What Vaccinations Does My New Puppy Need? A Timeline for Owners

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time filled with cuddles, playtime, and lots of learning. As a responsible pet owner, one of the most important things you can do to ensure your puppy grows up healthy is to follow a proper vaccination schedule. Vaccines protect your puppy from several serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.

Why Are Vaccinations Important?

Vaccines work by preparing your puppy's immune system to recognize and fight off harmful viruses and bacteria. Many of the diseases vaccines prevent are highly contagious and can spread quickly among unvaccinated dogs. Others, like rabies, pose a threat to both pets and humans. By staying on schedule with your puppy's vaccinations, you not only protect your pet but also help safeguard your community.

Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines

Vaccines are generally divided into two categories:

•          Core vaccines: Recommended for all puppies, regardless of lifestyle or location. These protect against the most common and severe diseases.

•          Non-core vaccines: Recommended based on your puppy's risk factors such as environment, lifestyle, and travel habits.

Your veterinarian will help determine which vaccines are necessary for your puppy, but here’s a general timeline most new owners can expect to follow.

6 to 8 Weeks Old

At this age, your puppy should receive their first round of core vaccinations. These include protection against distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis (adenovirus), and parainfluenza. These are typically administered as a single combination vaccine known as DHPP or DAPP. Starting this vaccine early is crucial to help build your puppy’s immunity against these potentially life-threatening diseases.

10 to 12 Weeks Old

Around this time, your puppy will receive their second round of the DHPP vaccine to continue building immunity. Your veterinarian may also recommend the leptospirosis vaccine depending on your puppy’s lifestyle and risk of exposure. Additionally, the Bordetella vaccine may be advised, especially if your puppy will be attending daycare, boarding facilities, or groomers where kennel cough is a concern.

14 to 16 Weeks Old

During this visit, your puppy will receive their third and final DHPP booster in the initial series. The rabies vaccine is also administered at this stage and is required by law in most states. If your puppy began the leptospirosis series earlier, they will receive a booster dose to complete that protection.

12 to 16 Weeks and Beyond

Depending on your puppy’s environment and lifestyle, additional non-core vaccines may be recommended. These may include the canine influenza vaccine for dogs frequently exposed to other pets, the Lyme disease vaccine for those in tick-prone areas, and even a rattlesnake vaccine in regions where venomous snakes are common. Your veterinarian will help you determine which of these are appropriate for your pet.

Booster Shots and Adult Vaccines

After the initial puppy series, your dog will need booster shots. Most core vaccines are boosted one year after the final puppy dose and then every one to three years, depending on the vaccine and your veterinarian’s recommendations.

Keeping Track of Your Puppy’s Health

It is a good idea to keep a written record of your puppy’s vaccinations and bring this to all vet visits. Staying on top of your puppy's vaccination schedule helps your veterinarian identify when boosters are due and ensures your pet is protected throughout their life.

Schedule Your Puppy’s First Visit Today

Starting your puppy off with the right vaccinations is a vital step in raising a healthy and happy dog. By sticking to the recommended vaccination timeline and maintaining regular vet visits, you give your puppy the best chance at a long and active life.

If you have recently welcomed a puppy into your home, schedule their first wellness exam with Arrow Veterinary Clinic. We will walk you through the vaccination process and answer all your questions so you feel confident in your puppy's care. Visit our office in Lowell, Michigan, or call/text (616) 737-0100 to book an appointment today.