When does tick vaccination begin? - briefly
The initial dose is given to puppies and kittens at 8–12 weeks of age, with a booster one month later and annual revaccination thereafter.
When does tick vaccination begin? - in detail
Tick immunization typically starts in early puppyhood, around eight to twelve weeks of age, after the maternal antibody decline. The initial dose is administered at this age, followed by a second injection three to four weeks later to establish primary immunity. A third dose is given at six months of age to solidify the response before the first annual booster.
Key timing points:
- First injection: 8–12 weeks
- Second injection: 3–4 weeks after the first
- Third injection: 6 months of age
- Annual booster: 12 months after the third dose, then every year
Factors influencing the schedule include the prevalence of tick‑borne diseases in the region, the specific vaccine brand, and the animal’s health status. Veterinarians may adjust timing for early exposure risk, administering the first dose as early as six weeks if local disease pressure is high. Booster intervals may be shortened to six months for dogs with ongoing high exposure.
The vaccination series aims to provide protection before the animal encounters ticks, which commonly appear in spring and persist through autumn. Ensuring completion of the primary series before the first tick season maximizes efficacy and reduces the likelihood of infection.