Puppy Vaccination Schedule: Complete Guide by Age
Vaccinating your puppy on time is one of the most important things you can do for their long-term health. This complete puppy vaccination schedule covers every core and non-core vaccine, the recommended age for each dose, and how to track them so you never miss a booster.
Puppy Vaccine Schedule at a Glance
| Age | Core Vaccines | Non-Core (Lifestyle) |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | DHPP (1st dose) | Bordetella (optional) |
| 10–12 weeks | DHPP (2nd dose) | Bordetella, Leptospirosis (1st), Lyme (1st), Canine Influenza (1st) |
| 14–16 weeks | DHPP (3rd dose), Rabies (1st) | Leptospirosis (2nd), Lyme (2nd), Canine Influenza (2nd) |
| 12–16 months | DHPP booster, Rabies booster | Leptospirosis annual, Lyme annual, Influenza annual |
| Every 1–3 years | DHPP booster, Rabies booster (per local law) | Per vet recommendation |
Core Puppy Vaccines (Required for All Dogs)
Core vaccines are recommended for every puppy regardless of where they live or their lifestyle. They protect against diseases that are highly contagious, widespread, or pose a significant health risk.
DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
The DHPP combination vaccine — also called DA2PP or DAPP — is the cornerstone of puppy vaccination. It protects against four serious viral diseases in a single injection.
- Distemper: A severe and often fatal viral disease affecting the respiratory, GI, and nervous systems.
- Hepatitis (Adenovirus-2): Causes liver disease and respiratory illness.
- Parvovirus: A highly contagious and deadly GI disease, especially dangerous for young puppies.
- Parainfluenza: A common cause of infectious tracheobronchitis (kennel cough).
Schedule: 6–8 weeks, 10–12 weeks, 14–16 weeks, booster at 12–16 months, then every 1–3 years.
Rabies
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the brain and is transmissible to humans. The rabies vaccine is legally required for dogs in most US states and many countries worldwide.
Schedule: First dose at 14–16 weeks, booster at 12–16 months, then every 1 or 3 years depending on vaccine type and local law.
Non-Core Puppy Vaccines (Lifestyle-Based)
Non-core vaccines are recommended based on your puppy's specific risk factors — where you live, how much outdoor time they have, and whether they interact with other dogs. Talk to your vet about which of these make sense for your puppy.
Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
Protects against Bordetella bronchiseptica, the primary bacterial cause of kennel cough. Recommended for dogs that visit boarding facilities, dog parks, groomers, or puppy classes.
Schedule: As early as 8 weeks; intranasal or oral forms provide faster immunity. Annual or biannual boosters depending on exposure.
Leptospirosis
A bacterial disease spread through infected urine in water or soil — especially relevant for dogs in rural areas, near wildlife, or with access to standing water. Also zoonotic (transmissible to humans).
Schedule: Two doses 2–4 weeks apart starting at 12 weeks, then annual boosters.
Lyme Disease
Caused by Borrelia burgdorferi transmitted through tick bites. Recommended for dogs in tick-endemic areas (northeastern US, upper Midwest, Pacific Coast).
Schedule: Two doses 2–4 weeks apart starting at 12 weeks, then annual boosters.
Canine Influenza (H3N2 / H3N8)
Canine flu spreads rapidly in social dogs. Recommended for dogs that frequently board, compete in dog sports, or visit dog parks in areas with known outbreaks.
Schedule: Two doses 2–4 weeks apart starting at 12 weeks, then annual boosters.
What to Expect After Vaccination
Most puppies handle vaccines well. Mild, short-lived side effects are normal and typically resolve within 24–48 hours:
- Soreness or swelling at the injection site
- Low-grade fever and lethargy
- Reduced appetite
- Sneezing or runny nose (intranasal vaccines)
Seek immediate veterinary care if your puppy shows facial swelling, hives, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or collapse within minutes to hours of a vaccine — these can indicate a rare allergic reaction.
Never Miss a Puppy Booster Again
PetNoter lets you log every vaccine your puppy receives and sends you reminders before each booster is due. Keep your pet's complete health record in one place — free on Android and iOS.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start vaccinating my puppy?
Start at 6–8 weeks of age. Maternal antibodies from the mother's milk begin to wane around this time, making early vaccination essential. Do not wait past 8 weeks for the first DHPP dose.
How many puppy shots does my dog need?
Most puppies need 3–4 rounds of the DHPP combination vaccine (at 6–8, 10–12, and 14–16 weeks), plus a rabies vaccine at 14–16 weeks. Boosters are given at 12–16 months, then every 1–3 years for life.
Can I take my puppy outside before all vaccinations are done?
Limit exposure to unknown dogs and high-traffic dog areas until 2 weeks after the final puppy DHPP dose. Safe options include carrying your puppy, visiting vaccinated dogs in clean private homes, and puppy classes that require proof of vaccination.
What is the DHPP vaccine?
DHPP stands for Distemper, Hepatitis (Adenovirus-2), Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza. It is the core combination vaccine given to all puppies regardless of lifestyle. Sometimes called DA2PP or DAPP.
Is the rabies vaccine required by law?
Yes, in most countries and US states the rabies vaccine is legally required for dogs. The first dose is given at 14–16 weeks, a booster at 12–16 months, then every 1–3 years depending on local regulations and the vaccine brand used.
What is the best app to track my puppy's vaccinations?
PetNoter is a free pet care app for Android and iOS that lets you log every vaccination, set reminders for upcoming booster shots, and store your vet records in one place — so you never miss a dose.