03/13/2026
We have been doing this for years. We need to space out vaccines on smaller dogs.
🐾 Dachshunds & Vaccines — Why Spacing Them Out Matters! 💉
Hey everyone! I wanted to share something that came up this week with one of the puppies from our most recent litter from Kingston x Stevie that might be helpful for other Dachshund families, too. 🐶
During a recent vet visit, one of our families reached out to let us know that their puppy got both the DHPPL and Rabies vaccines at the same appointment and, unfortunately, experienced a severe vaccine reaction that required treatment. Thankfully, the pup is doing great now 🙏 — but it’s a good reminder of how sensitive Dachshunds and other small breeds can be to vaccines.
Here’s a quick breakdown of why it happens and how we can help keep them safe 👇
💉 Same dose, smaller dog:
Vaccines aren’t dosed by body weight like medications are. That means your 10‑lb Dachshund gets the same amount as a 100‑lb Lab! For small, sensitive breeds, that can trigger a stronger immune response per pound — and sometimes, that’s just too much for their little systems.
⚡ Two vaccines = double the workload:
When multiple vaccines are given at once, the immune system has to respond to multiple challenges all at once. For a small Dachshund, that can create unnecessary stress and raise the chance of a reaction.
🐶 My Dachshund‑Friendly Vaccine Tips
✅ One vaccine per visit. Give DHPP, rabies, or lepto individually — never together.
✅ Space vaccines at least 3 weeks apart. Let their immune system fully recover in between.
✅ Keep rabies and lepto separate. These two are most often linked with vaccine reactions in our breed.
✅ Give rabies after completing the puppy series — and always alone.
✅ Check your label! Avoid the **DHPPL** combo (which includes lepto). Ask your vet for plain DHPP instead.
(Fun fact: DHPP actually protects against four diseases — distemper, hepatitis, parvo, and parainfluenza — so even on its own, it’s plenty for one day!)
💬 About the Lepto Vaccine
I understand the Leptospirosis vaccine is a controversial topic in the Dachshund world. Some Dachshunds do perfectly fine with it, while others are more reactive. That said, I do not believe in telling people not to vaccinate for lepto. I’m not a veterinarian, and this decision really depends on where you live.
Leptospirosis is a serious zoonotic bacterial disease spread through wildlife and standing water, and the risk levels vary from region to region. Your veterinarian knows the prevalence in your area and can help you make the safest, most informed choice for your dog. 🩺
🚨 What to Watch for After Any Vaccine
Most reactions happen within the first few hours, but sometimes they appear up to 48 hours later. Contact your vet right away if you notice:
- Facial swelling or hives
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or collapse
- Trouble breathing, weakness, or extreme lethargy
Mild tiredness or a small lump at the injection site for a day or two can be normal — but always trust your gut. If you feel something’s off, call your vet 💛
🩺 Quick Vet Tip: Benadryl Support
If your Dachshund has ever had a reaction, ask your vet about giving Benadryl before vaccination (and every 12 hours for 48 hours afterward). Always confirm your dog’s exact dose and schedule with your vet first.
I believe in vaccines — they’re crucial for protecting our dogs from life‑threatening diseases like parvo, distemper, and rabies. 🧬
That said, I personally take a conservative, science‑based approach with my own dogs. I space out their vaccines carefully, avoid combinations, and rely on titer testing to monitor their existing immunity instead of automatically repeating vaccines on a fixed schedule. This method helps ensure my dogs remain both fully protected and minimized in vaccine stress. ❤️
My goal isn’t to discourage vaccination — it’s to make it safer and more thoughtful for our small, sensitive Dachshunds.
Remember: YOU are your dog’s biggest advocate. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, collaborate with your vet, and find a vaccination plan that fits your puppy’s unique needs and local risks. Your little one relies on you to keep them both protected and comfortable! 🥰
