Puppy Care Guide
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Complete puppy vaccine schedule — core shots, optional vaccines, timing, and what to expect at every vet visit from 6 weeks to 16 months.
Vaccine Timeline at a Glance
6–8 weeks
First shot
10–12 weeks
Second shot
14–16 weeks
Third shot + Rabies
12–16 months
Annual booster
Core Vaccine Schedule
Core vaccines are recommended for all puppies regardless of lifestyle or location.
| Age | Vaccine | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus (DA2P) | First puppy shot — often given by breeder |
| 10–12 weeks | DA2P + Parainfluenza (DHPP) | Second puppy shot — booster required |
| 14–16 weeks | DHPP booster + Rabies | Final core puppy series. Rabies required by law in most regions |
| 12–16 months | DHPP booster + Rabies booster | First annual booster after puppy series |
| Every 1–3 years | DHPP (every 3 yrs) + Rabies (every 1–3 yrs) | Adult maintenance schedule as directed by your vet |
Non-Core (Optional) Vaccines
Recommended based on your dog's lifestyle, location, and risk of exposure.
Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
Recommended for: Dogs in daycare, boarding, dog parks
Timing: From 8 weeks; booster every 6–12 months
Leptospirosis
Recommended for: Dogs with outdoor access, especially near water
Timing: 2 doses 3–4 weeks apart; annual booster
Canine Influenza (H3N2/H3N8)
Recommended for: High-exposure dogs: boarding, shows, shelters
Timing: 2 doses 2–4 weeks apart; annual booster
Lyme Disease
Recommended for: Tick-endemic areas
Timing: From 8–9 weeks; 2 doses + annual booster
What to Expect After Vaccination
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Mild lethargy is normal
Some sleepiness or reduced energy for 24–48 hours after vaccination is common and not cause for alarm.
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Small lump at injection site
A small, firm lump may appear where the vaccine was given. It should disappear within 2–3 weeks. Contact your vet if it grows or doesn't resolve.
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Low-grade fever
A mild fever (up to 39.5°C / 103.1°F) for 24 hours post-vaccination is normal. Anything higher or lasting longer needs veterinary attention.
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Seek urgent care for
Facial swelling, vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, or collapse within 30 minutes of vaccination are signs of anaphylaxis. Contact your vet immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start vaccinating my puppy?
Puppies can start their first vaccines at 6–8 weeks old. Before this age, maternal antibodies from the mother's milk may interfere with vaccination. The full puppy series should be completed by 16 weeks.
How many shots does a puppy need?
Puppies typically receive 3–4 sets of core vaccines in their first 16 weeks (at 6–8, 10–12, and 14–16 weeks), plus a rabies vaccine. After that, boosters at 12–16 months and then every 1–3 years depending on the vaccine.
What are the core puppy vaccines?
The core vaccines every puppy needs are: Distemper, Adenovirus (Hepatitis), Parvovirus (DA2P or DHPP), and Rabies. These protect against life-threatening diseases. The DHPP combo vaccine covers four diseases in one injection.
Can I socialise my puppy before vaccines are complete?
Carefully, yes. Keeping puppies isolated until 16 weeks used to be standard advice, but vets now recognise that early socialisation (ages 3–12 weeks) is critical for behaviour. Puppy classes with health-screened dogs are generally safe from 7–8 weeks.
How much do puppy vaccines cost?
Core puppy vaccines typically cost $75–$150 per visit (including exam fee). The full puppy series plus the 1-year booster visit runs $250–$500 in total. Non-core vaccines add $20–$50 each.
My puppy missed a vaccine — what do I do?
Contact your vet as soon as possible. The puppy series may need to be restarted or the missed dose given promptly. Gaps in protection leave puppies vulnerable to parvovirus, which is highly contagious and potentially fatal.