Puppy Vaccine Schedule: A Complete Guide to Puppy Shots

Melissa Murray
Nov 20
12 min read

Key points

Puppy vaccines protect against deadly, infectious diseases like parvo, distemper, and rabies.
Shots start at 6 to 8 weeks old and continue until about 16 weeks, followed by boosters given every 1 or 3 years.
Core vaccines are essential for every dog, while noncore vaccines depend on your dog’s lifestyle and environment.
Staying on schedule with booster vaccines is critical for building long-lasting immunity.
Want to save on dog vaccines? Join the Pumpkin Wellness Club* and you can get up to $150 in cash for your dog's yearly vaccinations — and that’s just one of many membership benefits.

Bringing a new puppy into your home? Congratulations! Those early days brim with playtime, puppy kisses, and yes, visits to your veterinarian. While you’re busy teaching “sit”, chasing down a mischievous pup, and navigating zoomies, there’s one important item on your puppy-parent checklist: their vaccinations.

Vaccines aren’t the most fun part of puppyhood, but they’re among the most important. They help build your pup’s immune system, protect them from serious diseases, and safeguard other pets and people in your life. During your puppy’s wellness visits, your veterinarian will check on their growth and general health, answer your questions about diet and exercise, and provide essential procedures like deworming and vaccinations.

Below, we’ll walk through your puppy's full vaccination timeline: what each shot protects against, when they’re needed, and how to plan for lifelong health.

Why puppy vaccines matter

Imagine your puppy’s immune system as a brand-new team of rookies. They haven’t faced the full lineup of infectious challengers yet. Vaccines act like training sessions and introduce the “opponents” in safe form so the immune system doesn’t get caught off-guard by the real thing.

Keeping up with vaccinations is one of the most cost-effective ways to maintain an adult dog’s health and even protect public health. Vaccines also help create herd immunity in dog communities (kennels, dog parks, daycare), reducing the chance of outbreaks.

To break your dog needs down into plain terms, skipping or delaying vaccines may leave your pup unprotected and expose them (and possibly you) to serious illness that could have been prevented.

When should I start my puppy’s vaccination schedule?

The first round of puppy shots usually starts at 6 to 8 weeks of age, with booster shots every 3 to 4 weeks until the puppy is roughly 16 weeks old. Boosters are given one year later and typically follow every one to three years after that.

This timing may seem odd, but it is imperative to follow it. Puppies get some passive immunity from mom, but it fades, and the window between that decline and full immunity is when puppies are most vulnerable. Starting on time ensures your puppy’s protection ramps up quickly while their immune system is still developing.

What core vaccines do puppies need?

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) breaks down its canine vaccination guidelines into two categories: core vaccines and noncore vaccines. Core vaccines are recommended for all young dogs based on the overall risk of exposure, transmissibility to people, and severity of the disease.

So, what shots do puppies need? According to the AAHA guidelines, core vaccinations for puppies include:

Canine distemper virus

Canine distemper virus is a highly contagious virus that spreads through contact with infected dogs. It is responsible for causing the often fatal disease known as distemper.

Canine distemper symptoms include:

Diarrhea
Vomiting
Coughing
Eye and nose discharge
Seizures

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for canine distemper, which is fatal in one out of every two dogs. This means prevention through vaccination is a must. Your puppy shot schedule should include a series of distemper vaccinations until your pup is around 16 weeks old, a first-year booster, then regular boosters every three years.

This vaccine is also included in the combination DHPP or DAP vaccine, which protects dogs from some of the most serious and common diseases.

Canine adenovirus-2

The adenovirus-2 vaccine defends against two strains of the canine adenovirus: CAV-1 and CAV-2. While CAV-2 causes the infamous kennel cough, CAV-1 causes infectious hepatitis. Since other pathogens (i.e., disease-causing organisms like viruses and bacteria) can also cause kennel cough, veterinarians prioritize guarding your dog against the hepatitis virus caused by CAV-1.

This viral disease inflames the liver and spreads through bodily waste (feces, urine, and saliva), and can also spread through eye and nose discharge from infected animals.

Watch out for adenovirus symptoms like:

Watery discharge from eyes and nose
Congestion
Slight fever
Loss of appetite
Cloudy eyes
Yellow (jaundiced) ears, gums, and skin
Severe depression

Early vaccination is crucial, as your puppy’s maternal antibodies for CAV-1 begin to fade between 5 and 7 weeks of age.

Sleeping puppy held gently in a hand, against a soft green background. The puppy’s eyes are closed, conveying calmness and warmth.

Parainfluenza virus

Parainfluenza causes serious and highly contagious respiratory infections in dogs, which can manifest as a common cold or something more serious. Like some adenoviruses, the canine parainfluenza virus can also cause kennel cough, although it’s not the main culprit. As the name ‘kennel cough’ would suggest, coughing is the most common symptom of a parainfluenza infection.

Other parainfluenza signs may include:

Runny eyes or nose
Loss of appetite
Wheezing

Symptoms tend to be more severe when another respiratory pathogen is involved along with parainfluenza, so keep a close eye on your pup if they develop a cough, especially after hanging out with new doggy pals. This virus thrives in places where canines congregate, such as dog parks and boarding facilities. Because of this, boarding, daycare, and grooming facilities often require defense against respiratory infections through kennel cough vaccination.

Canine parvovirus

Canine parvovirus, also called “parvo,” is another contagious viral disease. This disease affects the gastrointestinal system, immune system, and heart muscles. Parvo also spreads through the feces of infected dogs, making it one of many reasons why cleaning up after your dog is so important.

Parvovirus is especially dangerous for puppies, particularly unvaccinated dogs younger than one year of age. Watch out for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite as possible signs of parvo. Diarrhea often becomes bloody and has an exceptionally foul odor. While intensive hospitalization is the gold standard for parvo nursing care, prognosis is not always based on the severity of the disease and the level of nursing care provided. This means that even a pup with a relatively mild infection who has been hospitalized may still pass away from this deadly disease.

Tip: The four viruses listed above are usually addressed with a combination vaccine. At the veterinary hospital, these all-in-one injections may also be called the DHPP, DAPP, or distemper vaccine. In some cases, your veterinarian may administer parainfluenza vaccinations separately from the other three. The parainfluenza vaccine may also be combined with the Bordetella vaccine, since both pathogens are common causes of kennel cough.

Rabies

Rabies is a deadly disease that doesn't play around. Once a rabies infection takes hold, there is no cure. This viral disease is transmitted through the bites of infected mammals, and it's as life-threatening for people as it is for dogs.

Once inside your dog's body, the rabies virus attacks the nervous system. You may notice symptoms like:

Excessive drooling
Difficulty swallowing
Paralysis
Aggression

While there is no treatment for rabies, it is easily preventable with a rabies vaccination. In fact, this vaccination is so essential, most state laws require rabies vaccines for household pets.

Noncore vaccines

Noncore vaccines are not recommended for all dogs, but your veterinarian may recommend them based on your puppy’s lifestyle, location, or existing health conditions. For example, if you plan on taking your puppy along on camping or hiking trips, your veterinarian may recommend the canine Lyme disease vaccine. Or, if you live in rattlesnake country, the Crotalus atrox vaccine may be given to protect against rattlesnake venom.

Noncore vaccinations for puppies include:

Bordetella bronchiseptica

Bordetella bronchiseptica is the number-one bacterium behind most cases of kennel cough in dogs. If your dog loves to rub noses with other pups, like at daycare, dog parks, or training classes, this may as well be a core vaccine. Many boarding facilities and training schools will ask to see proof that your dog received the Bordetella vaccine.

Veterinarians can administer the Bordetella vaccine by itself, or they may pair it with the parainfluenza vaccine for extra protection.

Leptospirosis vaccine

Leptospira is a bacterium that causes leptospirosis, a disease that can affect your dog’s liver and kidneys. Leptospirosis is often spread through water or soil that has been contaminated with animal urine, and it can also be transmitted from infected dogs to people.

Although leptospirosis is historically more common in wooded areas populated with deer and wildlife, it has been increasingly seen in suburban neighborhoods, as rodents and raccoons scrounge for scraps.

Symptoms range based on the severity of the disease. Fortunately, leptospirosis is treatable with antibiotics if caught early enough to avoid permanent kidney or liver damage, but you should still watch out for:

Fever
Lethargy
Jaundice
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Excessive drinking

If your dog enjoys splashing around in lakes and rivers or sniffing about farms, or if leptospirosis is known to be a problem in your area, the lepto vaccine is a necessity. This vaccine can help protect your pup from unseen risks during outdoor adventures, and it can also keep you safe by preventing transmission from your dog to you.

Since the disease is becoming more prevalent and AAHA’s guidelines have changed, more and more animal hospitals are considering this vaccine a core vaccine in their vaccination protocol. In some clinics, this vaccine is part of the 5-in-1 vaccine schedule and is administered as a combination vaccine with distemper, parvo, parainfluenza, and adenovirus, so your veterinarian will guide you on the appropriate vaccinations for your pup.

Borrelia burgdorferi

Borrelia burgdorferi is the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. This disease is transmitted through the bite of a black-legged (deer) tick. Lyme disease also poses a risk to people, but it can be harder to detect in dogs. Symptoms in dogs typically include:

Fever
Lethargy
Refusal to eat
Lameness that shifts from leg to leg

If your dog is displaying clinical signs and has protein in their urine, your veterinarian will likely prescribe antibiotics to reduce the infection. Unfortunately, once infected with Lyme disease, the bacterium will permanently linger within the kidneys and may cause future issues, especially when the immune system is stressed.

Testing for the disease is tricky, as it can take two to five months after being bitten by an infected tick to develop quantifiable antibodies. In some dogs, Lyme disease can advance to a form of kidney disease called Lyme nephritis, which requires intensive therapy to treat.

Your veterinarian may recommend a Lyme disease vaccine if you and your pup live in a tick hotspot, such as the northeastern United States, or if you spend a lot of time hiking through the woods. However, this does not mean that you should opt out of a monthly tick preventive. The best way to protect your dog from Lyme disease exposure is to prevent both tick bites and development of the disease.

French bulldog in a camo bandana sits on a vet table in a clinical room. Light wood cabinets and plants in the background.

Canine influenza

Canine influenza (not to be confused with parainfluenza) is a respiratory disease caused by two influenza A viruses. These viruses spread through the air, contaminated objects, or direct contact with a sick dog. Sound familiar? Just like humans, dogs can get the flu — and the flu vaccine.

Symptoms of dog flu include:

Coughing
Nasal discharge
Fever
Lethargy
Reduced appetite

Similar to their human companions, dogs usually recover from the flu within a few weeks with plenty of fluids and rest. Two strains of the dog flu vaccine are available: H3N8 and H3N2. AAHA recommends that at-risk dogs be vaccinated for both strains with a bivalent vaccine.

Risk factors include frequent visits to the dog park, daycare facilities, groomers, dog shows, and other gathering spaces for four-legged friends. So, if your pup has a busy social calendar, make sure you schedule a canine influenza vaccination to keep them safe.

Crotalus atrox

If you live in rattlesnake territory and your pup loves to roam the great outdoors, you may want to consider the Crotalus atrox vaccine. This vaccine protects your dog against illness caused by rattlesnake venom.

If your dog gets bitten by a rattlesnake, the toxin can cause fatal symptoms. Look out for:

Excessive drooling
Panting
Restlessness
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Swelling
Collapse

Now, this vaccine doesn’t offer complete immunity from rattlesnake envenomation, but it can decrease the severity of clinical signs. So, even if your dog is vaccinated, always seek emergency veterinary care if a rattlesnake bites your dog.

Puppy vaccination schedule

The vaccination schedule for puppies begins at about 6 to 8 weeks of age, when they receive their first combination vaccine, often called DHPP, DAPP, or DAP, and Bordetella if needed. This combination vaccine forms the foundation of their immune defense, and booster shots, along with noncore vaccinations, will follow every 3 to 4 weeks until your puppy reaches 15 to 16 weeks old and receives their final vaccinations in the series.

Learn which vaccines your puppy needs when with this handy puppy vaccination schedule chart:

infographic with table showing the puppy vaccination schedule from 6 weeks to 16 months

Every dog is a little different, and your veterinarian may adjust the timing to fit your puppy’s health, breed, and risk factors. Following your veterinarian’s plan closely ensures your puppy stays protected during those critical first months, and lays the groundwork for a lifetime of good health.

The cost of puppy vaccines

Vaccines are an essential investment, but they also add up. A typical vaccine might range from $25 to $50, but your veterinarian may bundle vaccines together for a discount. Routine puppy wellness visits, which often include an exam, deworming, and vaccines, can run anywhere from $100 to $300 or more in that first year depending on your region, clinic, and what your puppy is receiving.

Join to get up to $150/yr in cash back on puppy vaccines. Click the image to learn more about the Pumpkin Wellness Club.

While you can’t put a price on love, you can effectively budget for a happy, healthy puppy. Here are some tips to work those fees into your monthly expenses:

Ask your veterinarian about puppy packages

Many veterinary clinics offer discounted puppy wellness packages that include all core vaccinations, deworming, and exams for one reduced price. These bundles can significantly cut costs compared to paying for each service individually. Some practices also offer membership or wellness plans that spread payments out monthly, making it easier to manage expenses.

Keep a detailed vaccination record

A correct vaccination record is essential for many aspects of your puppy’s life. Boarding kennels, doggy daycares, training classes, and groomers often require proof of up-to-date vaccinations before your puppy can attend. Keeping accurate records prevents confusion and helps you avoid accidentally repeating shots, which saves money and unnecessary stress for your dog.

Invest in prevention

Preventive care might feel like an expense upfront, but it’s one of the best financial decisions you can make as a pet parent. Routine vaccinations, deworming, and annual exams help protect your puppy from serious diseases that can cost thousands to treat. For example, treating parvovirus can easily run over $1,000, while a parvo vaccine costs only a fraction of that.

Consider pet insurance or a wellness plan

Pet insurance and wellness-club memberships can help soften the financial impact of your puppy’s first year. Insurance policies typically cover accidents and illnesses, while wellness plans focus on preventive care such as vaccines, exams, and parasite control. Compare options carefully and choose one that fits your budget and your puppy’s lifestyle. It’s a proactive way to manage veterinary costs while ensuring your pet gets quality care throughout their life.

Routine care in your puppy’s first year is crucial, but it can also be pricey. Even the best puppy insurance plans won't cover routine care like this. So, a great way to make your dog care costs more manageable is to join the Pumpkin Wellness Club. For as low as $19.95 per month, you can get paid cash towards your pup's vaccinations, bloodwork, and other routine preventive care, including the annual wellness exam fee. Members also get access to a 24/7 Pet Health Helpline, plus perks like special discounts on top pet brands.

Space out non-urgent vaccines

If your budget is tight, talk to your veterinarian about spacing out optional vaccines like Bordetella or Lyme disease over a few months. This can make costs more manageable without compromising your dog’s safety. However, core vaccines, such as distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and rabies, should always be given on schedule. These vaccines protect against life-threatening diseases and are non-negotiable when it comes to your puppy’s health.

Possible puppy vaccine side effects

As with all medical procedures, there are some risks associated with puppy vaccinations. But these risks are extremely minor compared to the benefits of preventing deadly diseases and transmitting them to other dogs and humans.

Most puppies sail through their vaccinations with no issues. Some pups will experience mild side effects, which can include loss of appetite, localized swelling, or lethargy. Not to worry, though, since vaccine side effects in dogs usually resolve quickly after the initial vaccination.

However, if your pup experiences more severe symptoms after a vaccination, like vomiting, hives, severe pain, or a swollen face, call your veterinarian. They can provide the care your pup needs to feel better in no time.

Planning for a healthy future

Brown puppy joyfully running on a stone patio, ears flapping. Background features a brick wall, potted plant, and blurred furniture.

Vaccines are just the first step in giving your puppy the healthy start they deserve. Ongoing wellness, like regular veterinary visits, parasite prevention, nutritious meals, and positive socialization, keeps that tail wagging for years to come. Once your puppy’s vaccine series is complete, stay connected with your veterinarian to plan boosters, discuss lifestyle-based vaccines (especially if your pup’s adventures expand), and keep up with essentials like dental care, heartworm prevention, and spay or neuter surgery.

A little planning now pays off in a lifetime of love, licks, and zoomies. And while you’re thinking about your pup’s future, protect it with a Pumpkin Puppy Insurance plan.

Fetch your free quote today and give your dog the same peace of mind you give yourself.

Puppies & vaccines: FAQs

How should I prepare for puppy vaccination visits?

Puppy vaccines are quick, but preparation can make the experience smoother for you and your pet. Bring treats, toys, and a familiar blanket to comfort your puppy. Keep your tone upbeat and calm to help them associate the animal hospital with positive experiences.

Ask your veterinarian to go over your puppy’s vaccination record at each visit so you know exactly what’s next. It’s also smart to save your vaccine documentation for boarding or daycare requirements later on.

Can I vaccinate my puppy myself?

While some farm or rural pet owners may attempt DIY vaccination, it’s not recommended. Vaccines must be stored, handled, and administered properly to be effective. Your veterinarian also knows which vaccines are legally required and how to spot rare side effects. Professional vaccination ensures your puppy is protected, and that the record is valid for boarding or travel.

Do puppies really need booster shots?

Yes. Puppies’ immune systems are still developing, and maternal antibodies can interfere with vaccine effectiveness early on. Boosters ensure lasting immunity by “reminding” their immune system how to fight off diseases as they grow.

What if my puppy misses a vaccine appointment?

Call your veterinarian as soon as possible. They’ll guide you on how to safely resume the schedule. Most of the time, you won’t have to start over, but keeping consistent appointments helps maintain protection during your puppy’s most vulnerable months.

When do puppies get the rabies shot?

In most U.S. states, the first rabies vaccination is administered at about 12 to 16 weeks of age (or as required by local law). A veterinarian may follow up with a booster at one year, then every one to three years depending on regulations and vaccine product. Always confirm timing with your vet.

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