Kitten Vaccines: What Every Pet Parent Should Know
February 4, 2026
Adult Dog Vaccines: Lifelong Protection for Your Dog
March 4, 2026
Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time filled with cuddles, playtime, and lots of firsts. One of the most important steps you can take early on is keeping your puppy up to date on puppy vaccinations. Vaccines protect your puppy from serious, potentially life-threatening diseases and help set the foundation for a long, healthy life.
As an AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital, we follow the highest standards in veterinary medicine, including evidence-based puppy vaccine guidelines recommended by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
Why Are Puppy Vaccines Important?
Puppies are born with immature immune systems. While they receive some temporary protection from their mother’s milk, that immunity fades quickly. Vaccinating puppies helps safely build long-lasting protection during this vulnerable stage of life.
Puppy Vaccines:
- Protect against highly contagious and dangerous diseases
- Reduce the spread of illness in the pet community
- Are often required for boarding, grooming, puppy training classes, and dog daycare
Core vs. Non-Core Puppy Vaccines
Veterinarians categorize dog vaccines as core or non-core based on disease risk and lifestyle.
Core Puppy Vaccines
Core vaccines are recommended for all puppies, regardless of lifestyle:
- Distemper
- Parvovirus
- Adenovirus (Canine Hepatitis)
- Rabies vaccine for dogs (required by law)
- Leptospirosis vaccine
These diseases are widespread, serious, and preventable through routine vaccination.
Non-Core Puppy Vaccines
Non-core vaccines may be recommended depending on your puppy’s lifestyle, environment, and exposure risk:
- Bordetella (kennel cough vaccine)
- Lyme disease vaccine
- Canine influenza vaccine
Your veterinarian will help determine which non-core dog vaccines are appropriate for your puppy.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Most puppies begin their vaccination schedule at 6–8 weeks of age, with booster shots every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks old. This timing ensures protection as maternal antibodies wear off.
A typical puppy vaccine schedule includes:
- 6–8 weeks: First core puppy vaccines
- 10–12 weeks: Booster vaccines and lifestyle-based vaccines
- 14–16 weeks: Final puppy boosters
- 12–16 weeks: Rabies vaccination
After completing the puppy series, your dog will move to an adult vaccination schedule based on AAHA guidelines.
Are Puppy Vaccines Safe?
Yes. Veterinarian-recommended puppy vaccines are thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness.
Most puppies experience minimal side effects, such as mild soreness or sleepiness for 24 hours.
Serious vaccine reactions are rare, and our veterinary team carefully monitors your puppy’s health at every visit.
Puppy Wellness Visits: More Than Vaccines
Puppy appointments aren’t just about shots. These early visits also allow us to:
- Monitor growth and development
- Discuss puppy nutrition and training
- Start parasite prevention (fleas, ticks, and heartworms)
- Create positive veterinary experiences early in life
Routine puppy wellness exams play a key role in lifelong health.
Trust an AAHA-Accredited Veterinarian for Your Puppy's Care
Choosing an AAHA-accredited veterinarian means your puppy receives care that meets the highest standards in veterinary medicine. From vaccinations to preventive care, we’re here to support your puppy at every stage of life.
If you’ve recently welcomed a new puppy, contact us today to schedule a puppy vaccination appointment. We look forward to meeting your newest family member!
