Puppy Vaccines and Vet Visits: Your Go-To Guide

Diamond's Friends Pet Rescue
Jun 16
6 min read

Updated: Jun 29

Vaccinations protect your puppy from serious (and sometimes fatal) diseases. You do NOT want to skip them!

Let’s break down what you need to know about your puppy’s vaccine schedule and their other essential veterinary needs.

What Are Core Vaccines?

Core vaccines are essential for all puppies, regardless of breed or lifestyle. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) recommends the following vaccines:

Adenovirus (Hepatitis): Causes liver damage
Distemper: Often fatal and attacks respiratory, GI, and nervous systems
Parvovirus: Extremely contagious and can cause vomiting, bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and potentially death
Rabies: Required by law in most regions; fatal to both dogs and humans if contracted

The first three vaccines (distemper, adenovirus/hepatitis, and parvo) are oftentimes combined into one vaccine called DHPP or DA2PP, which also includes the non-core vaccine, parainfluenza.

Note: WSAVA updated its recommendations about core vaccines to include Leptospirosis in locations where it is endemic.

Learn More: What Puppy and Dog Owners Need To Know About Parvo

What Are Non-Core Vaccines?

Non-core vaccines are given based on geographic location or lifestyle risk. The most common ones recommended by WSAVA include:

Bordetella: Kennel cough vaccine, often required for boarding, grooming, training
Canine Influenza: Often recommended in high-risk areas or communal settings
Leptospirosis: Bacterial disease spread through water and urine; common in rural and wet areas (and recommended as a core vaccine in areas where it is endemic)
Lyme disease: Spread by ticks; more common in wooded or grassy areas

Your vet can help determine which non-core vaccines make sense for your puppy. For example, if you hike often or live in a tick-heavy region, the Lyme vaccine might be a good call.

Learn More: How To Choose a Veterinarian

What Is the Core Vaccination Schedule for Puppies?

WSAVA recommends the following timeline for core vaccines:

Parvo, Distemper, and Adenovirus: First vaccine no earlier than six weeks, then revaccinate every three to four weeks until 16 weeks of age
Rabies: Follow local laws, but this is generally not given before 12 weeks of age (Note: our veterinarian recommends waiting until a puppy is 16 weeks old before giving a rabies vaccine)

Learn More: What Every Dog Owner Must Know About Distemper

What Is the Non-Core Vaccination Schedule for Puppies?

Depending on risk factors, WSAVA recommends the following schedule for non-core vaccines:

Bordetella: Often given intranasally at eight weeks; booster at 12 weeks
Canine Influenza: Give at six weeks, then boost every two to four weeks until 16 weeks of age
Leptospirosis: eight weeks, with a booster two to four weeks later
Lyme: Needs two doses two to four weeks apart starting at eight weeks, follow specific product intervals

Many boarding facilities require Bordetella and Influenza vaccines, so check before booking puppy daycare.

Learn More: Everything You Need To Know About Kennel Cough

What Happens if I Get a Puppy Older Than 16 Weeks?

If you adopt a puppy that is older than 16 weeks, the rescue or shelter you adopted them from should have vaccine records to give you.

But, if no vaccine records are available for your new puppy or they miss any doses, WSAVA recommends the following for core vaccines:

Distemper, Parvo, and Adenovirus: Give two doses two to four weeks apart, then revaccinate around six months of age before moving to an adult schedule
Rabies: Follow local laws or regulations, then move to an adult schedule

For non-core vaccines, the recommendations are:

Bordetella: A single dose for the live version OR two doses for the killed bacterin version, then move to an adult schedule
Canine Influenza, Leptospirosis, and/or Lyme: Give two doses two to four weeks apart, then move to an adult schedule

Booster Tips

According to VCA, your puppy isn’t fully protected until about 10-14 days after their last booster shot. Until then, avoid high-risk areas like dog parks, grooming facilities, or pet stores.

Make sure to watch for side effects after your puppy receives any vaccines or boosters. Mild fever, soreness, or fatigue is normal. Contact your vet if you notice vomiting, swelling, or trouble breathing.

What About Flea, Tick, & Heartworm Preventative?

These preventatives are just as important as vaccines. PetMD reports that puppies can start certain monthly flea and tick preventatives between six and eight weeks of age. Other options might not be safe until they reach the six-month mark.

The American Heartworm Society says that puppies can start heartworm preventative as early as eight weeks of age.

Learn More: What Dog Owners Should Know About Ticks

What About Fecal Tests & Dewormers?

Most puppies are born with intestinal parasites. The American Animal Hospital Association recommends puppies receive dewormers every two weeks starting at two weeks of age and stay on those until they begin a monthly flea/tick preventative that includes a dewormer.

Your veterinarian may recommend your puppy receive a fecal test at their first visit, with dewormers and repeat tests as needed until they test negative. After that, they may recommend testing every six months to a year, depending on your dog’s lifestyle.

Many boarding or daycare facilities require negative fecal tests every six months. So, if you plan on putting your puppy into doggy daycare or boarding, be prepared for that.

Learn More: What You Need To Know About Worms in Dogs

Should My Puppy Have Bloodwork Done?

Some vets recommend bloodwork for puppies. However, it may not be entirely necessary.

Situations where it might be helpful include:

Before a spay/neuter surgery to ensure your puppy is safe to go under anesthesia
If you want to try to detect hidden conditions or you are dealing with congenital issues
In situations where your puppy has concerning symptoms or isn't growing normally
When there are liver or kidney function concerns

Talk to your veterinarian about whether doing bloodwork for your puppy makes sense or if you should wait until they are older.

What About Spaying/Neutering?

In California, shelters and rescues are legally mandated to spay/neuter any animal prior to adoption unless there is a valid medical reason not to do so.

If you got your puppy from a rescue or shelter, they will likely already be spayed or neutered OR you’ll have to sign a spay/neuter contract before taking your puppy home. This contract requires you to spay/neuter your new puppy within a certain amount of time.

Some shelters and rescues will use these contracts if it’s not safe for a puppy to undergo surgery at the time of adoption. Your puppy may need to wait to be spayed/neutered until:

They recover from kennel cough or another health ailment
They have had a chance to grow more in order to try to avoid joint issues

When you sign a spay/neuter contract, you’ll also have to put down a refundable deposit that allows the rescue or shelter to ensure you follow through with spaying/neutering your puppy when the time is right. They may even give you a surgery date that you have to agree to keep.

You’ll need to work closely with your veterinarian and the rescue or shelter you got your puppy from to spay/neuter your new puppy at the safest time for their development. UC Davis has a great graphic on the ideal times to spay/neuter based on breed.

Are There Other Tests My Puppy Should Have?

Your vet might suggest additional tests if there are specific concerns. For example:

Distemper test if your puppy is having neurologic symptoms, lethargy, or diarrhea
Giardia test if there’s persistent diarrhea
Parvovirus test if your puppy is vomiting, lethargic, or refusing food
Tick-borne disease screening in high-risk areas

In our experience, the Giardia test is the most likely one your puppy may need.

Learn More: What You Need To Know About Giardia

Can I Take My Puppy to the Vet More Often Than Recommended?

Absolutely! In fact, it’s encouraged to visit the vet anytime you notice changes in behavior, appetite, or stool. Frequent visits help catch problems early and build a positive vet experience for your puppy.

Plus, regular wellness visits after the vaccine series can help track weight, discuss concerns, and determine appropriate spay/neuter timing (if your puppy hasn’t already been spayed/neutered by the shelter or rescue).

Final Thoughts

Vaccinating your puppy protects them and the community from deadly diseases. It’s a simple way to give your new best friend a healthy, happy start.

Stick to the schedule, trust your vet, and enjoy watching your pup grow strong and safe.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended as professional medical advice. It is based on personal experience and online research. Please consult with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your dog's health.