What Vaccines Does Your Puppy Need? | Puppy Vaccine Guide
Vaccinating Your Puppy: An Essential Guide to Vaccination Timelines, Common Diseases, and Keeping Your Dog Healthy
Boosting your puppy’s immune system is essential to their health
Your new furry bundle of love deserves the best start in life. That means providing a loving home, plenty of cuddles, and essential health-boosting vaccinations.
Vaccinating your puppy not only strengthens their immune system during those vulnerable early months but also offers lifelong protection against dangerous viruses and diseases. By following a veterinarian-approved vaccination schedule, you can help ensure your puppy grows up strong and full of life.
Important Note: This guide is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Because vaccination needs vary based on individual health factors, always consult a licensed veterinarian for professional guidance and a vaccination schedule tailored to your puppy’s specific needs.
Get all of your questions about puppy vaccinations answered!
When should you vaccinate your puppy?
Puppy vaccinations typically start between six and eight weeks of age. Core vaccines like Neopar for puppies and DA2PP provide essential protection against canine hepatitis, distemper, and parvovirus. These infections can be fatal without proper vaccination.
If you’re buying or adopting a puppy, reputable breeders often administer the first round of shots before the puppy goes home with you. In Pennsylvania, state law requires puppies to be at least eight weeks old before adoption. Many breeders will provide vaccination records, including any doses of Neopar vaccine for dogs or Bordetella (kennel cough).
Over the next few months, your veterinarian will continue administering vaccines at key intervals to ensure your puppy remains fully protected.
Typical vaccination timeline for newborn puppies:
Newborn puppies follow a structured vaccination timeline to build immunity against serious diseases. So when is your puppy fully vaccinated? Typically, one to two weeks after their final round of core vaccines, which is usually given around 16 weeks of age.

Until then, it's important to limit their exposure to public places where they could be at risk of infection. Always consult your vet for the best vaccination schedule for your pup.
| Puppy's Age | Core Vaccinations | Optional Vaccinations |
|---|---|---|
| 6-8 Weeks | DA2PP | Bordetella, Parainfluenza |
| 10-12 Weeks | DA2PP, Leptospirosis | Bordetella, Lyme, Canine Influenza |
| 14-16 Weeks | DA2PP, Leptospirosis, Rabies | Lyme, Canine Influenza |
| Annual Examinations | DA2PP, Leptospirosis, Rabies | Lyme, Canine Influenza, Bordetella |
When can I bring my puppy outside after vaccination?
Your puppy has a big new world to explore, but before you take that first walk around the neighborhood, it’s crucial to wait at least two weeks after their final round of vaccinations. This last round typically occurs between 16 and 20 weeks of age.
Where can you take your puppy before vaccinations?
Controlled environments like a fenced-in yard are generally safe for play, provided no sick animals have been around in the past year. However, dog parks and other high-traffic areas should be avoided until your puppy is fully vaccinated to minimize the risk of exposure to viruses.
Core and non-core vaccinations: what’s the difference?
In essence, core vaccinations protect your puppy from life-threatening and highly contagious diseases, while non-core vaccines help guard against less severe but still important illnesses.
In most US states, core vaccinations are mandatory for licensing your puppy. Rabies vaccination, in particular, is legally required in nearly every state, with local municipalities often enforcing additional vaccine requirements. It’s vital to keep up with these vaccinations, not just for your pet’s safety but also for the safety of other animals living in your community.
Non-core vaccines, while not always legally required, are still highly recommended. Lyme disease, canine influenza, and kennel cough can significantly impact your pup’s well-being, especially if it spends time in social environments.
By staying up to date with both core and non-core vaccinations, you’re safeguarding your puppy’s health and protecting your community from spreadable diseases and viruses that can harm other pets. Keeping your pup vaccinated ensures that it stays happy, healthy, and ready to explore the world safely!
Some core canine vaccinations include:
- Distemper
- Parvovirus
- Rabies
- Hepatitis
- Leptospira
Some non-core canine vaccinations include:

- Canine Lyme disease
- Bordetella bronchiseptica
- Canine influenza
Do I need to boost my dog’s vaccinations once he’s matured?
Yes, all dogs need booster shots to maintain immunity against dangerous diseases. Your veterinarian will recommend a vaccination schedule based on your dog’s age, and risk factors.
Common booster shots include the rabies vaccine, which is typically required every three years, and the Lyme disease vaccine, which may be given annually. As your dog ages, your vet may recommend additional vaccinations based on its evolving health needs and lifestyle.
Can I vaccinate my puppy myself? How do I get my dog vaccinated?
While some non-core vaccines are available for purchase, it’s safest to have a licensed veterinarian administer them. A vet ensures proper dosing, timing, and overall health monitoring. The cost of puppy vaccinations varies by location and provider, but many clinics offer affordable vaccine packages.
What vaccines your puppy needs: common diseases to prevent
What to know about common vaccinations, the diseases they’re preventing, and when to get them.
The 5-way combo vaccine: what is the DHPP vaccine?
The DHPP vaccine is a 5-in-1 shot that helps protect your puppy from severe illnesses such as distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. It’s essential for ensuring your pup stays healthy and safe.
Diseases DHPP protects against:
- Canine Distemper
- Canine Hepatitis
- Canine Parainfluenza
- Canine Parvovirus
Are DHPP and DA2PP the same vaccine?
Yes, DHPP and DA2PP are essentially the same vaccine but with small variations. Both protect against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza. In a DHPP vaccine, the hepatitis protection comes from Adenovirus Type 1, while the DA2PP vaccine uses Adenovirus Type 2.
When should I get the DHPP vaccine?
Your puppy typically receives the DHPP vaccine at 6 to 8 weeks old, with boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until it is about 16 weeks old. After that, adult dogs require a booster every 1 to 3 years. Be sure to consult with a licensed veterinarian to keep your puppy's vaccinations on track!
What is Neopar, and when should I use it?
Neopar is a vaccine that helps protect your newborn puppy from parvovirus (parvo), a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. It’s usually given when your puppy is 4 to 6 weeks old.
Is Neopar the same as DHPP?
No, Neopar and DHPP are different vaccines. Neopar canine vaccine protects against parvovirus, while DHPP covers several diseases, including distemper and canine hepatitis. Both are important but protect against different things.
Why would I vaccinate my puppy with Neopar instead of DHPP?
Neopar is given early to protect puppies from parvovirus before it's old enough for the full DHPP vaccine. If your puppy is at higher risk, your vet may recommend it as an extra precaution. Be sure to consult with your vet to find the best Neopar vaccine schedule for your puppy.
Canine Rabies
Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the nervous system and can be transmitted to humans. In most states, vaccinating your puppy and keeping up with boosters is required by law.
What are the signs of canine rabies?
Rabies causes behavioral changes, aggression, drooling, and paralysis, with symptoms worsening as the disease progresses.
When should I vaccinate for rabies?
Rabies vaccinations are typically given at 12 to 16 weeks old, with boosters as required by local regulations.
Canine Distemper
Distemper is a contagious virus that affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Early vaccination can help protect your dog from this potentially fatal disease.
What are the signs of canine distemper?
Symptoms of distemper include fever, coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, and in severe cases, neurological issues like seizures.
When should I vaccinate for canine distemper?
Your puppy should be vaccinated as part of the DHPP series from 6 to 8 weeks of age, with boosters throughout its first year.
Canine Hepatitis (Canine Adenovirus)
Canine hepatitis is a viral infection that damages a dog’s liver and can cause severe illness. Vaccination can help prevent this serious disease.
How is canine hepatitis spread?
The virus spreads through contact with the urine, saliva, or feces of an infected dog.
When should I vaccinate for canine hepatitis?
The hepatitis vaccine is typically given as part of the DHPP vaccine series starting at 6 to 8 weeks of age.
Canine Parainfluenza
Canine parainfluenza is a respiratory virus that can lead to kennel cough. It’s important to vaccinate against this virus to protect your puppy from respiratory infections.
The risks include coughing, nasal discharge, and other respiratory symptoms, which can make your dog more vulnerable to other infections.
When should I vaccinate for canine parainfluenza?
The parainfluenza vaccine is often included in the DHPP series, starting at 6 to 8 weeks old.
Parvovirus
Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that can be deadly for puppies, especially certain breeds. Vaccinating early is key to protecting your puppy from this virus.
Which dog breeds are at a greater risk of parvovirus?
Although all dog breeds can contract parvovirus, certain breeds are at a higher risk and should stay fully vaccinated against it throughout their life. Breeds at higher risk include:
- Rottweilers
- Doberman pinschers
- Bull terrier breeds
- German shepherds
- English springer spaniels
When should I vaccinate for canine parvovirus?
Your puppy should begin its parvovirus vaccination at 6 to 8 weeks old, with boosters given every 3 to 4 weeks until it is about 16 weeks old.
Kennel cough (Infectious tracheobronchitis)
Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory infection that can cause a persistent cough in dogs. Vaccination can help protect your dog from this common condition.
Kennel cough is caused by a mix of bacteria and viruses, including Bordetella and canine parainfluenza.
How do I vaccinate against kennel cough?
The kennel cough vaccine is typically administered via an intranasal spray or injection, especially to dogs in high-risk environments such as overnight boarding kennels and doggy daycares.
Canine Bordetella
The Bordetella vaccine helps protect against one of the primary causes of kennel cough. It’s recommended for dogs that frequently interact with other dogs.
Is the Bordetella vaccine required?
While not legally required, the Bordetella vaccine is recommended and might be required by some businesses, such as kennels and dog grooming salons.
When should I vaccinate for canine Bordetella?
Vaccination against Bordetella is usually given as early as 8 weeks of age, with boosters every 6 to 12 months, depending on exposure risk.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can affect both dogs and humans. Vaccination can protect your dog from this potentially life-threatening disease.
Can humans contract leptospirosis?
Yes, leptospirosis is a disease that can be passed from infected dogs to humans through contact with urine or contaminated water.
When should I vaccinate for leptospirosis?
The leptospirosis vaccine is usually given to dogs around 12 weeks old and can be boosted annually based on risk.
Lyme Disease
Ticks transmit Lyme disease and can lead to severe health issues. Vaccinating against Lyme disease can help protect your dog from this tick-borne illness.
Lyme disease is spread through the bite of an infected tick, which carries the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi.
When should I vaccinate for Lyme disease?
Lyme disease vaccination is typically given at 12 weeks of age, followed by a booster shot a few weeks later, and annual updates thereafter. Annual vaccination is especially important if you live in a rural area or spend a lot of time outdoors.
Canine Coronavirus
Canine coronavirus is a contagious virus that affects a dog’s digestive system. Vaccination can help prevent infection and keep your dog healthy.
How is canine coronavirus transmitted?
The virus spreads through contact with infected dogs or contaminated surfaces.
When should I vaccinate for canine coronavirus?
Canine coronavirus vaccination is typically given to puppies from 6 to 8 weeks old, usually as part of the DHPP vaccine.
Heartworm
Heartworms are dangerous parasites that can grow inside a dog’s heart and lungs. Testing and prevention are key to keeping your puppy safe from this serious health condition.
When should you test a dog for heartworms?
Annual testing should start at 6 months of age, prior to beginning any heartworm treatment.
When should I vaccinate for heartworm?
There is no vaccine for heartworm, but prevention through monthly medications is essential.
At Homemade Puppies, we ensure all our puppies are vaccinated and healthy
Our mission is to provide healthy puppies for healthy families. We’re dedicated to ensuring your puppy is set up for a long, happy life, which is why we make sure it receives all their vaccinations before going home with you.

We keep detailed health records for all our puppies, which you can share with your local veterinarian. This ensures your puppy stays on track with their vaccination schedule so it can grow up healthy and strong.
Ethically bred puppies from Lancaster, PA
At Homemade Puppies, we work with responsible breeders in Lancaster, PA, who raise puppies in their homes. Each puppy receives its vaccinations and starts life off in a loving, social environment, ensuring it’s healthy and ready for its new home.
We’re committed to quality and only partner with breeders who share our dedication to raising healthy, happy puppies. That way, you can feel confident that your new pup is coming from a trustworthy source.
Buy healthy, home-bred puppies from ethical breeders
At Homemade Puppies, we take vaccinations seriously, ensuring every puppy is prepared for a healthy life. We hope this guide on vaccinating your puppy has provided you with the information you need to keep your precious new friend safe and sound.
Ready to find the perfect puppy for your family? Browse our selection of healthy, home-bred puppies today!
*Important Note: This guide is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Because vaccination needs vary based on individual health factors, always consult a licensed veterinarian for professional guidance and a vaccination schedule tailored to your puppy’s specific needs.
