Puppy Vaccination Schedule: What Shots Your Puppy Needs and When

Vaccines are one of the most effective tools in preventive veterinary medicine. They train your puppy's immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens before exposure happens. Following the correct schedule ensures protection during the vulnerable early months when maternal antibody levels are declining and your puppy's own immune system is still developing.

Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines

Core vaccines are recommended for every puppy regardless of lifestyle or geography:

• Distemper — A serious viral disease affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems
• Parvovirus — Highly contagious and often fatal in unvaccinated puppies; attacks the intestinal lining
• Adenovirus (Hepatitis) — Causes liver infection and respiratory illness
• Rabies — Required by law in most jurisdictions; fatal and transmissible to humans

Non-core vaccines are recommended based on your puppy's risk factors:

• Bordetella (kennel cough) — Recommended if your puppy will attend daycare, boarding, or group classes
• Leptospirosis — Recommended in areas with wildlife exposure or standing water
• Canine Influenza — Recommended for dogs in high-density social environments
• Lyme Disease — Recommended in tick-endemic regions

Your veterinarian will recommend non-core vaccines based on your puppy's specific lifestyle and location.

The Standard Schedule

6–8 Weeks

First DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) combination vaccine. Your breeder or shelter may have already administered this dose.

10–12 Weeks

Second DHPP booster. Bordetella and Leptospirosis may begin now if indicated. This is typically when puppy socialization classes require proof of initial vaccination.

14–16 Weeks

Third DHPP booster and first Rabies vaccine. This final round in the puppy series is critical — maternal antibodies may have blocked earlier doses from generating full immunity. Do not skip this appointment.

12–16 Months

DHPP booster and Rabies booster (timing varies by local law and vaccine type). After this, most core vaccines shift to a 3-year schedule.

Why Multiple Doses Are Necessary

Maternal antibodies passed through the mother's milk protect newborn puppies but also interfere with vaccine effectiveness. Because the exact timing of maternal antibody decline varies between individuals, multiple vaccine doses ensure that at least one dose reaches the puppy's immune system after maternal protection has waned. Skipping or delaying doses creates dangerous gaps in protection.

What to Expect After Vaccination

Mild side effects are normal and usually resolve within 24–48 hours:

• Slight lethargy or decreased appetite
• Mild soreness at the injection site
• Low-grade fever

Contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe:

• Facial swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing (allergic reaction)
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Collapse or extreme lethargy lasting more than 48 hours

Severe reactions are rare but require urgent veterinary attention.

Socialization Before Full Vaccination

The AVSAB recommends that puppies begin socialization classes as early as 7–8 weeks of age, after their first set of vaccines. The behavioral risks of delayed socialization (increased fearfulness, aggression, anxiety) outweigh the disease risks in controlled, clean environments with vaccinated dogs. Avoid dog parks, pet stores, and high-traffic areas until the vaccine series is complete.

Keeping Records

Maintain a vaccination record with dates, vaccine names, and your veterinarian's information. You will need this for boarding, grooming, daycare, travel, and licensing. Ask your vet for a copy at each visit and store a digital backup.