Puppies require a series of vaccinations called puppy shots in order to build immunity against dangerous infectious diseases. Some of the most important questions new pet owners have include:
- How many rounds of shots are needed?
- What diseases do the shots protect against?
- When should my puppy receive its first shots?
- How much do puppy shots cost?
This article provides a thorough overview of the recommended vaccination schedule for puppies, the diseases covered by each vaccine, typical costs, and tips for making shot visits go smoothly. Read on to learn everything you need to know about puppy shots and keeping your new furry friend happy and healthy.
Core Puppy Shots
There are some key vaccines that every puppy needs for maximum protection against contagious diseases:
Distemper
The distemper vaccine protects against the contagious, incurable, and often fatal canine distemper virus. Puppies should receive a series of three distemper shots, with the first dose administered at 6-8 weeks old. Distemper vaccine boosters are needed every 1-3 years.
Parvovirus
Parvovirus is an extremely virulent virus that attacks the gastrointestinal system and causes severe vomiting and diarrhea in puppies and dogs. Puppies receive a series of parvovirus shots starting at 6-8 weeks old and repeat doses every 2-4 weeks until 14-16 weeks of age. Yearly vaccine boosters are recommended.
Adenovirus
Adenovirus causes infectious canine hepatitis, which damages the liver. Puppies receive this vaccine starting at 6-8 weeks old with repeat doses every 2-4 weeks until 14-16 weeks old. Boosters are recommended every 1-3 years.
Parainfluenza
Parainfluenza vaccine protects against a contagious respiratory infection that causes coughing, sneezing, eye discharge, and nasal discharge. Puppies receive a series of parainfluenza shots alongside distemper and adenovirus vaccines starting at 6-8 weeks old and repeating every 2-4 weeks until they are 16 weeks of age.
Rabies
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that can spread to people. Due to the public health risk, rabies vaccination is required by law in most jurisdictions. Puppies receive their first rabies shot at 12-16 weeks old, with vaccine boosters as required by local laws (usually every 1-3 years).
Non-Core Puppy Shots
Beyond the core vaccines, your veterinarian may recommend other non-core vaccines based on risk factors specific to your local area. These can include:
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis vaccine protects against a bacterial disease spread by wildlife that affects the urinary tract and liver. Puppies receive an initial dose at 12-16 weeks old with a booster 2-4 weeks later. Annual boosters are recommended based on exposure risk.
Lyme Disease
Lyme vaccine reduces risk of this tick-borne illness that causes fever, lameness, and swelling of joints. Puppies receive their first Lyme shot at 12-16 weeks old and a booster 2-4 weeks later. Boosters are given annually if tick exposure continues.
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough vaccine protects against Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria and associated viruses that cause a contagious respiratory illness. It is often given before boarding or starting puppy classes. The intranasal vaccine provides faster immunity than injectable options.
Influenza
Canine influenza vaccine may be recommended for puppies at high risk of exposure to this contagious respiratory virus typically spread at kennels, shows, and daycares. Two initial doses are given 2-4 weeks apart starting at 6 months old. Annual boosters are needed.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule Overview
The core vaccines are administered in a series of three shots given between 6 and 16 weeks old, with boosters required at 1 year old and then every 1-3 years. Here is an overview of the standard initial puppy vaccination schedule:
| Age | Vaccines Recommended |
| 6-8 weeks | Distemper/Parvovirus combination vaccine |
| 8-10 weeks | Distemper/Parvovirus combination vaccine |
| 12-16 weeks | Distemper/Parvovirus combination vaccine Rabies vaccine |
| 14-16 weeks | Parainfluenza vaccine (intranasal or injectable) |
| 1 year old | Distemper/Parvovirus booster Rabies booster (if required in your area) |
Your veterinarian may tailor the vaccination schedule based on your puppy’s individual timeline and risk factors. Be sure to discuss any questions or concerns you have about recommended vaccines with your vet.
Importance of Completing the Puppy Shot Series
It is extremely important to complete the entire series of puppy shots on schedule. Puppies remain vulnerable to contracting dangerous infectious diseases until two weeks after they have received their final round of puppy vaccines. Failure to complete the vaccine series puts your puppy at significant risk.
Maternal antibodies from the mother’s milk can neutralize some vaccines given at 6 weeks old. This is why a series of shots is necessary — repeat doses are needed every two to four weeks until around 16 weeks old in order to override any lingering antibodies and ensure full protection.
Interrupting the vaccination schedule or skipping doses leaves your puppy susceptible to contracting parvovirus, distemper, or other contagious diseases with potentially fatal consequences. Follow your veterinarian’s recommended timeline and make sure your puppy receives every needed shot.
Puppy Vaccine Reactions and Side Effects
Puppy shots are extremely safe and effective, but some side effects can occur. Typical reactions are mild and short-lived. Common side effects can include:
- Soreness, swelling, or redness at the injection site
- Mild fever
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy or fatigue
These symptoms generally resolve within 24-48 hours on their own. Use a cold compress on the injection site to reduce swelling or discomfort. Call your veterinarian if side effects last more than 2 days or cause significant distress.
More severe allergic reactions are possible but extremely rare. Seek immediate veterinary care if your puppy experiences facial swelling, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, collapse, or difficulty breathing. With prompt treatment, most vaccine reactions are not serious or life-threatening.
Puppy Shot Costs
The average cost for each round of puppy shots ranges from $15 to $35 based on your geographic location and veterinarian. Here are some typical new puppy veterinary costs for vaccines:
- First round of core vaccines: $25-50
- Second round (2 weeks later): $25-50
- Third round (2 weeks after second round): $25-50
- Rabies vaccine: $15-25
- Leptospirosis vaccine: $15-25 per dose
- Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine: $10-20
- Influenza vaccine: $30-50 per dose
- Annual boosters: $15-35
Initial puppy exam fees, flea/tick preventatives, deworming, and fecal tests will incur additional costs. Pet health insurance can offset some of these expenses. Expect to budget $100-300 for a new puppy’s first round of vet visits and vaccines.
Tips for Less Stressful Puppy Vaccine Visits
Puppy shots protect your dog’s health, but it’s understandable to feel nervous about the experience. Here are some tips for making vaccination appointments less stressful for you and your puppy:
- Choose morning appointments when the vet office is quieter.
- No need to withhold food beforehand.
- Give puppy a nice walk to tire them out before the appointment.
- Bring along tasty treats or a favorite toy for distraction.
- Ask the vet staff for help holding or comforting your pup.
- Remain calm and use a happy voice and praise throughout.
- Make the visit quick with minimal handling and restraint.
- Comfort your puppy afterward with cuddles and play time.
While your puppy may experience transient soreness or fatigue, they will bounce back to normal quickly. Focus on the positive — each vaccine gets your puppy one step closer to protected health!
Ask Your Veterinarian
Puppy shots provide a foundation for your dog’s future health and wellbeing. Discuss your puppy’s vaccine schedule and any concerns with your veterinarian. They can explain when each vaccine is needed, potential side effects, and ways to comfort your puppy on shot day.
With the proper series of puppy vaccinations at the appropriate ages, you can ensure your new furry friend develops robust immunity to some of the most serious canine diseases. Core vaccines form vital protection during the window of susceptibility before your puppy’s immune system fully matures.
While no vaccine is 100% effective, following vaccination guidelines significantly minimizes the risks of a puppy contracting a life-threatening illness. Partner with your vet to give your puppy the best chance at a long and healthy life. Consistent preventative care from the start sets them up for success.
Puppy Shot FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about puppy vaccines:
Do puppy shots hurt?
The injections may cause brief, mild discomfort. Most puppies tolerate the shots well. Some soreness, swelling, or fatigue can occur afterwards. Serious reactions are very rare.
What if I miss a puppy shot?
Resume the vaccine schedule as soon as possible. Additional doses may be needed to provide full protection. Delaying shots leaves your puppy at risk.
Can shots make my puppy sick?
Some mild side effects like low energy or decreased appetite may occur for a day or two. Severe vomiting, diarrhea, or allergic reactions are uncommon.
Are parvo shots really necessary?
Parvovirus is highly contagious and often fatal. The vaccine is critically important and highly effective. Skipping parvo shots puts puppies at grave risk.
Do puppies need shots every year?
Annual distemper and parvo boosters are recommended. Rabies and leptospirosis shots may be required annually based on laws and risk factors specific to your area.
Can I give my own puppy shots?
No, puppy vaccines can only be administered by a licensed veterinarian. You cannot legally purchase or store vaccines without a vet license.
What if I adopted an older puppy?
Any puppy under 16 weeks old still requires the core vaccine series. An adult dog’s vaccination history may be unclear if adopted as an older pup. Your vet can do antibody testing and administer any shots needed.
Conclusion
Like human babies, puppies need multiple rounds of vaccines for maximum protection. Core vaccines for distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis and parainfluenza are critically important. Rabies vaccination is required by law. Your vet may advise certain non-core vaccines as well based on local disease risks.
While budgets are a consideration, it is false economy to skip any recommended shots. Failing to properly vaccinate leads to outbreaks of infectious diseases that end up costing pet owners much more in terms of suffering, treatment expenses down the road, and premature death of beloved family pets.
Work closely with your veterinarian to ensure your puppy receives every dose on schedule. While accustoming to a new home is exciting, avoid high-risk exposure until at least a week after your puppy’s final shots around 16 weeks old. Take comfort knowing each vaccine gets your puppy safely one step closer to healthy immunities for life.
