The typical schedule
Most puppies follow this rhythm. Every vet, vaccine brand and region is a little different, so treat this as a friendly map and confirm the exact dates with your own vet.
| Puppy's age | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| 6 to 8 weeks | The first combination shot, usually called DHPP. It covers distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), parvovirus and parainfluenza. |
| 10 to 12 weeks | The second combination shot. Depending on where you live and your pup's plans, your vet may add leptospirosis, bordetella or Lyme. |
| 14 to 16 weeks | The final puppy combination shot, plus rabies. Rabies timing is set by law in many places, so your vet will guide the exact week. |
| 12 to 16 months | The first adult boosters for the combination shot and rabies. After this, most dogs settle into a one to three year booster rhythm. |
Why puppies need a series, not just one shot
- Puppies borrow early protection from their mum, and it fades little by little.
- One shot while that borrowed protection is still active may not fully take.
- The series of shots every few weeks makes sure at least one lands at the right moment.
- Skipping a booster can leave a gap, so the dates matter more than most new parents expect.
Kind questions to ask your vet
- Which combination shot are you using, and when is the next one due?
- Does my puppy need leptospirosis, bordetella or Lyme where we live?
- When can my puppy safely meet other dogs and visit parks?
- What should I watch for in the day or two after each shot?
Puppy brain is real. Let PetWrite remember the dates.
Add each shot once and PetWrite works out the next due date for you, with gentle reminders before it arrives. You can even snap a photo of the vaccination card and let PetWrite read the details for you.
Start your puppy's story freeThis guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Shot timing varies by vaccine brand, region and your puppy's health, so always confirm the schedule with your veterinarian. For adult dogs, see our dog vaccination schedule.
Keep reading
Everything to have ready before those little paws come home, from first vet visit to first toy.
How often growing pups eat at each age, and how to move from four little meals to two.
Which shots dogs need, when they usually happen, and how to never miss a due date.