Dog Vaccination Schedule: Puppy to Senior

Core puppy vaccines (6–16 weeks)

Puppies receive a series of combination vaccines because maternal antibodies fade at unpredictable times. The series — not any single shot — is what protects them.

• 6–8 weeks: first DHPP (distemper, hepatitis/adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza)
• 10–12 weeks: second DHPP; leptospirosis where your vet advises
• 14–16 weeks: final DHPP; rabies as required by local law
• Avoid parks and unknown dogs until one week after the final parvo dose

Adult boosters

After the one-year booster, most core vaccines move to a three-year cycle, while some non-core vaccines remain annual.

• DHPP: booster at 1 year, then typically every 3 years
• Rabies: per local law — commonly every 1–3 years
• Leptospirosis and kennel cough (Bordetella): annually if lifestyle warrants
• Discuss titer testing with your vet if you prefer evidence-based intervals

Lifestyle vaccines

Boarding, daycare, dog parks, travel, and regional disease risk decide the optional list — there is no universal answer.

• Bordetella for any social or boarded dog
• Canine influenza where outbreaks occur
• Lyme vaccine in tick-heavy regions

Never miss a booster again

The hard part isn't knowing the schedule — it's remembering it three years later. Store each vaccine record in PetVault AI and set automatic reminders, so every due date emails you before it lapses.