Puppy vaccines are one of the most important aspects of keeping your new friend safe and healthy as well as ensuring that they have a long life. There are so many things to keep straight when caring for a new puppy that which vaccines they need and when can become a bit confusing.

The following chart shows which vaccines your puppy will need as a general rule of thumb. However, it is important to remember that location, lifestyle, and your dog’s size and breed will all play a role in determining which vaccines they will need throughout their life. You will need to consult with your veterinarian to know exactly which vaccines your puppy will need and when to get them.

Puppy Vaccine Schedule

Puppy’s Age	Recommended Vaccinations
6 to 8 weeks	Distemper, parvovirus
10 to 12 weeks	DHPP (vaccines for distemper, adenovirus [hepatitis], parainfluenza, and parvovirus)
16 to 18 weeks	DHPP, rabies
12 to 16 months	DHPP, rabies

Optional Vaccinations for Puppies

Distemper, parvovirus, DHPP, and rabies vaccines are recommended to keep your puppy healthy. There are additional vaccinations that you can ask for that are helpful but not absolutely necessary. As with all vaccinations, you will want to discuss the best option for your puppy with your local veterinarian. 

Puppy’s Age	Optional Vaccinations
6 to 8 weeks	Bordetella
10 to 12 weeks	Influenza, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease
16 to 18 weeks	Influenza, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease
12 to 16 months	Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease

These are not vaccines that are required for every puppy. In many cases, they are a great idea and will protect your puppy from dangerous illnesses. Whether or not your puppy needs these specific vaccinations also depends on where you live and the type of lifestyle that you will lead with your dog. This is why it is so important to consult your veterinarian when deciding on the appropriate vaccination schedule for your puppy.

How Many Shots Does a Puppy Need Before Going Outside?

About a week after your puppy’s first round of shots it is okay to take them out in your own yard. That doesn’t mean they are ready to go play in the dog park and get social just yet, though.

After their second set of shots, you can take your puppy for walks on the sidewalk. They can also socialize with friendly dogs that you know are fully vaccinated.

After the third round of puppy shots, your puppy is ready to face the world and can go to a dog park. This is because they are now fully protected from the most likely puppyhood diseases.

Is It Okay to Be Late on Puppy Shots?

If you have a new puppy, they are going to need to be properly vaccinated. That means getting the appropriate shots and boosters on the correct schedule. If you get off schedule by more than two weeks, your puppy’s immunity may suffer.

If you have a puppy that needs to be vaccinated, contact your local veterinarian right away to schedule an appointment.