Puppy Vaccination Schedule: A First-Year Guide

Why the schedule matters so much

Puppies spend their first weeks protected by antibodies passed from their mother. That protection fades over time — and the window where vaccines must take over is exactly this period. If the schedule slips, a puppy can be left exposed to severe diseases like parvovirus.

The exact programme is set by your vet based on age, weight and environment — the flow below is the most commonly used skeleton.

A typical first year

• Weeks 6–8: First combination vaccine (distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, parainfluenza).
• Weeks 10–12: Combo booster; bordetella may be added on your vet's advice.
• Weeks 14–16: Final combo dose plus the rabies vaccine.
• Month 12: Combo and rabies boosters — then yearly repeats.

Before and after each shot

Internal and external parasite treatment should be completed before vaccination; a parasite-burdened puppy may mount a weak vaccine response. Your puppy should also be feeling well on the day — postpone if there's diarrhoea, vomiting or lethargy.

Mild tiredness and reduced appetite are normal for 24–48 hours afterwards. Facial swelling, vomiting or laboured breathing are not — contact your vet immediately.

Balancing protection with socialisation

Weeks 3–14 are the critical socialisation window, yet full protection only arrives with the final combo dose. Balance the two: carry your puppy on outings, introduce them to fully vaccinated, healthy dogs in controlled settings, and save busy parks for after the last shot.

Make tracking effortless

Photographing the vaccine card works until it doesn't. PetCowe's health passport records each shot with its date and dose, and reminds you when a booster is due.