Puppy Vaccination Schedule: A Guide for New Dog Owners

Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time! One of the most important steps in ensuring their health and well-being is adhering to a proper vaccination schedule. Vaccinations protect puppies from serious and potentially fatal diseases. This guide provides an overview of common puppy vaccines and a typical schedule, but always consult your veterinarian for a personalized plan for your puppy.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Why Are Puppy Vaccinations Important?

Puppies receive initial immunity from their mother’s milk (colostrum), but this protection wanes over the first few weeks of life. Vaccinations stimulate the puppy’s own immune system to produce antibodies against specific diseases, providing long-term protection. Vaccinating not only protects your puppy but also contributes to “herd immunity,” reducing the spread of contagious diseases in the wider dog population. This is a crucial part of their early puppy life stage.

Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines

Vaccines are typically categorized as “core” or “non-core”:

  • Core Vaccines: Recommended for all puppies due to the widespread risk and severity of the diseases they prevent. These include:
    • Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
    • Canine Adenovirus-2 (CAV-2, for hepatitis)
    • Canine Parvovirus (CPV)
    • Canine Parainfluenza Virus (CPiV) – Often combined in a “DHPP” or “DAPP” vaccine.
    • Rabies Virus: Legally required in most areas.
  • Non-Core (Lifestyle) Vaccines: Recommended based on a puppy’s individual risk factors, such as geographic location, lifestyle (e.g., socializing with many dogs, spending time in wooded areas), and overall health. These may include:
    • Bordetella bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough)
    • Leptospirosis
    • Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi)
    • Canine Influenza Virus (CIV)

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Canine Vaccination Guidelines are a key resource veterinarians use.

Typical Puppy Vaccination Schedule (Example)

This is a general guideline; your vet will tailor the schedule. Puppies typically receive a series of vaccinations every 2-4 weeks until they are around 16-20 weeks old to ensure they build adequate immunity as their maternal antibodies decline.

  • 6-8 Weeks Old:
    • DHPP/DAPP (Distemper, Adenovirus/Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) – 1st dose
    • Bordetella (optional, may be given intranasally)
  • 10-12 Weeks Old:
    • DHPP/DAPP – 2nd dose
    • Leptospirosis (optional, 1st dose if recommended)
    • Lyme Disease (optional, 1st dose if recommended)
    • Canine Influenza (optional, 1st dose if recommended)
  • 14-16 Weeks Old (or older, up to 20 weeks):
    • DHPP/DAPP – 3rd dose (and possibly a 4th depending on start age and vet protocol)
    • Rabies (1st dose, typically given between 12-16 weeks as per local law)
    • Leptospirosis (optional, 2nd dose)
    • Lyme Disease (optional, 2nd dose)
    • Canine Influenza (optional, 2nd dose)

After the Puppy Series:

  • Booster Vaccinations: Most vaccines require a booster around one year of age.
  • Adult Dog Vaccinations: After the one-year boosters, core vaccines are typically given every 1-3 years, depending on the vaccine type and local regulations. Non-core vaccines may be given annually based on risk.

Important Considerations:

  • Socialization vs. Disease Risk: It’s a balance. Puppies need socialization, but avoid high-risk areas (dog parks, pet stores with unvaccinated dogs) until their vaccination series is complete. Ask your vet about safe socialization options like puppy classes with vaccinated pups.
  • Record Keeping: Keep accurate records of all vaccinations.
  • Possible Side Effects: Mild lethargy, soreness at the injection site, or low-grade fever are common and usually transient. Contact your vet if you notice more severe reactions.

Vaccinations are a cornerstone of responsible pet ownership and play a vital role in your puppy’s journey to a long and healthy life. Following your vet’s advice is crucial. After puppyhood, don’t forget to use tools like our dog age calculator to track their milestones!