Puppy Vaccines in Lakewood, Dallas, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Lakewood is a vet in Lakewood, East Dallas, that takes new puppies through their full vaccine series. Puppies get a distemper-parvo shot every few weeks until about 16 weeks old, plus a rabies vaccine, which Texas requires by 16 weeks of age.

Missing a booster leaves a gap in protection right when puppies start meeting the world, so the team helps you plan the dates from day one.

Call (682) 339-7822 or book online. Walk-ins are welcome, and the clinic is open weekends.

What is the puppy shot schedule?

Most puppies follow a schedule like this. The vet adjusts it for your puppy's age, breed and history:

1. 6 to 8 weeks: first distemper-parvo (DHPP) vaccine, exam and a fecal test.

2. Every 3 to 4 weeks after: distemper-parvo boosters until about 16 weeks old.

3. By 16 weeks: rabies vaccine. Texas rule 169.29 requires dogs to be vaccinated against rabies by 16 weeks of age.

4. Along the way: Bordetella if your puppy will go to daycare, training class or a groomer.

5. One year later: boosters for the core vaccines.

Across Petfolk, puppies typically start their vaccines with us at about 11 weeks old, and about 8 in 10 come back for at least a second distemper-parvo booster (Petfolk data, puppies starting Oct 1, 2025 to Jun 30, 2026, followed through Oct 19, 2026).

Why does my puppy need so many boosters?

A puppy's mother passes on protection through her milk, but it fades at a different time in every puppy. While it lasts, it can block a vaccine. Repeating the shot every few weeks makes sure one of them "takes" as soon as the mother's protection wears off. The last booster around 16 weeks is the one that matters most, so plan for it.

Can my puppy go to White Rock Lake yet?

Not until the series is done. Parvovirus lives in soil for a long time, and puppies pick it up where many dogs go. Until your vet says your puppy is protected:

• Skip dog parks, including Mockingbird Point.

• Carry your puppy in busy pet store entrances and vet lobbies.

• Meet healthy, vaccinated dogs at friends' homes.

• Walk on sidewalks rather than grassy spots other dogs use a lot.

Dallas off-leash parks also ask that dogs wear a rabies tag and are spayed or neutered, so most puppies wait a while anyway.

I went in for a nail clipping for my 3 month old. It was good experience. Both young ladies were so kind and gentle during the appointment.

Yanetria L., Google review

What else happens at puppy visits?

Shots are only part of it. At Petfolk Lakewood, puppy visits also cover deworming, a fecal test, starting heartworm, flea and tick prevention, and questions about chewing, crate training and house training. Dallas requires dogs four months and older to be microchipped, so many puppies get a chip during the series. See pet microchipping in Lakewood.

Bring a few of your puppy's favorite small treats and a list of questions. New puppy parents often ask about biting, potty training, feeding amounts and when to start nail trims, and the visit is the right time to ask.

Fear Free handling shapes how the team treats puppies. Good early visits, full of treats and gentle handling, help your puppy grow into a calm adult patient.

Cost and planning

Each puppy visit includes an exam. Wellness exams start at $99 at Petfolk Lakewood, or are included with PetfolkCare. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit.

Bring any papers from the breeder, rescue or shelter, including the dates of shots already given. If your puppy has vomiting, bloody diarrhea or won't eat, call the clinic the same day, because those can be signs of parvo. If your puppy collapses or can't stand, go to a 24-hour emergency hospital such as Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) at 4500 North Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75206.

Book a visit at Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Lakewood, or see all veterinary services in Lakewood.