Puppies need several vaccinations to protect them from common and serious diseases. The exact schedule may vary depending on where you live, but here’s a list of the core vaccines and non-core vaccines that are commonly recommended for puppies

Core Vaccines

These are considered essential for all puppies, regardless of lifestyle or location

• DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
  • Distemper – A potentially fatal viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
  • Hepatitis (Adenovirus-2) – A viral infection that affects the liver and can cause severe illness.
  • Parvovirus – A highly contagious and often fatal virus that primarily affects puppies and causes severe gastrointestinal distress.
  • Parainfluenza – A respiratory virus that can lead to kennel cough.

  This combination vaccine is often given as a series starting at 6–8 weeks of age, with booster shots every 3–4 weeks until the puppy is about 16 weeks old.

• Rabies
  • Rabies is a fatal viral infection that can affect any mammal, including humans. It is legally required in many areas, typically administered at around 12–16 weeks of age, with a booster given one year later, and then every 1–3 years thereafter depending on local laws.

Non-Core Vaccines

These vaccines may be recommended based on the puppy’s lifestyle, environment, and risk factors (e.g., exposure to other animals, travel, or living conditions)

• Bordetella Bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough)
  • Bordetella is a bacterial infection that causes a persistent cough and is highly contagious, especially in environments with many dogs, such as kennels, dog parks, or grooming salons. This vaccine is often given if the puppy will be exposed to these situations.
• Leptospirosis
  • Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that affects the liver and kidneys and can be transmitted to humans. It’s more common in areas with standing water or where dogs might have access to contaminated water sources. It is typically given as a combination vaccine with DHPP.
• Lyme Disease (Borrelia Burgdorferi)
  • This vaccine is recommended for puppies in areas where Lyme disease is prevalent and where ticks are common. Lyme disease can cause lameness and kidney failure in dogs.
• Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)
  • A relatively new vaccine, this is recommended if the puppy is at risk for exposure to canine influenza, particularly in high-density areas like shelters, boarding facilities, or dog shows.
• Coronavirus
  • This is different from the human COVID-19 virus. Canine coronavirus affects the gastrointestinal system, but it’s less common in puppies due to effective vaccination programs. It may be recommended in some regions.

Vaccine Schedule

Puppies typically start their vaccine series at 6-8 weeks of age and will receive boosters every 3–4 weeks until they are around 16 weeks old. The rabies vaccine is typically given at 12–16 weeks of age. After the puppy series, annual or triennial boosters are usually recommended based on local guidelines and your veterinarian’s advice.

Important Notes

• Titer Testing – Some veterinarians recommend titer testing to check for immunity after vaccinations, especially for diseases like distemper or parvovirus, to avoid unnecessary boosters.
• Consult a Veterinarian – Always follow your vet’s recommendations and adjust based on your puppy’s specific needs, health history, and risk factors.

By staying on top of your puppy’s vaccinations, you help ensure they grow up healthy and protected from dangerous diseases.