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What Vaccines Does My Puppy Need and When?

DogNormal
Quick Answer

Puppies need core vaccines (DHPP + Rabies) starting at 6-8 weeks with boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks. Non-core vaccines (Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Lyme) depend on lifestyle and location. Your puppy isn't fully protected until 2 weeks after the final booster.

What You Need to Know

Puppy vaccination is one of the most important things you do for your new dog. The schedule is designed to protect your puppy as maternal antibodies (from their mother's milk) fade — which happens gradually between 6-16 weeks, creating a "window of vulnerability."

Core vaccines (recommended for ALL puppies):

DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) — a combination vaccine:

  • 6-8 weeks: First dose
  • 10-12 weeks: Second dose
  • 14-16 weeks: Third dose
  • 12 months: First annual booster
  • Then every 3 years after that

Rabies:

  • 12-16 weeks: First dose (required by law in most areas)
  • 1 year later: Booster
  • Then every 1 or 3 years depending on local law and vaccine type

Non-core vaccines (based on lifestyle and risk):

  • Bordetella (kennel cough): Recommended if your puppy will attend daycare, boarding, grooming, or dog parks. Can be given as early as 8 weeks.
  • Leptospirosis: Recommended in areas with wildlife exposure or standing water. Two doses 2-4 weeks apart, starting at 12 weeks.
  • Lyme disease: Recommended in tick-endemic areas. Two doses 2-4 weeks apart, starting at 12 weeks.
  • Canine influenza (H3N2/H3N8): Increasingly recommended, especially for social dogs.

CRITICAL: Your puppy is NOT fully protected until 2 weeks after the final DHPP booster (typically around 18 weeks). Until then, avoid dog parks, pet stores, and areas where unvaccinated dogs may have been. Puppy socialization classes held in clean, controlled environments with vaccination requirements are generally safe.

Common Causes

    Breed Variations

    Rottweilers, Dobermans, and American Pit Bull Terriers may have a slightly lower immune response to parvovirus vaccination and some vets recommend an additional booster at 18-20 weeks for these breeds. Small breed puppies may need more monitoring after vaccines for adverse reactions. All breeds follow the same core schedule.

    When to Worry

    Mild lethargy and slight fever for 24-48 hours after vaccines is normal. See a vet if your puppy has facial swelling, difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, severe lethargy lasting more than 48 hours, or a lump at the injection site that grows or persists beyond 2 weeks.

    Home Care Tips

    Keep a vaccination record card and bring it to every vet visit. Set reminders for booster dates. After vaccination, let your puppy rest — mild sleepiness for a day is normal. Keep your unvaccinated or partially vaccinated puppy away from areas where unknown dogs have been (dog parks, pet stores, hiking trails). Carry your puppy rather than letting them walk on the ground in public places until fully vaccinated.

    When to See a Vet

    If symptoms persist for more than 24–48 hours, worsen, or are accompanied by lethargy, loss of appetite, or pain, see your vet promptly.

    When in doubt, call your vet. A quick phone consultation can help you decide if an in-person visit is needed.

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