Puppy Vaccination Schedule: What Each Shot Does
From DHPP to rabies, understand every vaccine your puppy needs and why timing matters for immunity.
The Core Vaccination Schedule
Puppies receive maternal antibodies from their mother's milk, which gradually fade between 6-16 weeks. Vaccinations must be timed after these antibodies drop but before the puppy is vulnerable to disease.
The 6-8 Week Vaccines
First DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus). This is the starting point — maternal antibodies are fading and the puppy's own immune system needs to begin building protection.
The 10-12 Week Boosters
Second DHPP plus often Leptospirosis. The booster reinforces the immune response started at 6-8 weeks. Most vets recommend keeping puppies away from public areas until 2 weeks after this booster.
The 14-16 Week Final Round
Final DHPP, Leptospirosis booster, and Rabies (required by law in most areas). After 2 weeks from this final set, your puppy is considered fully protected and can safely visit parks and meet other dogs.
- Keep a vaccination record — boarding kennels and groomers will ask for it
- Mild lethargy after vaccination is normal; contact your vet if it lasts over 48 hours
- Annual boosters maintain immunity — mark your calendar
- Titre testing can check immunity levels in adult dogs as an alternative to annual boosters
Lucas Martin
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
