Puppy Vaccine Schedule: A Complete Guide

Puppy vaccine schedules begin between 6 and 8 weeks old, with additional doses every few weeks until they reach 16 weeks.¹

While this may involve several trips to the veterinarian, it’s essential to maintain open communication with your vet to protect your dog’s health and quality of life. Let’s start with general recommendations for your puppy.

Vaccine Schedule for Puppies

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) recommends the following vaccination schedule for puppies and dogs.¹

Why Are Puppy Vaccination Schedules Important?

Vaccinations are essential for your puppy’s health and safety. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA^Ⓡ), vaccines protect puppies from many infectious diseases once they lose the antibodies passed through their mother’s milk.²

Staying on top of your puppy’s shots helps keep your puppy healthy and can save you from costly treatments for preventable diseases later in their life. Many local and state ordinances also require household pets to be vaccinated. Fortunately for puppy parents, pet insurance may help cover the cost of vaccinations and related illnesses.

What Shots Do Puppies Need?

When planning your puppy’s vaccination schedule, it’s important to understand which canine vaccines are necessary and why. Vaccines are typically divided into core and non-core categories. Core vaccines are essential for every dog, while non-core vaccines may be recommended based on your puppy’s lifestyle and environment.

Core vaccines

Core vaccines are critical for your puppy’s health. These vaccines will help protect them from highly contagious diseases that can be transmitted to humans. The core vaccinations your puppy needs include:^1,2

• Distemper (DAP/DHP): Canine distemper is an airborne virus that can severely impact a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. The DAP/DHP vaccine covers distemper as well as adenovirus (canine hepatitis) and parvovirus.
• Parvovirus: Parvovirus (or parvo) causes severe gastrointestinal issues in dogs, like diarrhea and vomiting. This virus can be particularly dangerous for puppies.
• Adenovirus: Also known as canine hepatitis, this virus leads to liver inflammation.
• Rabies: A fatal disease transmitted through animal bites, rabies can cause paralysis and difficulty swallowing. Rabies vaccinations are required by law in many states, and dogs receive a tag to show proof of vaccination.

While adult dogs may have more developed immune systems that help mitigate these illnesses, puppies are especially vulnerable, which is why these vaccines are administered in a series of doses at a young age.

Non-core vaccines

Noncore vaccines are additional protections offered based on your puppy’s risk factors and environment. These vaccines are generally recommended if your puppy is likely to be exposed to certain diseases. Common non-core vaccines include:^1,2

• Bordetella (Kennel Cough): The bordetella vaccine protects against respiratory infections common in environments where dogs are in close contact — like doggy daycares, dog parks, and group training classes.
• Parainfluenza: Often administered with the DAP/DHP vaccine, the canine parainfluenza vaccine protects against a highly contagious respiratory virus that contributes to kennel cough, particularly in environments where dogs interact closely.³
• Canine influenza: Similar to human flu, canine influenza spreads through respiratory droplets from sneezing, coughing, and wheezing. This vaccine is particularly important for dogs who are frequently exposed to other pets.
• Leptospirosis: Lepto is a serious bacterial infection that can spread to humans through contact with contaminated surfaces or urine. Leptospirosis in dogs can cause significant damage to the kidneys and liver.
• Lyme disease: Transmitted by ticks, Lyme disease can be harmful to dogs and their human companions — although dogs often show no symptoms.

Puppy Shot Schedule: What To Expect at Each Stage

As your puppy grows, they’ll follow a specific vaccination schedule to ensure they’re protected against common diseases. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect at each stage.

Stage 1: 6 – 8 weeks old

At 6 – 8 weeks old, your puppy will receive their first round of core vaccinations, including shots for distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis. Your veterinarian may also recommend the bordetella vaccine, especially if your puppy is going to be around other dogs.¹

Stage 2: 10 – 12 weeks old

During the 10 – 12 week timeframe, your puppy will need booster shots for distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis to reinforce their immunity. Non-core vaccines, like leptospirosis and influenza, may also be given based on your puppy’s environment and lifestyle.¹

Stage 3: 14 – 16 weeks old

At 14 – 16 weeks old, your puppy will receive their final round of core vaccines. These include the rabies shot, which is required by law in most states, as well as the final booster vaccinations for distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis. The Lyme disease vaccine may be recommended if your puppy is at risk.¹

Stage 4: 12 – 16 months old

When your puppy reaches 12 – 16 months of age, they’ll receive annual boosters to maintain immunity. This includes the rabies booster and any other core vaccines necessary for continued protection. Certain non-core vaccines may be recommended by your veterinarian, depending on any ongoing risk factors.¹

How Much Do Puppy Vaccines Cost?

The average cost of a canine vaccine is less than $100 — but it depends on the vaccine being given, the dosage needed, and where you live.⁴ For example, the DAPP/DHPP vaccine (the DAP/DHP vaccine plus a parainfluenza vaccine given in one vial) ranges from $75 – $100 for three rounds of shots, and a rabies shot can cost around $15 – $20.⁴

Non-core vaccines like bordetella, lepto, canine influenza, and Lyme can cost around $32, $23, $51, and $41 respectively.⁵ If you adopt a puppy from an animal shelter, the adoption fee often includes core vaccinations. Some shelters might even cover the cost of all vaccines.

Certain pet insurance plans may help cover the cost of vaccinations, including both core and non-core vaccines for your puppy. Coverage varies by policy, so it’s important to check the specific plan details. Many pet insurance policies may reimburse⁶ you for vaccinations after you’ve paid the initial costs.

What Are the Risks of Vaccinating Puppies?

Vaccinating your pup has very few risks compared to the illnesses they prevent. Puppies may experience mild, short-term reactions to vaccines, but serious adverse side effects are rare due to advancements in vaccine technology. A more serious side effect may include an allergic reaction to the vaccination.²

If you have concerns, discuss them with your puppy’s veterinarian. They can help prepare your dog for the vaccines and address any anxieties you may have.

Vaccinations for Adult Dogs

After their initial puppy vaccines, adult dogs need booster shots annually. This ensures they maintain immunity against infectious respiratory diseases and viruses. To assess your dog’s immunity levels, consider requesting an antibody titer test from your vet. This test measures the presence of antibodies in the blood and helps guide vaccination decisions.²

Depending on your dog’s lifestyle, you might also consider non-core vaccines to further protect them from diseases common in specific environments, like doggy daycares or dog parks.

Keeping Up With Your Puppy’s Vaccination Schedule

Tracking your puppy’s vaccinations is manageable with a few simple steps. Request a copy of your pup’s vaccination records when you adopt or purchase them, and use it to schedule future booster shots. Your vet may also provide reminders for upcoming vaccinations and appointments.

To further ease the financial aspect of routine canine vaccinations, consider enrolling in a dog insurance plan with a preventive care add-on. If you enroll in an optional preventive care add-on, MetLife Pet Insurance can help you cover vaccination costs and other health expenses. If you’re ready to get started, secure your free quote from MetLife Pet Insurance today.