Getting vaccinated is an important part of keeping puppies healthy and safe. Vaccines help prevent puppies from getting dangerous, potentially deadly diseases. Knowing when to start vaccinations and how many rounds a puppy needs can help ensure they are protected.
When should puppy vaccinations start?
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends starting vaccination schedules for puppies at 6 to 8 weeks of age. Puppies receive antibodies from their mother in the first few weeks of life that help protect them. But these antibodies start to fade around 6 to 8 weeks old. Vaccines help provide protection as the maternal antibodies decline.
Some vets may recommend starting even earlier, at as young as 4 weeks, especially in areas where deadly viruses are more prevalent. But most standard protocols start at 6 to 8 weeks when puppies’ immune systems are developed enough to properly respond to vaccines.
Are there core vaccines all puppies need?
Yes. There are certain “core” vaccines recommended for all puppies to protect them from common and potentially deadly diseases. According to AAHA guidelines, core vaccines for puppies include:
- Distemper
- Adenovirus
- Parvovirus
- Parainfluenza
These vaccines may be combined into a single shot, such as a DA2PP vaccine, or given as individual injections. Your vet will work with you to determine the recommended schedule.
When do puppies receive their core vaccine series?
Puppies need a series of boosters of their core vaccines to build full immunity:
- Initial dose: 6 to 8 weeks
- Second dose: 3 to 4 weeks later (9 to 12 weeks old)
- Third dose: 2 to 4 weeks later (11 to 16 weeks old)
A puppy is not considered fully vaccinated until 1 to 2 weeks after their final round at 14 to 16 weeks old. Some vets may also recommend an additional booster at one year old.
Are there non-core vaccines as well?
In addition to the core vaccines, vets may recommend certain non-core vaccines based on risk factors including geographic location, lifestyle, and health. These may include vaccines for:
- Lyme disease
- Leptospirosis
- Bordetella
- Canine influenza
Talk to your vet about whether any non-core vaccines may be advised for your pup based on their individual needs and risks.
At what age can puppies go outside safely?
Puppies should not go outside until they’ve had at least their first set of core vaccines at 6 to 8 weeks old. This helps prevent exposure to viruses before vaccines can provide protection. Even after their first shots, puppy exposure should still be limited until their full vaccine series is complete.
Between 14 to 16 weeks old, once puppies have had all their boosters, they can start to safely venture outside and explore the world. But continued caution is still advised until they complete their vaccine series. Avoid areas with unknown vaccination history and be careful about interaction with unknown dogs.
What precautions are needed with an unvaccinated puppy?
Before puppies complete their full vaccine series, owners need to take steps to limit exposure to viruses and bacteria:
- Avoid areas frequented by unknown dogs
- Prevent contact with stray dogs
- Limit visits to dog parks or daycares
- Walk puppies only in low-risk areas away from stray feces
- Ask guests to wash hands before petting puppy
- Keep puppies off public grass, soil, or floors at pet stores
- Clean items brought into the house from outside
Taking these precautions seriously can help keep vulnerable puppies safe until they can build immunity through vaccinations.
What are the risks of skipping puppy vaccines?
Failing to properly vaccinate a puppy can put them at risk for deadly diseases. Even with treatment, these illnesses often have high mortality rates.
Risks of skipping vaccines include:
- Parvovirus – Extremely contagious and often fatal intestinal infection. Over 90% mortality rate in untreated puppies.
- Distemper – Respiratory illness with neurological symptoms. Multi-systemic, often fatal even with aggressive treatment.
- Parainfluenza – Highly contagious respiratory infection that can progress to pneumonia.
- Adenovirus – Severe hepatitis and respiratory illness. May be fatal.
Properly vaccinated puppies have a much lower risk of contracting and developing severe cases of these dangerous diseases. Never skip vaccines without veterinary approval.
What if a puppy misses a scheduled booster?
It’s important to stick as closely as possible to the recommended vaccine schedule. If a booster shot is missed, the puppy should get it as soon as possible. Ask your vet how to adjust the schedule appropriately based on the specific vaccine and the puppy’s age. A missed booster could leave the puppy vulnerable.
At a minimum, a puppy would need their initial dose and final booster to provide partial protection. But receiving each vaccine in the complete series on schedule is ideal.
How much do puppy vaccinations cost?
Typical costs for puppy vaccination in the U.S. may range from $75 to $200 depending on your geographic location and clinic. Initial and final boosters generally fall at the lower end while second boosters in the middle may be slightly higher priced. Non-core vaccines each carry an additional fee.
Some low-cost vaccination clinics may offer packages for the complete core vaccine series for under $100 total. But avoid clinics offering prices well below average rates, as the vaccines may be from unauthorized sources.
While vaccinating can be an investment, the cost pales in comparison to treating a critically ill puppy with a preventable disease. Regular vaccinations as a puppy are well worth the protection.
Can puppies have reactions to vaccines?
Vaccine reactions are possible but not common. Potential side effects include:
- Mild fever
- Soreness, swelling, or lumps at injection site
- Mild allergic reaction
- Decreased appetite for a day or two
- Mild gastrointestinal upset like vomiting or diarrhea
More severe vaccine reactions are very rare. But contact your vet immediately if your puppy experiences facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, collapse, or seizures shortly after vaccination. Keep a close eye on your puppy for 24 hours after each vaccine visit.
Should pregnant dogs receive vaccines?
Vaccines are generally not recommended for pregnant dogs, as the developing fetuses are vulnerable. Killed vaccines may be considered mid- to late-pregnancy to provide antibodies to pups, but live vaccines should always be avoided.
Instead, make sure female dogs are current on all vaccines prior to breeding. Pregnant dogs can get booster vaccine shortly after giving birth to safely protect nursing pups through antibodies in her milk.
Do puppies need vaccine boosters as adults?
Yes. While the puppy vaccine series provides initial immunity, vaccines don’t provide lifelong protection. Adults dogs require vaccine boosters to maintain their immunity.
After the first year, adult dogs need:
- Annual boosters for core vaccines
- Boosters every 1-3 years for non-core vaccines depending on risk and vaccine type
Discuss a continued vaccine schedule with your vet based on your dog’s individual needs beyond puppyhood.
Are there optional supplements to support the puppy vaccine schedule?
In addition to core and non-core vaccines, some vets may recommend immune-supporting supplements to boost the vaccine response. These may include:
- Probiotics – Support healthy gut immunity
- Fish oil – Provides omega-3 fatty acids for inflammation regulation
- Vitamin E – Antioxidant to fight damaging free radicals from vaccines
- Colostrum – Supports GI health and promotes growth of protective gut bacteria
While not proven to directly enhance vaccine efficacy, these supplements can support immune system development and promote general health during the vaccination process.
Conclusion
Vaccinating puppies is critically important to protect them from deadly viruses during their most vulnerable first months of life. Puppies should receive a series of core vaccines starting at 6-8 weeks old with boosters every 3-4 weeks until fully immunized around 14-16 weeks of age.
Owners must take precautions to limit puppy exposure before the vaccine series is complete. But once fully vaccinated, puppies can start to safely explore outside areas while continuing to lower their risk of illness through smart socialization and proper preventative care throughout adulthood.
