Bringing a puppy home is an exciting experience filled with joy, cuddles, and playful moments. But along with the fun comes responsibility — one of the most important steps is following a proper Puppy Vaccination Schedule to protect your puppy from preventable diseases.

Vaccinations are essential to keep your puppy healthy. This guide explains which vaccines are necessary, when they should be given, and tips for making vet visits stress-free.

When to Start Vaccinations

Puppies should have their first vet appointment around 6 to 8 weeks old. During this visit, the veterinarian will:

  • Check overall growth, weight, and general health

  • Examine eyes, ears, teeth, coat, skin, and joints

  • Listen to the heart and lungs and assess reflexes

  • Advise on diet, exercise, grooming, and parasite prevention

  • Prepare a personalized Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Starting vaccinations early ensures your puppy builds immunity at the right time.

Why Vaccines Are Important

Vaccines help your puppy’s immune system fight serious illnesses. They are divided into two categories:

  1. Core vaccines — essential for all puppies

  2. Non-core vaccines — optional, based on lifestyle, environment, and risk exposure

Core Vaccines

Rabies

  • Fatal virus affecting the nervous system; can infect humans

  • First dose: 12–14 weeks

  • Booster: 16–18 weeks

  • Annual booster

Canine Distemper

  • Highly contagious virus affecting the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems

  • First dose: 6–7 weeks

  • Boosters: 9–10 weeks, 12–14 weeks

  • Annual booster

Canine Parvovirus

  • Causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, dangerous for young puppies

  • Follows the same schedule as distemper

  • Annual booster

Canine Hepatitis (CAV-1)

  • Affects liver and kidneys; prevention is crucial

  • Same timing as distemper

Leptospirosis

  • Bacterial infection spread through water, soil, or infected animals; can also affect humans

  • First dose: 6–7 weeks

  • Boosters: 9–10 weeks, 12–14 weeks

  • Annual booster

Non-Core (Optional) Vaccines

Depending on your puppy’s lifestyle, the vet may suggest:

  • Kennel Cough (Bordetella): For puppies in daycare or boarding facilities

  • Canine Coronavirus: Helps prevent mild digestive or respiratory issues

  • Lyme Disease: Recommended in tick-prone areas

  • Canine Parainfluenza: Often included in combination vaccines for respiratory protection

Deworming and Parasite Control

Vaccines alone aren’t enough. Protect your puppy from worms and parasites by:

  • Starting deworming at 2 weeks old and repeating every 2 weeks until 12 weeks

  • Monthly deworming from 3–6 months

  • Continuing every 3–6 months after 6 months, as advised by your vet

Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention should also be part of routine care.

Tips for Stress-Free Vet Visits

  • Bring a favorite toy or blanket for comfort

  • Stay calm; puppies pick up on your energy

  • Reward your puppy with treats or affection afterward

  • Mild tiredness or tenderness is normal; contact your vet if it persists

Key Takeaways

  • Begin vaccinations at 6–8 weeks old

  • Follow booster and annual schedules consistently

  • Combine vaccines with deworming and parasite prevention

  • Make vet visits positive to reduce stress and build trust

A proper Puppy Vaccination Schedule sets the foundation for a healthy, happy, and long life for your puppy. Preventive care today ensures peace of mind and a thriving, playful companion tomorrow.

Categorized in:

Health,

Last Update: October 30, 2025

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