Puppy Vaccination Schedule: A Complete Guide

Vaccinating your puppy on schedule is one of the most important things you can do as a new dog owner. Vaccines protect against diseases that can be life-threatening, and keeping accurate records ensures your vet can provide the best possible care.

Why Vaccination Timing Matters

Puppies are born with some immunity from their mothers, but this protection fades between 6 and 16 weeks of age. During this window — sometimes called the "immunity gap" — puppies are vulnerable. Starting vaccines too early means maternal antibodies can neutralise the vaccine before it works. Starting too late leaves your puppy exposed. The schedule exists to thread that needle precisely.

Core Vaccines for Puppies

These vaccines are considered essential for every puppy, regardless of lifestyle, per core vaccination guidelines from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA):

DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)

• First dose: 6–8 weeks
• Boosters: every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks old
• Adult booster: 1 year after puppy series, then every 1–3 years

Rabies

• First dose: 12–16 weeks
• Booster: 1 year later
• Ongoing: annually or every 3 years depending on local regulations

Non-Core Vaccines (Discuss With Your Vet)

These are recommended based on your puppy's lifestyle and risk exposure:

Bordetella (Kennel Cough) Recommended if your puppy will visit dog parks, boarding facilities, or grooming salons. Given as early as 8 weeks; annual or biannual boosters depending on exposure risk.

Leptospirosis Recommended for dogs with outdoor access, especially near water sources or wildlife. Given in a 2-dose series starting at 12 weeks; annual boosters.

Lyme Disease For puppies in tick-endemic regions. 2-dose series starting at 8–9 weeks; annual boosters.

Your Puppy's Vaccination Timeline

What to Bring to Each Vet Visit

Always carry your puppy's vaccination booklet or records. If you switch vets or need emergency care, having accurate records prevents unnecessary repeat vaccinations or dangerous gaps. Ask your vet for batch numbers — these are critical if a vaccine lot is ever recalled.

How to Track Vaccinations in Setiora

Setiora lets you log each vaccination immediately after your appointment. You can record:

• Vaccine name and manufacturer
• Batch number
• Date administered
• Next due date

Setiora automatically creates reminder notifications when each booster is due, so you never miss a critical dose. Your records are stored offline and sync to the cloud — always available, even without internet.

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Tracking your puppy's vaccinations accurately is one of the most important things you can do for their long-term health. Setiora makes it simple to stay on schedule.

Sources

Vaccine timing and dosing above reflect general core/non-core vaccination guidance from:

• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Canine Vaccination Guidelines
• World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Global Vaccination Guidelines
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

Vaccine schedules vary by region, local disease risk, and your puppy's individual health — always confirm the right schedule with your veterinarian.