Your Guide to Puppy's First Shots: Timeline, Types, and What Every New Dog Owner Should Know

So you’ve just brought home an adorable new puppy—congratulations! Between choosing the right food, toys, and training approaches, there’s one crucial milestone you absolutely cannot overlook: vaccinations. Getting your puppy’s first shots on schedule is arguably the most important investment you’ll make in their health and longevity.

Why Your Puppy Needs Multiple Shots (Not Just One)

Here’s something many first-time dog owners don’t realize: puppies don’t get immunity from a single vaccination. When puppies are born, they inherit temporary antibodies from their mother, but this maternal protection is short-lived and actually interferes with how vaccines work. To ensure your puppy develops strong enough immunity, they require multiple doses over several weeks.

According to veterinary experts, this repeated vaccination approach—called a series with boosters—is essential because puppies have underdeveloped immune systems that need reinforcement. The goal is to build antibodies to a protective level, which is why your vet will insist on multiple appointments rather than one convenient visit.

Understanding Core vs. Noncore Vaccines

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) categorizes puppy vaccinations into two groups, and understanding the difference helps you make informed decisions with your vet.

Core vaccines are recommended for every single puppy, regardless of lifestyle or location. These protect against diseases that are either widespread, extremely dangerous, or legally required:

• Canine distemper – A viral infection attacking the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems
• Canine adenovirus – Causes infectious canine hepatitis, a severe liver disease
• Canine parvovirus – An extremely contagious and sometimes fatal gastrointestinal virus
• Rabies – Required by law in most U.S. states; fatal if contracted

Often, the distemper, adenovirus, and parvovirus vaccines are combined into one shot called DHPP (or DAP without the parainfluenza component).

Noncore vaccines are optional and recommended based on your puppy’s specific risk factors, geography, and lifestyle. These include:

• Leptospirosis (bacterial infection from contaminated water/soil)
• Lyme disease (transmitted by deer ticks)
• Bordetella (causes kennel cough)
• Canine influenza
• Rattlesnake toxoid (for dogs in snake-prone regions)

Your veterinarian will advise which noncore vaccines make sense for your puppy based on where you live and how your dog will spend their time.

Breaking Down Each Essential Vaccine

Canine Distemper: The Respiratory Threat

This highly contagious viral disease spreads through coughing, sneezing, or shared food and water bowls. Infected puppies develop fever, nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy, and appetite loss. In severe cases, the virus attacks the central nervous system, causing circling, head tilting, muscle twitches, seizures, and even paralysis.

Puppies under 4 months and unvaccinated dogs face the highest risk. Protection starts early: puppies should receive their first distemper vaccine at 6 weeks, then boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age.

Canine Adenovirus: The Liver Destroyer

Infectious canine hepatitis (ICH), caused by canine adenovirus type 1, is severe and often fatal. The virus spreads through urine, feces, and nasal/eye discharge, attacking the liver, kidneys, and blood vessels. Young puppies are most vulnerable, showing decreased appetite, depression, mild fever, and eye/nose discharge. In critical cases, puppies develop vomiting, diarrhea, facial swelling, and jaundice—conditions that frequently prove fatal.

Puppies typically receive protection as part of the DHPP combo vaccine, with at least three doses administered between 6-16 weeks (spaced 2-4 weeks apart). A booster within one year is recommended, followed by shots every three years.

Canine Parvovirus: Highly Resistant and Dangerous

Parvo is a nightmare for unvaccinated puppies under 4 months. This highly contagious virus targets the gastrointestinal tract and spreads through contaminated feces, environments, and even surfaces like food bowls, collars, and people’s hands. What makes parvo particularly menacing is its resilience—it survives heat, cold, humidity, and can persist in the environment for extended periods.

Infected puppies show lethargy, appetite loss, severe abdominal pain, fever (or dangerously low temperature), vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Due to puppies’ extreme vulnerability, vaccination is non-negotiable. The parvovirus vaccine should be given at 6-8 weeks, 10-12 weeks, and 14-16 weeks, with a booster one year later, then every three years thereafter.

Rabies: The Legal Requirement

Rabies, caused by the Lyssavirus, is transmitted through infected saliva and affects the central nervous system. Infected animals exhibit abnormal behavior—agitation, aggression, excessive drooling, and unprovoked biting. Globally, rabies kills nearly 60,000 people annually and millions of animals, making vaccination mandatory in the U.S. (though schedules vary by state).

Puppies receive an initial rabies series of two vaccines spaced one year apart, followed by boosters every three years. State laws determine specific timing requirements, so check with your local veterinarian.

Leptospirosis: The Water-Borne Bacterial Threat

This bacterial disease, caused by Leptospira bacteria found in soil and water, damages the liver or kidneys. Symptoms include fever, muscle pain, increased thirst, urinary changes, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Dogs contract it through contact with infected urine, contaminated water, wounds, contaminated food, or even bites from infected animals.

Leptospirosis is technically a noncore vaccine, but UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine now recommends it as core for California dogs due to the disease’s life-threatening potential and vaccine safety improvements. The initial shot should be given no earlier than 12 weeks, followed by a booster 2-4 weeks later, with annual revaccination for continued protection.

Lyme Disease: The Tick-Borne Concern

Transmitted by deer ticks (black-legged ticks), Lyme disease is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. Ticks need 1-2 days attached to transmit the bacteria, so prompt tick removal is critical. The disease primarily affects dogs in the Northeast (especially New England), upper Midwest, and Pacific Coast regions.

Signs include fever, appetite loss, painful/swollen joints, lameness, swollen lymph nodes, and lethargy. Left untreated, Lyme disease damages kidneys, the nervous system, and the heart. The vaccine is noncore and recommended mainly for dogs in high-tick areas or those spending significant outdoor time hiking or exploring.

Bordetella (Kennel Cough): The Contagious Respiratory Disease

Canine infectious respiratory disease complex, commonly called kennel cough, is highly contagious and causes a distinctive honking cough. Other symptoms include lethargy, reduced appetite, fever, and rapid breathing. Multiple bacteria and viruses contribute to kennel cough; the most common culprits are Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza virus, and canine adenovirus type 2.

This noncore vaccine is recommended for puppies that are boarded, groomed, or frequent dog parks and high-traffic areas. Vaccination methods include injection, oral administration into the cheek pouch, or intranasal drops—the latter providing localized immunity on nasal and throat membranes for faster protection than injectable vaccines.

Canine Influenza: The Respiratory Infection

Similar to human influenza, canine influenza causes respiratory infection through close contact in kennels, shelters, and dog parks. It spreads via coughing, sneezing, or contaminated objects (bowls, leashes, hands). Infected dogs develop cough, eye/nose discharge, sneezing, fever, lethargy, and appetite loss.

The AAHA classifies this as noncore; the vaccine may not prevent infection but can reduce severity and duration. It’s increasingly recommended as canine influenza cases rise across the U.S., particularly for social dogs or those in boarding/grooming situations.

Rattlesnake Toxoid: The Venom Defense

This noncore vaccine helps dogs build antibodies against rattlesnake venom. However, the AAHA notes limited published evidence of efficacy. Two doses spaced one month apart are standard, with annual boosters required at least one month before rattlesnake habitat exposure. Important note: this vaccine delays toxin effects but doesn’t eliminate the need for emergency veterinary care if bitten.

Your Puppy’s First Shots Timeline

Initial Series (Weeks 6-16):

• 6-8 weeks: First DHPP vaccine, first rabies (where required by law)
• 10-12 weeks: Second DHPP vaccine, noncore vaccines as recommended
• 14-16 weeks: Final DHPP vaccine, final rabies (where required), noncore boosters

Year One Boosters:

• Complete initial series by 16 weeks, then follow booster schedule based on vaccine type

Annual/Triennial Schedule:

• Most core vaccines: Booster within one year of final initial dose, then every three years
• Leptospirosis/Lyme/Bordetella/Influenza: Annual boosters recommended
• Rabies: Follow state-specific requirements (typically every 1-3 years)

What Will Your Puppy’s First Shots Cost?

The total vaccination package for puppies typically ranges from $75-$100, though location matters significantly. Individual vaccine costs average:

• Bordetella: ~$31
• DHPP combo: ~$36
• Bivalent Influenza: ~$49
• Leptospirosis: ~$22
• Lyme disease: ~$39
• Rabies: ~$25

Keep in mind these are average prices and vary by veterinary clinic. Some practices offer puppy wellness packages bundling all vaccines and visits at discounted rates. Additionally, low-cost clinics and local animal shelters often provide more affordable vaccination services.

Plan for booster shots every 1-3 years depending on the vaccine—this is an ongoing expense beyond the puppy stage.

Pet Insurance: Does It Make Sense?

Beyond vaccinations, consider whether pet insurance fits your budget. Insurance can significantly offset costs: wellness plans that cover routine care including vaccines typically cost 40-60% less than paying out-of-pocket, depending on the provider.

Benefits of early enrollment include:

• Avoiding pre-existing condition exclusions
• Protection against costly emergency vet visits
• Avoiding waiting periods that accumulate with age
• Lower premiums for younger puppies

A wellness plan addition covers annual visits, vaccinations, heartworm treatment, and routine preventive care—helping keep your puppy healthy long-term.

Common Questions About Puppy’s First Shots

When do puppies need booster shots?

Because puppies have underdeveloped immune systems, boosters are essential. Most core vaccines (distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza) require one dose within one year of the final initial dose, then every three years. Rabies boosters depend on state law (1-3 years). Noncore vaccines like leptospirosis, Lyme, bordetella, and influenza typically need annual boosters for maintained protection.

How many parvo shots does my puppy need?

Puppies should receive at least three doses of a combo vaccine including parvovirus protection, administered between 6-16 weeks of age, roughly 2-4 weeks apart.

When are all puppy vaccines complete?

Generally, the final puppy vaccines are administered at 16 weeks of age. From there, annual boosters are given based on vaccine type and legal requirements.

When should I start deworming?

Deworming typically begins as early as 2 weeks old and should be regulated based on the puppy’s parasite exposure risk—this is separate from but complementary to vaccination schedules.

Which vaccines are absolutely necessary?

Core vaccines (DHPP and rabies) are non-negotiable for all puppies. Noncore vaccines depend on your specific situation, geographic location, and lifestyle—discuss with your veterinarian which make sense for your puppy’s individual needs.

Bringing home your new puppy is exciting, but prioritizing their health through proper vaccination sets them up for a long, thriving life. Work closely with your veterinarian to establish the right schedule for your puppy’s first shots and beyond.