A Man Holding a Syringe with Medication

What Shots Do Puppies Need? Puppies need core vaccinations like the DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza) vaccine, along with optional shots like Bordetella and Leptospirosis to protect them from various diseases.

These vaccines are essential to building a strong immune system and keeping your puppy safe from potentially fatal infections.

Vaccinations typically start when your puppy is 6-8 weeks old and continue through their first year of life.

Core Vaccinations for Puppies

Core vaccinations are essential for every puppy, as they protect against the most dangerous and widespread diseases. These vaccines are typically administered in a series over a few months to ensure maximum immunity.

DHPP Vaccine (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza)

The DHPP vaccine, also known as the “puppy shot,” is a combination vaccine that protects your puppy from four major diseases. It is considered a core vaccine and is administered every 3-4 weeks starting from 6-8 weeks of age until around 16-20 weeks old.

  • Distemper: A viral infection that affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
  • Hepatitis: Protects against canine adenovirus, which affects the liver.
  • Parvovirus: A highly contagious virus that causes severe gastrointestinal distress.
  • Parainfluenza: One of the causes of kennel cough.

This vaccine is usually given in a series, followed by booster shots every 1-3 years.

Learn more about the DHPP vaccine on Wikipedia.

Rabies Vaccine

Rabies is a fatal disease that affects the central nervous system. Puppies typically receive their first rabies shot at around 12-16 weeks old, with boosters required every 1-3 years depending on local laws. This vaccine is also important for legal reasons, as many areas require proof of rabies vaccination.

Canine Parvovirus (Parvo)

While included in the DHPP vaccine, some vets may administer additional standalone parvovirus vaccines, especially in areas with a high incidence of parvo. Parvo is deadly and spreads through contact with infected feces, so it’s crucial to vaccinate your puppy.

Optional Vaccinations for Puppies

While core vaccines are mandatory for all dogs, some optional vaccines may be recommended based on your puppy’s lifestyle, environment, and risk of exposure. These vaccines are often recommended for puppies that will be in kennels, dog parks, or socializing with other pets frequently.

Bordetella (Kennel Cough)

Bordetella is one of the leading causes of kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection. If your puppy will be boarding, going to dog parks, or attending grooming appointments, the Bordetella vaccine is highly recommended. Given as an intranasal spray or injection, typically around 8 weeks old, with annual boosters if necessary.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through contaminated water or contact with infected animals. While not a core vaccine, it is recommended in areas where the bacteria are common or if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors in rural areas. First given at 12 weeks old, with annual boosters.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Puppies should start their vaccinations around 6 weeks old, with the core series typically completed by 16-20 weeks.

The general schedule includes a DHPP vaccine (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) at 6-8 weeks, followed by a DHPP booster and optional Bordetella at 10-12 weeks.

Around 12-16 weeks, puppies receive a rabies vaccine and optionally Leptospirosis, with the final DHPP booster and optional Lyme disease or influenza vaccines given at 16-20 weeks.

Your vet will tailor the vaccination plan based on your puppy’s specific needs and local guidelines.

Why Vaccinations Are Important

Vaccinations are essential for safeguarding your puppy from serious diseases like parvo, distemper, and rabies, which can be fatal if untreated.

Vaccines stimulate the immune system to recognize and combat specific viruses and bacteria, offering protection not just to your puppy but also helping prevent the spread of these illnesses to other animals.

Following the recommended vaccination schedule ensures your puppy’s immunity is strengthened during their most vulnerable early months, preparing them to face potential health threats as they grow.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), puppy vaccinations are one of the most important steps in ensuring long-term health.

The AVMA highlights the importance of completing the full vaccination series and not missing booster shots, as this ensures maximum immunity.

They also recommend speaking with your vet to customize a vaccination plan based on your puppy’s lifestyle and environment.

Learn more about vaccinations and immunity on Wikipedia.

How Much Do Puppy Vaccinations Cost?

Close-up Photo of Pet being injected with Medicine

Puppy vaccination costs vary depending on location, with urban areas typically charging more than rural ones.

On average, expect to pay around $75–100 for core vaccines, which are given in a series at 6, 12, and 16 weeks.

Core vaccines include DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo, and parainfluenza), plus rabies, which costs around $15–20.

Shelters often provide cheaper vaccinations, sometimes for free, and may have already vaccinated puppies before adoption.

Conclusion

Puppies require core vaccinations like the DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) and the rabies vaccine to protect them from deadly diseases.

Additional optional vaccines, such as Bordetella and Leptospirosis, may be recommended based on your puppy’s lifestyle.

Following a proper vaccination schedule is essential for ensuring your puppy grows up healthy and protected.

For more information about puppies, checkout our guide about littermate syndrome.

FAQs

Puppies should start receiving vaccinations between 6-8 weeks of age, with a series of shots continuing until they reach 16-20 weeks.

Typically, these vaccines are administered every 3-4 weeks, and booster shots are needed throughout the dog’s life, usually annually or every 1-3 years.

While most puppies experience mild side effects like lethargy or soreness at the injection site, severe reactions are rare but should be closely monitored.