How often do dogs need distemper shots?

Rather than give a puppy a large dose of a vaccine, distemper vaccines are given in a series of shots that are recommended to be given at 6, 9, 12 and 16 weeks old. Re-vaccinations should be given at 1 year old and then every three years after that.

Canine distemper is an aggressive disease that spreads through contact with infected urine, blood or saliva. This disease affects a dog's respiratory, nervous and gastrointestinal systems as well as their eyes. There is no medicinal treatment for distemper but rather supportive care to manage the symptoms. If a dog survives the disease, there is a possibility of life-long effects which include seizures, nervous system disorders and brain damage.