Puppy vaccination guide: Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time, but it also comes with important responsibilities—one of the most crucial being vaccinations. Vaccines protect your puppy from harmful diseases like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus, which can be life-threatening. By following a proper vaccination schedule, you can ensure your puppy stays healthy and safe. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about which shots your puppy needs, when to get them, and how much they cost. We’ll also explain why boosters and titer tests are important for adult dogs.
Throughout your puppy’s first year, they’ll need a series of shots to build strong immunity against common diseases. From core vaccines that every puppy must have, to optional shots based on your dog’s lifestyle, this article breaks it all down in simple terms. We’ll also discuss the costs of vaccinations, and what to expect when your dog grows older and needs boosters. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to protect your puppy from day one and throughout their life.
Which Shots Do Puppies Need?
When you bring home a new puppy, it’s important to protect them from harmful diseases by getting them vaccinated. Vaccinations teach your puppy’s immune system to recognize and fight off dangerous germs, so they can stay healthy.
Core Vaccines
Core vaccines are the most important shots that all puppies need. These vaccines protect against diseases that can be very serious, and some can even be deadly. Here are the core vaccines your puppy should get:
- Rabies: Rabies is a virus that affects the brain and can be passed from animals to humans. It’s required by law in most places, and all dogs should be vaccinated.
- Distemper: This virus attacks several parts of a dog’s body, including their lungs, intestines, and nervous system. It can cause symptoms like coughing, diarrhea, and even seizures.
- Parvovirus (Parvo): Parvovirus attacks a puppy’s digestive system, causing severe vomiting and diarrhea. Puppies can die from parvo if they don’t get treatment.
- Adenovirus (Canine Hepatitis): Adenovirus causes liver disease and can be life-threatening. The vaccine protects against both hepatitis and respiratory issues.
These core vaccines should be given to all puppies. They offer protection against common diseases that puppies are most likely to encounter.

Non-Core Vaccines
Non-core vaccines are optional and depend on where you live or your puppy’s lifestyle. Your vet may suggest these vaccines if your puppy is at risk for certain diseases:
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough): If your puppy will be around other dogs a lot (like at a kennel or dog park), they might need this shot. Kennel cough is highly contagious but not usually dangerous.
- Leptospirosis: This is a bacterial infection that puppies can get from drinking dirty water or coming into contact with infected animals. If your puppy lives in an area where this is common, your vet may recommend the vaccine.
- Lyme Disease: Lyme disease is spread by ticks and can cause joint pain and fever. If your puppy lives in an area where ticks are common, they might need this vaccine.
Vaccines protect your puppy from diseases they might encounter in their environment, so it’s important to talk to your vet about what your puppy needs.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Getting your puppy vaccinated on time is really important to keep them protected from serious diseases. Puppies start getting vaccines when they’re just a few weeks old, and they’ll need several shots over the first year.
Here’s a breakdown of when your puppy will need each vaccine:
6-8 Weeks Old
- Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus (DAPP): This combination vaccine covers three of the core diseases: distemper, adenovirus, and parvovirus. It’s the first shot your puppy will get.
10-12 Weeks Old
- DAPP Booster: Puppies need a second shot of the DAPP vaccine to keep them protected.
- Bordetella (optional): If your puppy will be spending time with other dogs, they may get the Bordetella shot now.
14-16 Weeks Old
- Rabies: This is the time for your puppy’s rabies vaccine. Most states and countries require puppies to have this shot by law.
- DAPP Booster: Puppies will get a third dose of the DAPP vaccine to make sure they’re fully protected.
Puppy’s Age | Recommended Vaccinations | Optional Vaccinations (Based on Lifestyle) |
6 – 8 weeks | Distemper, Parvovirus | Bordetella |
10 – 12 weeks | DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis [Adenovirus], Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) | Influenza, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme Disease |
16 – 18 weeks | DHPP, Rabies | Influenza, Lyme Disease, Leptospirosis, Bordetella |
12 – 16 months | DHPP, Rabies | Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme Disease |
Every 1 – 2 years | DHPP | Influenza, Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme Disease |
Every 1 – 3 years | Rabies (as required by law) | None |
Annual Boosters
After your puppy gets their shots in the first year, they’ll need booster vaccines every year or every few years to keep their protection strong. Most dogs will need a yearly rabies booster, as well as another DAPP shot.
Why Boosters Are Important
Puppies need booster shots to build up strong immunity to diseases. Vaccines work by teaching the immune system to recognize dangerous germs, but sometimes the memory of those germs fades. Booster shots remind the immune system and keep your dog protected.

How Much Do Puppy Vaccinations Cost?
The cost of vaccinations can vary depending on where you live and which vaccines your puppy needs. On average, you can expect to pay between $75 and $200 for your puppy’s first-year vaccines. Here’s a breakdown of common costs:
- Core vaccines: The DAPP vaccine and rabies shot usually cost between $20 and $40 per dose.
- Non-core vaccines: Shots like Bordetella and Leptospirosis are often a little cheaper, usually around $15 to $30 per dose.
- Vet exam fees: Each time your puppy gets a shot, your vet will likely do a check-up. These exams usually cost $30 to $50.
If you’re on a budget, there are low-cost vaccination clinics that offer cheaper vaccines. Animal shelters and pet stores sometimes host these clinics to help make vaccines affordable for everyone.
Some vet offices may also offer packages that cover all of your puppy’s shots for a fixed price. These packages can save you money if your puppy needs several vaccines.
Are Puppy Vaccines Covered by Pet Insurance?
Some pet insurance plans cover vaccines as part of their wellness coverage. However, many basic pet insurance plans don’t include vaccinations. If you’re interested in coverage, check with your insurance provider to see what’s included.
Vaccinations for Adult Dogs: Boosters and Titers
Once your puppy has received all their first-year vaccines, they’ll need booster shots to stay protected throughout their life. These boosters are usually given every 1 to 3 years, depending on the vaccine.
Core Vaccines for Adult Dogs
Adult dogs still need protection from core diseases like rabies and distemper. Your vet will recommend booster shots for these diseases every few years. The rabies vaccine is required by law in most areas, so it’s important to stay up to date.
Titer Testing: What Is It?
Instead of automatically giving boosters, some vets recommend titer testing. A titer test checks your dog’s blood to see if they still have enough antibodies from their previous vaccines. If the test shows that your dog is still protected, they may not need a booster shot that year. Titer tests can be a good option for dogs who don’t react well to vaccines.
Why Boosters Are Important for Adult Dogs
Just like puppies, adult dogs need boosters to remind their immune system to stay on guard against diseases. Without these boosters, their immunity might weaken over time, making them more vulnerable to illnesses.
Non-Core Vaccines for Adult Dogs
If your dog got non-core vaccines like Bordetella or Lyme disease as a puppy, they might need boosters for these vaccines too. Your vet will help you decide if your dog still needs protection from these diseases.
Conclusion
Vaccinating your puppy is one of the best ways to keep them healthy and safe from dangerous diseases. By sticking to a vaccination schedule and keeping up with booster shots, you can protect your puppy for life. Remember to always talk to your vet about your dog’s specific needs, especially when it comes to non-core vaccines. Whether your puppy is playing at the park or relaxing at home, you’ll have peace of mind knowing they’re protected.
FAQs
- What vaccines does my puppy need in their first year?
Your puppy will need core vaccines like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus, as well as any non-core vaccines your vet recommends based on your puppy’s lifestyle. - How often do puppies need shots?
Puppies start getting shots at 6 to 8 weeks old, with boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until they’re 16 weeks old. - How much do puppy vaccines cost?
Puppy vaccinations typically cost between $75 and $200, depending on your location and the vaccines needed. - Do adult dogs need vaccines?
Yes, adult dogs need booster shots every 1 to 3 years to stay protected from diseases like rabies and distemper. - What is a titer test?
A titer test measures the amount of antibodies in your dog’s blood to see if they still have protection from previous vaccines. - Can I give my puppy shots at home?
Some vaccines are available for home use, but it’s always best to have a vet give your puppy their shots to ensure safety. - What should I do if my puppy has a bad reaction to a vaccine?
Contact your vet immediately if your puppy has a serious reaction, like trouble breathing or swelling. - Can a dog be over-vaccinated?
Over-vaccination is rare, but it’s possible. Talk to your vet about titer testing if you’re concerned about giving your dog too many vaccines. - Are there side effects to puppy vaccines?
Most puppies have mild side effects, like tiredness or soreness at the injection site. These usually go away within a day or two. - What happens if I miss a vaccine appointment?
Missing a shot can leave your puppy vulnerable to disease. Contact your vet to reschedule as soon as possible.