Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Core vs non-core vaccines

Core vaccines are recommended for every dog by the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) and WSAVA. They protect against diseases that are widespread, severe, and often fatal:

• DHPP — combined vaccine for Distemper, Hepatitis (adenovirus), Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus.
• Rabies — legally required in most jurisdictions. Single dose at 12-16 weeks, then 1-year booster, then every 1-3 years depending on state law and vaccine product.

Non-core vaccines are recommended only if your dog’s lifestyle puts them at risk:

• Bordetella (kennel cough) — required by most boarding facilities, daycares, and groomers.
• Leptospirosis — bacterial disease spread through wildlife urine and standing water. Risk is higher in suburban / rural dogs and in regions with significant wildlife.
• Lyme disease — tick-borne. Recommended in the Northeast US, Upper Midwest, and parts of the West Coast where Lyme is endemic.
• Canine Influenza — recommended for dogs in group settings (daycare, boarding, shows).

Adult booster schedule

After the 1-year boosters, vaccination intervals lengthen:

• DHPP: every 3 years (AAHA standard).
• Rabies: every 1 or 3 years depending on local law and vaccine product.
• Bordetella: annually (some are 6-month).
• Leptospirosis, Lyme, Influenza: annually.

Annual wellness exams are recommended even when no vaccines are due — your vet will check weight, dental health, joints, and run heartworm and fecal tests.

What to do if you miss a vaccine

• Less than 6 weeks late: just give the missed dose; the series usually picks up where it left off.
• More than 6 weeks late on a puppy series: some vets restart the series; others give two doses 3-4 weeks apart. Confirm with your vet.
• Adult booster missed: usually a single catch-up dose; rabies may require state-specific re-quarantine handling.

Frequently asked questions

Which vaccines are required for dogs?

Rabies is legally required in nearly every US state and most of Canada/Europe, with first dose at 12-16 weeks and boosters every 1-3 years depending on local law. The "core" vaccines recommended by AAHA for every dog are DHPP (distemper, hepatitis/adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus) and rabies. Other vaccines are "non-core" — added based on your dog's lifestyle and local risk.

When can my puppy go outside?

Wait until 1-2 weeks after the final puppy DHPP booster (typically 16-18 weeks of age) before letting your puppy walk on the ground in public areas. Until then, you can carry them outside, visit clean indoor spaces, and host vaccinated friend-dogs at home — socialization in this window is critical.

Do indoor dogs need vaccines?

Yes. Rabies is legally required regardless of lifestyle. Distemper and parvovirus can be carried in on shoes and clothing. Even strictly indoor dogs visit the vet, get groomed, or go to the pet store, exposing them to other dogs and contaminated surfaces.

Are there risks to vaccinating?

Mild reactions (lethargy, slight fever, soreness at injection site) are common and resolve in 24-48 hours. Serious reactions (facial swelling, vomiting, anaphylaxis) are rare but possible — keep your puppy at the clinic for 30 minutes after the first vaccine to monitor. The benefit of preventing parvo, distemper, and rabies far outweighs vaccine reaction risk.

My puppy is older than 16 weeks — what do I do?

For puppies who missed early shots, vets typically give a 2-shot DHPP series 3-4 weeks apart, plus rabies. Adult dogs who never received core vaccines need the same catch-up. Talk to your vet — adjustments depend on age and health history.

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