Every puppy is a little different, and your vet will set the exact plan based on your puppy's age, health, where you live and your puppy's lifestyle. This is the typical pattern most vets follow, so you know what to expect.
Core vaccines every puppy gets
- DHPP (sometimes written DAPP or DA2PP): protects against distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), parvovirus and parainfluenza. Given as a series of shots a few weeks apart.
- Rabies: required by law in most US states. Usually given once your puppy is old enough, often around 12 to 16 weeks.
The typical timeline
| Age | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| 6 to 8 weeks | First DHPP shot, first exam, deworming |
| 10 to 12 weeks | Second DHPP shot. Your vet may start optional vaccines here |
| 14 to 16 weeks | Third DHPP shot and rabies (timing for rabies depends on local law) |
| About 1 year | Boosters for DHPP and rabies |
| Adult years | Boosters every 1 to 3 years, depending on the vaccine and local rules |
The series matters because the protection a puppy gets from its mother fades at an unpredictable time. Spacing the shots out makes sure one of them "takes" once that protection is gone.
Optional (lifestyle) vaccines
Your vet may suggest these depending on where you live and what your puppy will do:
- Bordetella (kennel cough): often required for daycare, boarding and grooming.
- Leptospirosis: for dogs around wildlife, standing water or rural areas.
- Lyme disease: in areas with a lot of ticks.
- Canine influenza: for social dogs, boarding or dog shows.
Before the series is done
Until your vet says your puppy is fully protected, it's safest to skip dog parks and busy dog areas where unknown dogs go. You can still socialize: carry your puppy to see new places, and set up play with healthy, vaccinated dogs you know.
Keep every date in one place
You'll need vaccine records for daycare, boarding, groomers, training classes and travel. Write down the vaccine, the date, the vet and when the next one is due. A single page you can grab saves a lot of scrambling later.
Never lose track of vaccines and vet visits.
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Open the calculatorQuestions people ask
How many shots does a puppy need?
Most puppies get three or four DHPP shots a few weeks apart between about 6 and 16 weeks, plus a rabies shot. Your vet will set the exact number.
When can my puppy go outside?
Your puppy can go in your own yard right away. Most vets suggest waiting until about 1 to 2 weeks after the final puppy shots before visiting dog parks or busy dog areas.
Does my adult dog still need vaccines?
Yes. Adult dogs need boosters, usually every 1 to 3 years depending on the vaccine and local laws. Rabies boosters are required by law in most states.
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The Paw Plan shares general information, not veterinary advice. Every pet is different, so check with your vet about your pet's health, diet and care.
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