to determine whether or not these optional vaccines are a good choice for them!
Why should I get my French bulldog puppy vaccinated?
Vaccines are important to your dog's long-term health because preventive care is the #1 best defense against common illnesses in dogs.
Getting your bulldog puppy vaccinated at the appropriate time is also the best way to ensure they will be safe when interacting with other dogs. If you have not had your Frenchie puppy vaccinated yet, avoid walking them too often or letting them in dog parks or other areas dense with other dogs. Your unvaccinated puppy is in an immuno-sensitive state, especially since French bulldogs are prone to a number of illnesses.