1. Home
  2. Getting Started

When should puppies have vaccinations? It might depend on your vet

By

Few things are more exciting than bringing home a new puppy, but puppies can also be a lot of work. From selecting new bedding and toys to finding the best food for your new fur baby, you’ll probably spend a lot of time researching all things puppy. If you’ve found yourself Googling “puppies first shots,” you’ve come to the right place. We’ll share what the experts have to say about crafting a puppy shot schedule you can stick to. But, as always, you should consult your puppy’s veterinarian if you have any questions, as your vet is equipped to help you make the best decisions regarding your puppy’s needs. 

Image used with permission by copyright holder

When should puppies get shots?

Generally speaking, your puppy will receive his first set of vaccinations when he’s 6-8 weeks old. In most cases, your pup will have already received his first set of shots before you adopt him. However, if you’re caring for a litter of newborn puppies, or you’ve rescued a stray younger than 6 weeks of age, you’ll need to speak with your vet to come up with a vaccination schedule. Most vaccinations are administered on a 2-4 week basis, lasting until your pup is 16-18 weeks of age, though most dogs will require annual booster shots. If you don’t know your puppy’s medical or vaccination history, your vet will likely complete a full exam and may recommend a different course of action. 

Recommended Videos

What shots do puppies need? 

Vaccinations are split into two different groups: core vaccinations, or vaccinations all puppies require, and non-core vaccinations, which are administered on the basis of your location, your dog’s lifestyle, and potential risk factors. Core vaccines recommended by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Canine Vaccine Task Force include:

  • Rabies: This vaccine is required by law in most — but not all — states. Check your local ordinance to ensure you’re in compliance with the law. Or, better yet, have your fur baby vaccinated against rabies whether it’s required or not. If infected, once your pup begins to exhibit symptoms, rabies is almost always fatal. Only 14% of dogs infected by the rabies virus survive. 
  • Canine parvovirus: Parvo is a highly contagious infectious disease that spreads through contact with an infected animal, or contaminated feces, environments, or people. It can be fatal, so this vaccine is essential.
  • Canine distemper: Distemper is an extremely contagious viral disease found in domestic dogs, raccoons, skunks, ferrets, foxes, wolves, and felines. It is usually fatal, and dogs who survive often suffer lasting, incurable nerve damage. 
  • Canine adenovirus-2 (CAV-2, or canine hepatitis): An infectious respiratory disease, hepatitis can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia. 

Vaccines for distemper, hepatitis, and parvo are often grouped together and referred to as DHP or DAP vaccinations.

Khaled Ahmed abd elaziz / Shutterstock

Non-core vaccines recommended by the AAHA Canine Vaccine Task Force include:

  • Canine influenza: Also called dog flu, canine influenza is an infectious respiratory disease caused by influenza Type A. 
  • Kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica): Another name for infectious bronchitis, kennel cough is extremely common in animal shelters. 
  • Canine parainfluenza virus: Resembling traditional canine influenza, the canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV) is a different virus entirely. 
  • Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi): Also called Lyme borreliosis, this bacterial infection is transmitted by ticks. 
  • Canine Leptospirosis (Leptospira genus): A bacterial infection that is usually contracted after dogs swim in or drink water contaminated by infected wildlife. 
  • Coronavirus: With COVID-19 running rampant, pet parents began to fear for their pups. While the canine coronavirus (CCoV) isn’t the same as SARS-CoV-2, demand for the coronavirus vaccine has increased. However, the vaccine is not recommended for all dogs. Speak to your vet if you think your dog is at risk. 

The American Heartworm Society also recommends beginning a heartworm prevention protocol when your pup is 6-8 weeks old. 

Puppy shot schedule

Depending on where you live and your puppy’s risk factors, your vet may recommend different vaccination schedules for different pups. Because not all puppies require every vaccine, it’s important to have an in-depth discussion with your vet before you vaccinate your new pooch. However, a general vaccination schedule may resemble the following:

  • 6-8 weeks of age: distemper, parvovirus (recommended), Bordetella (optional).
  • 10-12 weeks of age: DHPP — for distemper, hepatitis, parvo, and parainfluenza — (recommended), influenza, Bordetella, Lyme disease, and Leptospirosis (optional).
  • 16-18 weeks of age: DHPP, rabies (recommended), influenza, Bordetella, Lyme disease, and Leptospirosis (optional).
  • 12-16 months of age: DHPP booster, rabies booster (recommended), Bordetella, Lyme disease, Leptospirosis, and coronavirus (optional).
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Your vet will know what’s best for your pup

Your pup will need DHPP and other optional booster shots every 1-2 years. Your vet can help you decide which vaccines your pup needs based on potential risk factors and lifestyle. You’ll also want to have your pup vaccinated against rabies every 1-3 years, depending on your vet’s recommendations and local requirements. While the average cost of vaccinations ranges from $75-$100, your dog’s health is priceless. 

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
Why does my dog smell like Fritos? It’s weird, but there could be an underlying health issue
Why your dog's feet smell like corn chips and what to do

A dog's nose knows. Dogs' noses have more than 300,000 olfactory receptors, making them a powerful tool for canines as they explore their world. The nose is also an indicator of health. Yet, what if your nose picks up a smell that seems suspicious? Specifically, you may be wondering, "Why does my dog smell like Fritos?"

If you had some corn chips recently and shared them with your dog (or they helped themselves), there's your answer. However, perhaps you're more of a Cheetos kind of person or prefer to get your crunchy fix with something sweet, like fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies. The answer is less obvious. You may smell a trip to the vet coming. Are your instincts on track? Maybe. Here's why your dog's paws might smell like Fritos and what to do about it.

Read more
Why does my dog have diarrhea? (and when it’s time to see the vet)
Your dog has the runs — should you run to the vet?

Being a dog parent can be a joyful experience — no matter what your boss thinks of you, you can count on your pup to show you affection when you walk in the door. In exchange for their unconditional love and affection, dogs require that we take care of them and — sigh — pick up their poop (your neighborhood's code enforcement requires the latter, to be more precise). Cleaning up after a dog also gives pet parents a role they may not have expected when they brought their furry friend home: Poop inspector.

Poop is a sign of a dog's overall health. Regular, firm stool that resembles a caterpillar is one sign your pup is feeling well. If the stool is loose, you may need an answer to the question, "Why does my dog have diarrhea?" That depends. While we can't answer the question definitively, we can provide some common causes of diarrhea and what to do.

Read more
Loss of weight in cats can be a symptom of many things – Here’s what you need to know and when to call the vet
Common causes of weight loss in cats

When it comes to being a pet parent, two of the most important tasks you'll take on are helping your fur baby maintain a healthy weight and feeding your feline companion nutrient-rich meals. Have you been wondering, "Why is my cat losing weight?" A variety of reasons, some benign and some life threatening, could be to blame. If you’ve noticed your cat is overeating, or even if your cat continues to eat normally but still manages to lose weight, do not delay — take them to the veterinarian right away.

Unplanned loss of weight in cats can be a symptom of several health complications that your veterinarian should check out immediately. You don't want to take a "wait and see" approach or assume your cat will suddenly start to put on weight again. Remember, prompt treatment is essential for your cat's well-being.

Read more