Puppy Vaccination Schedule: What Shots Your Dog Needs and When
Most puppies leave the womb with some immunity borrowed from their mother — but that protection fades. The 6–16 week vaccine series exists to build your puppy's own defenses before that window closes, which is why timing and completing every dose matters.
🚨 See Your Vet IMMEDIATELY If:
- Your puppy shows lethargy, vomiting, or difficulty breathing within 1–2 hours of any vaccine
- Face or muzzle swelling appears after vaccination
- Your puppy collapses or seems disoriented after a shot
- Hives or sudden scratching breaks out post-vaccination
Note: Non-anaphylactic reactions — such as low-grade lethargy or mild soreness — can sometimes appear up to 24–48 hours after vaccination. These are generally less urgent but should still be monitored and reported to your vet if they persist or worsen.
Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines: What's the Difference?
Core vaccines are recommended for every puppy regardless of lifestyle:
- DA2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza): Given at 6–8 weeks, 10–12 weeks, 14–16 weeks, then again at 1 year. Some vets now recommend an additional dose at 16–18 weeks specifically because maternal antibodies can still be interfering with vaccine effectiveness at the earlier visits — check with your vet about current AAHA guidelines.
- Rabies: One dose at 12–16 weeks (timing varies by local law), booster at 1 year, then every 1–3 years depending on your state
- Bordetella (kennel cough): Recommended if your puppy visits dog parks, groomers, boarding, or daycare — often required before enrollment
- Leptospirosis: Suggested for puppies with outdoor exposure, especially near wildlife or standing water
- Lyme disease: Recommended in tick-heavy regions
- Canine Influenza: Considered for puppies in high-contact social settings
The Standard Schedule at a Glance
| Age | Vaccines |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | DA2PP #1 |
| 10–12 weeks | DA2PP #2, Bordetella, Lepto #1 |
| 14–16 weeks | DA2PP #3, Rabies, Lepto #2 |
| 12–16 months | DA2PP booster, Rabies booster |
When to See Your Vet — With Timeframes
- Mild soreness or fatigue after shots: Normal for 24–48 hours; no vet visit needed unless it worsens
- Low-grade lethargy lasting more than 48 hours: Call your vet same day
- Vomiting, swelling, or hives within 2 hours of vaccination: Emergency — go immediately
- Missed a vaccine in the series: Call your vet within a few days to reschedule; gaps may require restarting portions of the series
- Puppies under 12 weeks showing any post-vaccine symptoms beyond mild tiredness: Call your vet within 12 hours — young puppies have less reserve to handle complications
What You Can Do at Home
Between vaccine appointments:
- Keep your puppy away from unvaccinated dogs and high-traffic dog areas (dog parks, pet store floors) until the full series is complete at 16 weeks. Even after the first or second shot, your puppy is not yet fully protected — parvo and distemper remain real risks until immunity is fully established.
- Socialization is still critical — arrange puppy playdates with dogs you know are vaccinated and healthy
- After each vaccine visit, limit intense play for the rest of the day. Check the injection site for any swelling or tenderness, and avoid bathing your puppy for at least 24 hours after vaccination.
- Write down the date, vaccine name, and which clinic administered each shot
- Keep your vaccine records in one place — many boarding facilities, groomers, and trainers require proof of current Bordetella and Rabies
- Note any reactions, even mild ones, and share them at your next vet visit so your vet can adjust protocols if needed
- LOKI can store your puppy's vaccine records and send reminders when the next shot is due — so you never lose track of where you are in the series
LOKI tracks your pet's daily health patterns and helps you spot changes early — including reminders for upcoming vaccines and vet visits. Try it free at loki.cat2.ai