09/05/2022
Dog and Puppy Vaccinations Timeline: When to Get What Shots
Learn more about dog and puppy vaccinations with a comprehensive timeline that shows what shots your dog needs, when to get them, and why it's important
Are you the proud owner of a new dog or puppy, or considering adding a new bundle of fur to your family? There's a lot to think about and get done as a new dog parent, and vaccinations should be at the top of your list. Vaccinations are necessary to protect your dog and your community from diseases that are both serious and preventable.1
Below you'll find a basic guide to vaccinations, including both an adult dog vaccination schedule and a schedule for puppy vaccines, as well as their estimated costs.
What are Dog Vaccinations?
Dog and puppy vaccinations are a series of shots your pooch will need throughout their lifetime in order to stay healthy and prevent the spread of disease. When your dog or puppy is vaccinated, they'll receive a vaccine containing antigens that stimulate your dog's immune system by simulating an organism that causes disease.1 This trains your pup's immune system to recognize the organism so that if they're ever exposed to it in real life, it will be better able to fight it off.1
Puppy Vaccinations
Newborn and nursing puppies receive antibodies from their mother that protect them from common dog illnesses.1 But after they're weaned onto solid food, those antibodies fade. Puppies should begin building immunity through a series of vaccinations as soon as they're old enough to leave their mother.1 If you get your puppy from a reputable breeder, typically, they'll take care of the first round of shots, and you'll be responsible for boosters. The same usually goes for adopting from a shelter. Otherwise, you'll need to get your pup's first round of shots taken care of as soon as possible after you bring them home, and before allowing them to be around other dogs.
What Shots Do Puppies Need?
Dog and puppy vaccinations are broken down into two categories containing specific vaccinations. These two categories are as follows:
Core puppy vaccines
Noncore dog and puppy vaccines
Core Puppy Vaccines
The shots that are considered essential for your puppy's health, all of which your veterinarian may refer to as “core" vaccines3 include:
Canine distemper vaccine - Canine distemper is caused by a virus that severely attacks the respiratory, nervous and gastrointestinal (GI) systems. It's highly contagious and potentially fatal, affecting animals like raccoons and skunks as well as dogs, and can be passed between species through sneezing or coughing. It can also be transmitted between dogs who share water and food bowls or other equipment.4
Adenovirus vaccine - Otherwise known as canine hepatitis, this highly contagious virus attacks a dog's liver and kidneys, as well as the eyes, lungs and spleen. This viral infection is unrelated to types of hepatitis that affect humans.4
Parvovirus vaccine - The parvo vaccine for puppies protects against a dangerous and highly contagious virus that attacks the GI system, causing appetite loss, vomiting, severe diarrhea and severe dehydration. This virus is dangerous for any dog, but especially so for puppies under four months of age.4
Rabies vaccine - Rabies vaccines for dogs are required by law in the U.S. All dogs should be vaccinated for rabies at approximately 14 weeks of age, and then again at one year of age. Depending on your local regulations, re-vaccination should happen every one to three years.4
The first three vaccines are usually combined in a single vaccine cocktail that's commonly referred to as DAP or DHP. Some vets offer a DAPP or DHPP shot, which also includes antigens for parainfluenza,3 and some offer a DHLPP shot that also includes leptospirosis,4 even though neither of these are considered core vaccines.
Core vaccines are required for all dogs and puppies. A core combination vaccine should be given at 8, 10 and 12 weeks of age, and then repeated annually. Some veterinarians may switch to an every three-year vaccination schedule after a dog reaches two years of age.
og In
Well U
Menu
Dog and Puppy Vaccinations Timeline: When to Get What Shots
Learn more about dog and puppy vaccinations with a comprehensive timeline that shows what shots your dog needs, when to get them, and why it's important.
Posted March 15, 2022
Facebook Icon Twitter Icon Share Icon
Puppy and kitten on veterinary exam table
Are you the proud owner of a new dog or puppy, or considering adding a new bundle of fur to your family? There's a lot to think about and get done as a new dog parent, and vaccinations should be at the top of your list. Vaccinations are necessary to protect your dog and your community from diseases that are both serious and preventable.1
Below you'll find a basic guide to vaccinations, including both an adult dog vaccination schedule and a schedule for puppy vaccines, as well as their estimated costs.
What are Dog Vaccinations?
Dog and puppy vaccinations are a series of shots your pooch will need throughout their lifetime in order to stay healthy and prevent the spread of disease. When your dog or puppy is vaccinated, they'll receive a vaccine containing antigens that stimulate your dog's immune system by simulating an organism that causes disease.1 This trains your pup's immune system to recognize the organism so that if they're ever exposed to it in real life, it will be better able to fight it off.1
Puppy Vaccinations
Newborn and nursing puppies receive antibodies from their mother that protect them from common dog illnesses.1 But after they're weaned onto solid food, those antibodies fade. Puppies should begin building immunity through a series of vaccinations as soon as they're old enough to leave their mother.1 If you get your puppy from a reputable breeder, typically, they'll take care of the first round of shots, and you'll be responsible for boosters. The same usually goes for adopting from a shelter. Otherwise, you'll need to get your pup's first round of shots taken care of as soon as possible after you bring them home, and before allowing them to be around other dogs.2
What Shots Do Puppies Need?
Dog and puppy vaccinations are broken down into two categories containing specific vaccinations. These two categories are as follows:
Core puppy vaccines
Noncore dog and puppy vaccines
Core Puppy Vaccines
The shots that are considered essential for your puppy's health, all of which your veterinarian may refer to as “core" vaccines3 include:
Canine distemper vaccine - Canine distemper is caused by a virus that severely attacks the respiratory, nervous and gastrointestinal (GI) systems. It's highly contagious and potentially fatal, affecting animals like raccoons and skunks as well as dogs, and can be passed between species through sneezing or coughing. It can also be transmitted between dogs who share water and food bowls or other equipment.4
Adenovirus vaccine - Otherwise known as canine hepatitis, this highly contagious virus attacks a dog's liver and kidneys, as well as the eyes, lungs and spleen. This viral infection is unrelated to types of hepatitis that affect humans.4
Parvovirus vaccine - The parvo vaccine for puppies protects against a dangerous and highly contagious virus that attacks the GI system, causing appetite loss, vomiting, severe diarrhea and severe dehydration. This virus is dangerous for any dog, but especially so for puppies under four months of age.4
Rabies vaccine - Rabies vaccines for dogs are required by law in the U.S. All dogs should be vaccinated for rabies at approximately 14 weeks of age, and then again at one year of age. Depending on your local regulations, re-vaccination should happen every one to three years.4
The first three vaccines are usually combined in a single vaccine cocktail that's commonly referred to as DAP or DHP. Some vets offer a DAPP or DHPP shot, which also includes antigens for parainfluenza,3 and some offer a DHLPP shot that also includes leptospirosis,4 even though neither of these are considered core vaccines.
Core vaccines are required for all dogs and puppies. A core combination vaccine should be given at 8, 10 and 12 weeks of age, and then repeated annually. Some veterinarians may switch to an every three-year vaccination schedule after a dog reaches two years of age.
Non-core Dog and Puppy Vaccines
Non-core puppy vaccinations are those that are considered optional. Your vet may recommend them based on your puppy's level of risk, determined by factors like age, activities, and geographic location.
For example, if you live in an area where deer ticks are common, your vet may recommend that you vaccinate your pup for lyme disease. Or if your pup will spend a lot of time around other dogs, whether at a dog park, doggie daycare or a boarding kennel, it's strongly advised to have them vaccinated for bordetella, a virus that causes kennel cough.4
In addition to those two vaccines, non-core vaccinations also include both parainfluenza and canine influenza,5 as well as leptospirosis, a zoonotic bacterial disease that can be transmitted from dogs to people.4
In summary, non-core dog and puppy vaccines are optional and include:
Lyme vaccine - Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that affects dogs as well as humans. While humans develop a tell-tale rash that helps to identify this disease, it's much harder to diagnose in dogs, and even if treated quickly, relapses can impact your dog's health for months or even years. It's important to get the lyme disease vaccine for dogs if you live in an area where this illness is prevalent.4
Bordetella vaccine - Bordetella is a highly infectious bacterial infection that is the primary cause of kennel cough, a cold- or flu-like illness that causes coughing and vomiting. Although rare, it can also result in seizures and death. Proof of the bordatella vaccine for dogs is usually required if you plan to board your dog or puppy, place it in daycare or attend group training classes.4
Parainfluenza and canine influenza vaccines - Vaccinating your dog or puppy for these viruses will help protect them from catching or spreading other forms of kennel cough. Though usually less severe than bordetella, these respiratory illnesses can become serious and even deadly in rare cases. These vaccines are advisable if your dog will be around other dogs whose vaccination history you don't know, and may be required if you want to board your pup.4
Leptospirosis vaccine - Lepto is a bacterial infection that can be spread from dogs to humans. While dogs infected with leptospirosis may not show any symptoms, symptoms can be quite severe, including fever, abdominal pain, appetite loss, infertility, jaundice and kidney failure. Because of the risk of spread to humans, it's important to include this vaccine if your vet advises it.
