Puppy Vaccination Schedule: What Shots & When
Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting experience, but it also comes with important responsibilities—one of the most critical being vaccinations. Vaccinations protect your puppy from life-threatening diseases and ensure they grow into a healthy adult dog.
Understanding the puppy vaccination schedule can be overwhelming for new pet owners. This guide will explain which shots your puppy needs, when they should receive them, and why each vaccine is essential.
Why Vaccinations Are Important for Puppies
Puppies are born with some immunity from their mother’s milk (colostrum), but this protection fades within weeks. Vaccinations help build their immune system by exposing them to weakened or inactive forms of viruses and bacteria. This process allows their body to develop antibodies without causing illness.
Without vaccinations, puppies are vulnerable to severe diseases such as:
Parvovirus (often fatal)
Distemper (attacks the nervous system)
Rabies (fatal and transmissible to humans)
Leptospirosis (can cause kidney failure)
Vaccinating your puppy not only protects them but also helps prevent the spread of diseases to other dogs.
Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines
- Veterinarians classify vaccines into two categories: core and non-core.
1. Core Vaccines (Essential for All Puppies)
These protect against the most dangerous and widespread diseases. Core vaccines include:
Distemper
Parvovirus
Adenovirus (Canine Hepatitis)
Rabies
2. Non-Core Vaccines (Recommended Based on Lifestyle & Risk Factors)
These are optional and depend on factors like geographic location and exposure risk. Non-core vaccines include:
Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
Leptospirosis
Lyme Disease
Canine Influenza
Your veterinarian will recommend non-core vaccines based on your puppy’s environment (e.g., dog parks, boarding facilities, or wooded areas).
Puppy Vaccination Schedule: What Shots & When
Puppies typically start vaccinations at 6–8 weeks old and continue every 3–4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. Below is a general vaccination timeline:
- 6–8 Weeks Old
- First round of core vaccines:
- Distemper
- Parvovirus
- Adenovirus (Canine Hepatitis)
- Optional non-core vaccines (if recommended):
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
- Leptospirosis
10–12 Weeks Old
Second round of core vaccines (booster shots):
Distemper
Parvovirus
Adenovirus
Non-core boosters (if needed):
Leptospirosis
Lyme Disease
14–16 Weeks Old
Final round of core vaccines:
Distemper
Parvovirus
Adenovirus
Rabies vaccine (required by law in most regions)
Non-core boosters (if applicable):
Bordetella
Canine Influenza
12–16 Months Old
Booster shots for all core vaccines
Rabies booster (duration depends on local laws—1-year or 3-year vaccine)
After the initial puppy series, most vaccines require annual or triennial boosters to maintain immunity.
Detailed Breakdown of Puppy Vaccines
1. Distemper Vaccine
Disease: Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
Symptoms: Fever, coughing, vomiting, seizures, paralysis
Why it’s essential: Highly contagious and often fatal
2. Parvovirus Vaccine
Disease: Canine Parvovirus (CPV)
Symptoms: Severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, dehydration
Why it’s essential: Extremely deadly, especially in puppies
3. Adenovirus (Canine Hepatitis) Vaccine
Disease: Infectious Canine Hepatitis
Symptoms: Liver damage, fever, abdominal pain
Why it’s essential: Can cause fatal liver failure
4. Rabies Vaccine
Disease: Rabies Virus
Symptoms: Aggression, paralysis, death
Why it’s essential: Fatal and legally required (transmissible to humans)
5. Bordetella (Kennel Cough) Vaccine
Disease: Bacterial or viral respiratory infection
Symptoms: Harsh cough, sneezing, nasal discharge
Why it’s recommended: Needed for boarding, grooming, or dog parks
6. Leptospirosis Vaccine
Disease: Bacterial infection from contaminated water/soil
Symptoms: Kidney failure, liver damage
Why it’s recommended: Common in wet climates; zoonotic (can infect humans)
7. Lyme Disease Vaccine
Disease: Tick-borne bacterial infection
Symptoms: Lameness, fever, kidney damage
Why it’s recommended: Important in areas with high tick populations
8. Canine Influenza Vaccine
Disease: Dog flu (H3N8 & H3N2 strains)
Symptoms: Coughing, fever, pneumonia
Why it’s recommended: Useful for social dogs (daycare, dog shows)
Possible Side Effects of Puppy Vaccinations
Most puppies handle vaccines well, but some may experience mild side effects, including:
Lethargy
Mild fever
Soreness at the injection site
Reduced appetite
Severe reactions (rare but require immediate vet care):
Facial swelling
Difficulty breathing
Vomiting/Diarrhea
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If your puppy shows concerning symptoms, contact your vet immediately.
FAQs About Puppy Vaccinations
1. Can I delay or skip puppy vaccinations?
No. Delaying vaccines leaves your puppy vulnerable to deadly diseases. Follow the vet-recommended schedule.
2. How much do puppy vaccinations cost?
Costs vary but typically range from $75–200 per visit, depending on location and required vaccines.
3. Can my puppy go outside before vaccinations?
Avoid high-risk areas (dog parks, pet stores) until fully vaccinated. Short, controlled outings (e.g., your backyard) are usually safe.
4. What if my puppy misses a booster shot?
Contact your vet. Some vaccines require restarting the series if too much time passes.
5. Are there alternatives to traditional vaccines?
Some vets offer titer testing to check immunity levels, but vaccines remain the gold standard for disease prevention.
Final Thoughts
Following a proper puppy vaccination schedule is one of the best ways to ensure your furry friend lives a long, healthy life. Always consult your veterinarian to tailor the vaccine plan to your puppy’s specific needs.
By staying on top of vaccinations, you’re not only protecting your puppy but also contributing to the overall health of the dog community. Keep track of due dates, save vaccination records, and schedule regular vet check-ups for a happy, healthy pup!
