Updated July 2026 · 8 min read
Puppy vaccines protect against diseases that can be fatal, particularly in the critical window before a puppy's immune system matures. The timing of the schedule isn't arbitrary — it's designed around the biology of maternal antibody decline and the immune system's ability to respond to vaccines at each age.
| Vaccine | Timing | Protects against |
|---|---|---|
| DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) | 6-8 weeks, 10-12 weeks, 14-16 weeks | Four serious viral diseases |
| Rabies | 12-16 weeks (law varies by state) | Rabies (fatal, transmissible to humans) |
The DHPP vaccine is sometimes called DA2PP or DA2PPV depending on the manufacturer. The components are essentially the same. Parvovirus is the most critical — it kills unvaccinated puppies rapidly and is extremely common in environments where unvaccinated dogs congregate.
| Vaccine | Consider if... |
|---|---|
| Bordetella (kennel cough) | Dog will board, go to dog parks, or doggy daycare |
| Leptospirosis | Outdoor access to water sources, wildlife exposure |
| Lyme | Lives in or visits tick-endemic areas |
| Canine Influenza | Frequent dog-to-dog contact, travel |
6-8 weeks: First DHPP. Many breeders or rescues administer this before the puppy comes home. Confirm in the paperwork whether it was given and the exact date.
10-12 weeks: Second DHPP. This is the first appointment you'll likely schedule with your own vet. Bordetella can start here if relevant to lifestyle.
14-16 weeks: Third DHPP + Rabies. This is the last core puppy shot. Some vets give a fourth DHPP at 16 weeks if the puppy received the first dose very early (before 8 weeks).
12-16 months: First annual boosters for all core vaccines. After this, DHPP typically goes to every 3 years; rabies varies by local ordinance (some require annual, most accept triennial).
Mild responses are normal and expected: soreness at the injection site, mild lethargy for 24-48 hours, decreased appetite the day of. These are immune system responses, not problems.
Allergic reactions are rare (1 in 10,000 vaccinations) but serious. Watch for facial swelling, hives, vomiting, collapse, or difficulty breathing within 30-60 minutes of vaccination. This is why vets recommend waiting in the parking lot for 10-15 minutes post-vaccination for puppies receiving their first shot of each type.
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