Which Vaccinations Does Your Puppy Need and How Often?

• This article has been reviewed by a pet health professional. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.

As you prepare for life with your new puppy, you might be surprised by the rigorous vaccine schedule. Puppies usually receive three to four rounds of vaccines in their first year, starting when they’re six to eight weeks old.

Once you start vaccinating your puppy, it’s important to stay on schedule. If your puppy’s immunity lapses, you might have to start the vaccine series over from the beginning, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

Here’s what you need to know about puppy shots, including which vaccines are essential and when to get them so your puppy stays healthy.

What Shots Do Puppies Need & When?

The table below offers a quick peek at a basic puppy vaccination timeline based on World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WASAVA) guidelines.

What Do Puppy Vaccines Protect Against?

Puppy vaccinations are split into two categories: core vaccines and non-core vaccines. “Core vaccines protect against highly contagious and potentially life-threatening diseases that are widespread and pose a significant risk,” explains Dr. Mohamed Abouelkhair, a board-certified veterinary immunologist. These are the vaccines your new puppy will require.

Non-core vaccines are optional, and they’re typically based on your pet’s geographic location, lifestyle, and risk factors.

Core puppy vaccines

These shots will come first in a typical puppy vaccine schedule and are considered standard protocol for protecting your puppy.

• Distemper. This contagious viral disease is spread through airborne exposure and shared food and water bowls. Distemper attacks a dog’s respiratory, nervous, and GI systems. Because it’s incurable, preventative vaccination is critical.
• Parvovirus. Parvovirus attacks the gastrointestinal system, and scientists have developed an effective treatment when administered early in the disease process. Fatal dehydration and sepsis from the disease can occur within 72 hours, so infected dogs require immediate veterinary intervention.
• Adenovirus (hepatitis). Canine hepatitis mainly affects a dog’s liver. If the disease progresses, it can be deadly. No cure exists, but symptoms can be managed by a vet.
• Parainfluenza. Not to be confused with canine influenza, parainfluenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus typically transmitted through contact with other dogs.
• Leptospirosis. This bacterial disease most often spreads through animal urine and both dogs and humans can contract it from contaminated water or soil. Leptospirosis can cause kidney and/or liver failure in dog. The American Animal Hospital Association updated their guidelines in 2024 to include leptospirosis shots as a core vaccine.
• Rabies. This virus attacks the nervous system and is usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Regular rabies vaccinations are required by law in most states.

Vets often administer distemper, hepatitis, parvo, and parainfluenza together as one shot, referred to as the DHPP, canine combo, or 5-in-1 shot. They give it every 3-4 weeks, starting at 6-8 weeks of age and until your puppy is more than 16 weeks of age.

Here’s a sample schedule of what your puppy’s basic shot timeline might look like.

iStock/Nataba

Non-core vaccines

Dr. Abouelkhair recommends assessing non-core vaccines on an individual basis. Your vet will recommend these based on where you live, your puppy’s medical history, and other environmental factors. Common non-core vaccines include:

• Bordetella. This is the most common bacterium that causes kennel cough. Dogs are most likely to encounter Bordetella when they’re in close quarters, such as at dog parks, boarding kennels, grooming facilities, and dog shows.
• Lyme disease. This is spread through ticks infected with the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. Vaccines for Lyme disease are generally recommended for dogs who live in areas where ticks are prevalent, especially the upper midwestern, northeastern, and mid-Atlantic states.
• Canine influenza. The canine flu spreads easily from one dog to another. This vaccine protects dogs against two virus strains that cause the majority of cases: H3N8 and H3N2. It’s often recommended for dogs who will be in close proximity to other dogs (e.g., boarding, dog shows, doggy daycare).
• Rattlesnake vaccine. If you live in an area where rattlesnakes are a threat, this vaccine may lower the dog’s response to the venom of certain species of rattlesnakes. However, dogs that are bitten still require emergency vet care.
• Coronavirus. This virus is not the same one that causes COVID-19 in humans. Canine coronavirus causes gastrointestinal problems in dogs. It’s spread through oral contact with infected fecal matter, food bowls, or an infected dog.

How Much Do Vaccines Cost?

On average, puppy vaccinations will cost between $25-$75 each. As your dog gets older, these upfront costs will diminish, as they will need less frequent vaccinations.

Prices for puppy vaccines vary depending largely on your location. For example, if you live in a densely populated area, you may pay more for vaccinations than those in a rural setting.

While you may not be excited about these additional costs, vaccinations can save you in the long run. Not only do they protect your new family member against disease, but they also protect you from the costs of expensive treatments and medications should they get sick.

Luckily, there are low-cost options for vaccines. You may also be able to find affordable vaccinations through shelters like the Animal Humane Society, which hosts monthly vaccine clinics. You can also purchase pet insurance policy add-on wellness plans. (Remember, most pet insurance companies don’t cover routine visits and vaccines unless you are enrolled in their wellness or preventative health plan.)

Keeping Up With Vaccinations

Timely vaccinations are critical for developing your pup’s immunity, Dr. Abouelkhair explains. Late or missed vaccinations can compromise your puppy’s health, leaving them susceptible to preventable diseases during a period of vulnerability.

“In some cases, catching up on missed vaccinations may require restarting the series, subjecting your puppy to unnecessary stress and cost,” he adds. For the best protection against disease, try to stick to your vet’s recommended puppy vaccine schedule.

The good news is that puppies can go outside before they are fully vaccinated, but take certain precautions. Avoid high-risk areas where other dogs are present, like the dog park. “While puppies can benefit from early socialization, taking them to public places with unknown dogs before completing their vaccinations can expose them to diseases,” Dr. Abouelkhair says.

Puppies can venture into your backyard five to seven days after their first round of vaccinations, as long as your garden or lawn is well-maintained. At this stage, puppies can safely interact with other familiar dogs who are fully vaccinated.

Tips on protecting your dog before they have all their vaccines

• A dog backpack or carrier is an excellent way to socialize your dog to noises, people, and environments without risking bacterial or viral contamination.
• Only meet with dogs who have confirmed vaccination statuses.
• Avoid dog parks or boarding your dog with other pets until they are up-to-date on vaccinations.
• Enroll in puppy training courses and camps where other similar-aged and protected dogs can play.
• Before your puppy goes outside, walk around and check that it’s free from potential hazards and animal waste.

Speak with your veterinarian about safe socialization practices and the specific risks your local area may pose.

iStock/Thicha Satapitanon

Puppy Vaccine FAQs

Are puppy vaccine reactions common?

After a vaccination, some mild reactions are to be expected. “These reactions are generally short-lived and not cause for major concern,” Dr. Abouelkhair assures. Additionally, he says your puppy may experience temporary redness or discomfort at the injection site, a slight fever, or reduced appetite. Usually, these side effects will only last 24-48 hours.

However, if your dog experiences a more serious allergic reaction or symptoms that won’t go away, notify your vet immediately. This is unlikely to occur, though.“Vaccine reactions are rare, and the benefits of vaccination greatly outweigh the potential risks,” Dr. Abouelkhair says.

What happens if you miss a puppy shot?

This depends on how late you are on getting your puppy’s shot. Sometimes, a vet may determine they can give your puppy the doses they need, with fewer weeks in between, to catch up. Other times, you may need to restart the entire vaccine series.

How do I know if my dog is up to date on shots?

Some dog breeders and shelters will provide the initial round of shots before puppies go to their forever homes, but you’ll want to confirm this by asking for your puppy’s vaccination records.

If this information is unavailable or unknown, you’ll want to talk with your vet, who may be able to run a blood test (known as an antibody titer) on your pup to see if they’ve been previously vaccinated.

Is there different vaccination guidance for small-breed dogs?

Most of the time, core vaccine schedules do not change for small, medium, and large breed dogs.

Why does my vet have different guidance than my friend’s vet?

Sometimes, where you live can change a vet’s guidance on the timing of vaccines for dogs. Vets may also recommend a specialized schedule for individual health needs.

Why do puppies need booster shots after the initial round?

Puppies often need multiple doses of the same shot (boosters) because their immune systems are constantly developing, so they require additional doses to provide enough protection against the virus or disease.

Can I administer the vaccines myself?

It is not recommended to vaccinate your dog at home. Vaccinations bought elsewhere may not have been stored properly or could be expired. Also, pet parents may not know the correct way to inject the vaccine, potentially causing harm to your dog.

Legally, do I have to vaccinate my puppy?

Most areas only legally require dog owners to have them vaccinated against rabies. The other core vaccines are usually not legally required, though they are highly recommended by vets to keep your dog safe and help prevent the spread of diseases and viruses.