Bringing home a new puppy comes with excitement and responsibility. One of the most important steps in ensuring their long-term health is following a veterinarian-approved vaccination schedule and implementing a strong preventative care routine. Vaccines protect your puppy from serious diseases, while proper care helps them grow into a healthy adult dog.

Below, we’ll walk you through the recommended vaccination schedule and the preventative care measures every new puppy parent should take.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Veterinarians typically follow a structured vaccine schedule to protect puppies from common and dangerous illnesses. Here’s a general guideline:

Core Vaccines (Essential for All Dogs)

Age	Vaccine	Purpose
6-8 weeks	DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)	Protects against multiple serious viral infections.
10-12 weeks	DHPP (booster) + Optional Bordetella	Reinforces immunity; Bordetella prevents kennel cough (recommended for social puppies).
14-16 weeks	DHPP (booster) + Rabies	Final core vaccine booster; Rabies is legally required in most areas.
12-16 months	DHPP (booster) + Rabies	Ensures lasting immunity into adulthood.
Every 1-3 years	DHPP + Rabies (based on local laws & vet recommendations)	Keeps immunity strong throughout life.

Non-Core (Optional) Vaccines

These are recommended based on lifestyle and environment:

• Bordetella – Prevents kennel cough; needed for dogs in daycare, training classes, or boarding facilities.
• Leptospirosis – Protects against bacteria found in contaminated water or soil; important for outdoor dogs.
• Lyme Disease – Recommended for dogs in tick-prone areas.
• Canine Influenza – For dogs frequently exposed to other dogs (e.g., boarding, dog parks).

Preventative Care Steps for a Healthy Puppy

Vaccines are just one part of keeping your puppy healthy. A complete preventative care routine includes:

1. Regular Veterinary Checkups

• Puppies should have their first vet visit within a week of coming home.
• Follow-up checkups help monitor their growth and address any concerns.
• Annual wellness exams are crucial even after the first year.

2. Deworming & Parasite Prevention

• Puppies often have intestinal parasites (worms) from birth and need deworming at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks old.
• After 8 weeks, monthly flea, tick, and heartworm prevention should begin.
• Your vet may recommend fecal tests to check for parasites.

3. Proper Nutrition

• Feed a high-quality, veterinarian-recommended puppy food based on their breed and size.
• Puppies need 3-4 meals per day until about 6 months old, then transition to 2 meals daily.
• Avoid human foods that are toxic to dogs, like chocolate, grapes, onions, and xylitol.

4. Socialization & Training

• Early socialization (8-16 weeks old) helps puppies become well-adjusted adults.
• Expose them gradually to new people, environments, and other animals in a safe way.
• Basic obedience training (sit, stay, recall) can start early.

5. Dental Care

• Introduce tooth brushing with a dog-safe toothpaste early on.
• Dental chews and professional cleanings help prevent dental disease.

6. Spaying & Neutering

• Most vets recommend spaying/neutering around 6-9 months old, depending on breed.
• It helps prevent certain health issues and unwanted litters.

7. Microchipping & ID Tags

• A microchip is a permanent form of identification in case your puppy gets lost.
• Always have a collar with an ID tag containing your contact info.

Final Thoughts

Staying on top of your puppy’s vaccinations and preventative care helps ensure they live a long, happy, and healthy life. Always consult your veterinarian to customize a plan based on your puppy’s breed, lifestyle, and health needs.

Are you preparing for your puppy’s first vet visit? Let us know in the comments if you have any questions!