The typical puppy vaccination schedule
Most puppies follow a series of shots every few weeks, then move to boosters as adults. Every vet and region is a little different, so treat this as a friendly map and confirm the exact plan with your own vet.
| Puppy's age | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| 6 to 8 weeks | First combination shot (often called DHPP), covering distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus and parainfluenza. |
| 10 to 12 weeks | Second combination shot. Your vet may add leptospirosis, bordetella or Lyme depending on where you live and your pup's lifestyle. |
| 14 to 16 weeks | Final puppy combination shot, plus the rabies vaccine. Rabies timing is set by law in many places. |
| 12 to 16 months | First adult boosters for the combination shot and rabies. |
Core vaccines
These are recommended for every dog, no matter their lifestyle, because the diseases they prevent are severe or widespread.
- Rabies
- Distemper
- Parvovirus
- Adenovirus (canine hepatitis)
Lifestyle vaccines
Sometimes called non core, these depend on where you live and what your dog gets up to. Your vet will help you choose.
- Bordetella (kennel cough)
- Leptospirosis
- Lyme disease
- Canine influenza
Adult dogs and boosters
Once the puppy series is done, vaccines move to a gentle rhythm of boosters.
- Combination (DHPP) boosters are commonly given every one to three years, based on the vaccine your vet uses and local rules.
- Rabies boosters follow the schedule required by law where you live, usually every one or three years.
- Lifestyle vaccines such as bordetella (kennel cough), leptospirosis and Lyme are often repeated yearly for dogs who board, visit daycare, or spend time outdoors.
Never guess a due date again
PetWrite keeps every vaccination, medicine and vet visit in one warm timeline. Add a vaccine once and the next due date is worked out for you, with gentle reminders before it arrives. You can even scan the vaccination card and let PetWrite read the details for you.
Start your pet's story freeThis guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Vaccine timing varies by vaccine brand, region and your dog's health, so always confirm the schedule with your veterinarian.
Keep reading
What a good vaccine record holds, and how to keep yours tidy without a folder of paper.
The week by week shot series every puppy walks through in their first months.
How often to worm a dog, in plain words, from puppyhood through the adult years.