Last Updated on January 18, 2026 by Denise Leo
Learn the proper Pomeranian puppy vaccine schedule from a breeder with over 50 years of experience. Discover why consulting your veterinarian is essential for your puppy’s lifelong health.
With more than half a century of dedicated breeding, exhibiting, and loving the charming and spirited Pomeranian, I bring you decades of experience and a deep commitment to the health, temperament, and longevity of every puppy. As a breeder who values excellence, I believe it is essential that every new owner understands the importance of a proper vaccination schedule for their Pomeranian puppy.
While I provide guidance and a recommended schedule for vaccinations, it is critical to remember that you should always consult your veterinarian to tailor a vaccine plan to your puppy’s individual needs. Together with your vet, you can ensure your Pomeranian puppy receives the right immunisations at the right time — giving them the best possible start in life.
Pomeranian Vaccinations
This article explains in detail why Pomeranian owners, especially new puppy owners, must adhere to a Pomeranian vaccination schedule. I will explain the details of the required puppy vaccination list, including the number of vaccinations puppies need and the schedule for their shots. A Pomeranian puppy vaccination schedule and why owners must vaccinate puppies.
Core Vaccination Schedule for Dogs
There are certain vaccines that every dog needs to have because they protect the dog against infectious diseases. These are known as core vaccines.
The main viruses that dogs are protected against are:
- Dog adenovirus (C.A.V. types 1 and 2)
- Dog distemper virus (C.D.V.)
- Dog parvovirus type 2 (C.P.V. type 2)
Some countries may/may not add more vaccines to guard against diseases endemic to that country. For example, here in Australia, we’re rabies-free, so the rabies vaccination isn’t required.
Many years of thorough studies have concluded that the vaccines for Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Distemper core diseases create antibodies that will last for a long period of time. Hence, the thought that vets now vaccinate every three years instead of yearly.
You should also know that (except for rabies), dead vaccines don’t protect for very long, and so your vet must only use live vaccines. Vets are the only people permitted to deal with live vaccines. If you buy a vaccine from an online shop, it will be a killed vaccine. Anybody who isn’t a vet will only use dead vaccines.
In countries where the law states that dogs must be vaccinated against rabies, you must obey the law. Despite being able to vaccinate every three years, if the law still requires yearly vaccinations, that’s what your vet must do. Some veterinarians are trying to get their parts of the country to change the law to reflect a triennial vaccination schedule.
There are other vaccines not listed as core because they guard dogs against geographic-specific or lifestyle-specific areas. When considering the necessity of using non-core vaccines, weigh up the pros and cons with your vet and decide whether it’s riskier to vaccinate or not.
Vaccinations for Puppies – When do Puppies Get Their Shots?
It’s critical to have your puppy vaccinated, as it could very well save its life.
How Many Vaccinations do Puppies Need?
A puppy immunisation schedule is imperative. The vaccinations must be administered at the established time, while following all guidelines that help him avoid exposure to any diseases before his protection is complete.
Why do Puppies require so many Boosters?
When a puppy drinks the colostrum produced by his mother, he also receives immunity to the disease that his mother has been vaccinated against or has faced exposure to. This is known as passive transfer of the maternal antibodies. If he didn’t consume the colostrum, he wouldn’t get protection and would be in a high-risk category for contracting diseases. There are times when the colostrum is of low quality, so he doesn’t receive strong, good antibodies.
Most puppies do gain this protection through such antibodies for the early weeks of their life. By 8-12 weeks, this passive immunity will have diminished, allowing him to be actively immunized through vaccinations.
Suppose his mother’s antibodies are still high. In that case, the puppy can’t activate his immune system response to the vaccines until the antibodies from his mother are reduced to a low amount (by around 12 weeks).
Suppose the maternal antibodies are low to begin with, or do not exist at all. In that case, the puppy’s risk of infection is high, and he can be vaccinated as young as two weeks (during outbreaks) because he’ll be able to respond properly.
Because it’s impossible to gauge the level and protection ability of maternal antibodies, having a puppy booster shots schedule is a wise and safe precaution instead of potentially putting your puppy’s life at risk.
Puppy Pomeranian Vaccination Schedule
Pomeranian Puppy First Vaccination
The breeder’s vet should administer the first puppy shots at 6 to 8 weeks.
Second Pomeranian Puppy Vaccination
2nd Puppy booster shot at 10 to 12 weeks.
Third Puppy Vaccination
Third Puppy booster shot at 16 to 28 weeks.
After this vaccination, the puppy can now go outside, visit dog parks, and other high-risk venues.
First Adult Vaccination
16 to 18 months.
Second Adult Vaccination
After 18 months, unless you’re in a high-risk area, consider titre testing.
Pomeranian Puppy Dog Injection Schedule
Non-core vaccines i.e. kennel cough often require more frequent boosters, many are yearly. If a dog is 16 weeks or older, one vaccine is what he needs, plus a first booster at six to 12 months, and then he can receive the vaccination every three years (unless other circumstances dictate otherwise). These schedules only apply to core vaccinations with live vaccines.
Adult Pomeranian Vaccination Schedule
Shots for adult dogs will be necessary. It depends on the disease you’re vaccinating against and the manufacturer of the vaccine.
However, the latest question is whether this annual process of routinely vaccinating Pomeranians must be done that frequently, or can it be carried out every three years, or even skipped for older Pomeranians? The answer isn’t a simple one, as numerous factors need to be considered. Pomeranian puppy vaccination list explained.
Annual dog check-ups and vaccinations have always been carried out every year, and nobody has questioned their Veterinarian on the need for yearly vaccinations.
An annual health check is a good idea, especially for older Pomeranians. Any health issues can be identified at an annual health check before they cause noticeable problems.
Which Diseases are Covered in the Vaccinations?
All dogs MUST be given core vaccinations because they protect them from worldwide diseases that could potentially kill them. These are:
Canine adenovirus (CAV).
Canine distemper virus (CDV).
Canine parvovirus Type 2 (CPV-2) and variations.
There are other non-core, optional vaccinations that you should discuss with your veterinarian, taking into account the dog’s lifestyle, where it lives, and the actual risk of exposure to the disease. Kennel cough is a non-core vaccination.
Kennel Cough is a Non-Core Vaccination
In Australia, the kennel cough vaccination has caused issues for many Pomeranians and should only be administered if your Pom must spend time in a boarding kennel. The anticipated protection against this disease is short-term, if effective at all, and must be administered yearly.
Kennel Cough vaccinations are similar to the vaccination for the human flu.
Kennel cough vaccination may or may not protect your dog from the current strain of kennel cough.
Pet owners who request that their loved Pomeranian not be subjected to a life-threatening kennel cough vaccination often face intimidating behavior by their veterinarian. If this is the case, don’t try to argue. Just switch to a vet who prioritizes the welfare of your Pom.
It’s more common nowadays for pet owners to switch to a different veterinarian, groomer, daycare provider, or kennel owner, or even arrange to keep their canine at home. Vaccinations are serious procedures with the potential for some risk. To make matters worse, the vaccination generally won’t protect your beloved pet against the dreaded kennel cough and may even cause symptoms that resemble the problem itself. Your dog may also face an anaphylactic reaction.
Many Pomeranians have become extremely ill after receiving kennel cough vaccinations. Actually, becoming ill with kennel cough itself or, as I experienced, my Pomeranian developed autoimmune disease a few days after receiving the kennel cough vaccination.
Kennel cough vaccines aren’t recommended unless the pet must stay in a boarding kennel that requires the vaccination. If that happens, I strongly suggest finding a different kennel facility where you’re not forced to comply with the vaccination rule.
Information on These Deadly Canine Diseases
Are these dog diseases really serious? Read the information below to learn just how bad they can be and why it’s vital that they receive protection.
Canine Parvovirus
What is it and how does it spread?
This virus is extremely contagious, and it first attacks your dog’s intestines via the lining. It’s spread when contact is made with faeces that’s infected. It can live on your floor, clothes, and shoes for months. Areas of grass that become contaminated remain that way for years (it has been suggested that the contamination can last up to 7 years). It’s a common disease, and outbreaks often occur in areas with a high concentration of dogs.
Parvovirus Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Extreme, bloody diarrhoea.
- Severe vomiting.
- Overpowering weakness, often to the point of collapse.
If left untreated, this disease will rapidly get worse, and death can occur quickly.
How to Treat Parvovirus
Treating this disease is primarily through supportive care. Your dog will be put on intravenous fluids to stop and reverse dehydration. He’ll also be given anti-nausea medication to help prevent vomiting and antibiotics to protect against a secondary infection. If he has a severe case and has lost a significant amount of protein, he may also receive blood transfusions to improve his health.
Your dog will require plenty of nursing and isolation so he doesn’t spread this disease. Not every dog will survive parvovirus, but if left untreated, 90% of cases usually prove fatal. Puppies are more prone to die because their immune system isn’t strong, and so infection and dehydration overwhelm them faster.
How to Avoid Parvovirus
As this disease is incredibly deadly and very prevalent, it is essential to consult with your veterinarian about the best ways to protect your puppy and the actions you should and shouldn’t take.
Generally speaking, keep him inside and only let him play with vaccinated dogs. Never let him walk on grass and maintain this level of care until two weeks after his 16-week vaccination.
If you suspect your dog might have parvovirus, ensure he doesn’t go near any dogs that aren’t vaccinated and ring your vet straightaway. You may have to enter his clinic through a different, safer door so he doesn’t contaminate the vet’s waiting room.
Even if your dog has fully recovered, it may still be contagious for up to two months, so avoid taking it to places where other dogs congregate, such as parks. The vet can do a test to determine if he is still contagious.
If you lose a dog to this disease, you must remember that the virus may survive in the ground for up to seven years. Never let any new, unvaccinated dogs into your home.
Canine Distemper
What is it and how does it get spread?
Distemper is very contagious and it attacks your dog’s urinary, respiratory, nervous, and digestive systems.
Vaccinations have been highly successful in Australia, the UK, and New Zealand, making an outbreak a rarity. Cases occur mainly in the U.S. and Europe. It’s spread through urine, saliva, and blood.
Distemper isn’t only a disease that affects dogs. Foxes, ferrets, and other wild animals may also have it and can transfer it just as easily.
Distemper Symptoms
Early symptoms may include:
- A high fever.
- Red eyes.
- A discharge (like pus) from the eyes and nose.
Later symptoms may include:
- Diarrhoea.
- Vomiting.
- Lethargy.
- A nagging cough.
- Head tilt, twitches, and circling.
- Seizures.
This disease may also cause the nose and footpads to harden and is often referred to as “hardpad disease.”
How to Treat Distemper
Distemper is incurable. Owners often put their dogs down because it’s more humane than letting them live with permanent neurological defects.
How Can You Prevent Distemper?
- The ideal way is through vaccinations.
- Keep your puppy inside until two weeks after the 16-week vaccination series is completed.
- Never let him meet unknown dogs or those that are unvaccinated.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis
What is it and how does it get spread?
Canine hepatitis is highly infectious and is caused by the adenovirus. In puppies, it often proves fatal. It targets the kidneys, liver, eyes, and linings of blood vessels, and spreads through saliva, feces, blood, urine, and nasal discharge from dogs already infected.
Hepatitis can survive in an environment for approximately one year, spreads quickly, and is highly contagious. Dogs may recover but can still be carriers, as the virus remains in their urine for five to six months.
Hepatitis Symptoms
Symptoms may be mild, severe, or anywhere in betwee,n and the list includes:
- Fever.
- Vomiting.
- Appetite loss.
- Diarrhoea.
- Coughing.
- Lethargy.
- Depression.
- Tonsillitis
- Pain in the abdomen.
- Opaque cornea (blue eye).
- Liver failure.
- Jaundice.
- Seizures.
- Coma.
Treating Hepatitis
Hepatitis is generally incurable except in very mild cases. Therefore, treatments are aimed at dealing with the symptoms. For example, administering a drip to the dog to stop dehydration. Severe cases may require more powerful treatments, including medicine to prevent liver failure, blood transfusions, and other fluid therapies. Even if the dog is well cared for, he may still not survive.
How to Prevent Hepatitis
Vaccinating the dog is the first step. This is a part of regular puppy vaccinations anyway. Dogs that have been infected are also carriers for five or six months, so their urine may be infectious to dogs around them. It’s vital that once your dog has recovered, he is given his own toilet space so other dogs don’t contract hepatitis through contamination.
Titre Testing for Pomeranian Dogs
We must remember that all dogs are unique, regardless of breed and any other trait.
The guidelines for vaccines have been written to cover “most” dogs in any specific group. So, naturally, there will be some that have sufficient immunity to a vaccination and others that simply won’t.
It’s easy to test your dog’s immunity position against core dog diseases through titre testing. The vet would test a small sample of the dog’s blood to determine the level of antibodies against the specific diseases. If your dog has antibodies, there is no need to vaccinate. If he doesn’t have any, he will need the vaccinations.
Then you have the “odd dogs” that are classified as “non-responders.” They never respond to any vaccinations. If it’s a puppy, the maternal antibodies might have been too high, and so they hindered the development of the puppy’s antibodies.
It’s wise to do a titre test on puppies living in areas of high risk two weeks after they have had their final vaccination at 16 weeks. This test should indicate any puppies that haven’t developed an immune system response against the vaccine. Vaccinate them once more, and then titre test. Generally, they’ll respond at that point.
Final Thoughts
Vaccinating your Pomeranian puppy is one of the most important steps you can take to protect their health and well-being. By following a proper Pomeranian puppy vaccine schedule and working closely with your veterinarian, you’ll help ensure your puppy grows into a happy, healthy, and confident adult dog.
As a breeder with more than 50 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how vital regular vaccinations and good veterinary partnerships are to a long, healthy life. Each Pomeranian is unique, and your veterinarian is the best person to guide you through the specific needs of your puppy, taking into account its age, environment, and lifestyle.
A well-cared-for Pomeranian will reward you with endless love, loyalty, and joy for many years to come — and it all begins with the right start in life through responsible vaccination and professional veterinary care.
Veterinary Disclaimer
Note that this article is for information purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your veterinarian.
The information provided on this page is intended for general educational purposes only and reflects my experience as a Pomeranian breeder of over 50 years. It should not be considered veterinary advice.
While I strive to ensure all information is accurate and up to date, every Pomeranian puppy is unique, and health requirements can vary based on age, environment, and individual circumstances.
Always consult your licensed veterinarian before making any decisions about your puppy’s vaccinations, health care, or medical treatment. Your vet is the best source of professional advice tailored specifically to your dog’s needs.
Neither the author nor Dochlaggie Pomeranians shall be held responsible for any actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page.
Copyright Pomeranians Australia. All Rights Reserved.
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