When you bring that soft, sweet-smelling little ball of puppy fuzz into your home, you know right away that she depends on you for, well, everything. It’s up to you to give her all the care she needs every day. It can be intimidating — she requires the best puppy food, lots of attention, gentle training, safe toys, puppy socialization, a safe home, and proper veterinary care. This includes puppy shots for the first year. So, in this post, we will look at what shots puppies need first before going outside at 6 weeks, 8 weeks, 9 weeks, and 12 weeks.
When Do Puppies Get Their First shots?
Puppies are usually seen by a veterinarian for the first time when they are two to three weeks old. However, they are too young at this age to begin their vaccination series. Puppies should get their first shots between the ages of six and eight weeks. If you’ve adopted or purchased an older puppy, make sure you get her medical records so your vet knows which shots she’s already been given and when the next vaccines should be administered.
What Shots Do Puppies Need and When
Going to the vet several times over a few months for vaccinations and then for boosters or titers for the rest of your dog’s life may seem like a hassle, but the diseases that vaccinations protect our pets from are dangerous, can be deadly, and are, thankfully, mostly preventable.
We read about so many different vaccinations for so many different illnesses that it can be difficult to know which ones puppies require and which are important but optional. Here’s a rundown of what shots puppies need first before going outside at 6 weeks, 8 weeks, 9 weeks, and 12 weeks.
#1. Bordetella Bronchiseptica
This bacterium is very contagious and can cause severe coughing, whooping, vomiting, and, in rare cases, seizures and death. It is the most common cause of kennel cough. Vaccines are available in injectable and nasal spray forms.
#2. Canine Distemper
Distemper is a serious and contagious disease that is caused by a virus that attacks dogs, raccoons, skunks, and other animals’ respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems. It is transmitted through airborne exposure (sneezing or coughing) from an infected animal. The virus can also be spread through shared food and water bowls, as well as equipment. It causes eye and nose discharges, fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, twitching, paralysis, and, in some cases, death. Because it causes the footpad to thicken and harden, this disease was previously known as “hard pad.”
#3. Hepatitis in Dogs
Infectious canine hepatitis is a virus that spreads quickly and affects a dog’s liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, and eyes. This liver disease is caused by a virus that is not the same as the virus that causes hepatitis in people. The symptoms can range from a mild fever and a stuffy nose to vomiting, jaundice, a bigger stomach, and pain near the liver. Many dogs can get over the mild form of the disease, but the severe form can kill them. Although there is no cure, doctors can treat the symptoms.
#4. Parainfluenza in Dogs
One of several viruses that can cause kennel cough.
#5. Coronavirus
The virus that causes COVID-19 in humans is not the same as the virus that causes canine coronavirus. COVID-19 is not considered a health risk to dogs, and there is no evidence that it causes illness in them. Dogs usually get sick from canine coronavirus in their stomachs, but it can also cause infections in their lungs. Most GI symptoms, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea, are signs. Doctors can keep a dog hydrated, warm, and comfortable, as well as help with nausea, but no medication can kill coronaviruses.
#6. Heartworm
Consult your veterinarian about starting a heartworm preventive when your puppy is 12 to 16 weeks old. Even though there is no vaccine for this disease, it can be prevented by taking heartworm medicine as often as your vet tells you to.
#7. Coughing in a Dog
Inflammation of the upper airways causes kennel cough, which is also called infectious tracheobronchitis. It is usually caused by a mix of bacterial, viral, and other infections, like Bordetella and canine parainfluenza. The disease is usually mild, causing bouts of harsh, dry coughing. However, it can be severe enough to cause retching and gagging, as well as a loss of appetite.
#8. Leptospirosis
Unlike the majority of the diseases on this list, Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria, and some dogs may not exhibit any symptoms at all. Leptospirosis can be found in soil and water all over the world. It is a zoonotic disease, which means it can spread from animals to humans. Fever, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, extreme tiredness and weakness, stiffness, jaundice, muscle pain, infertility, and kidney failure are all possible symptoms, with or without liver failure. Antibiotics work, and the sooner they are administered, the better.
#9. Lyme Disease
Dogs don’t get the well-known “bull’s-eye” rash that people with Lyme disease do. Lyme disease (or borreliosis) is an infectious, tick-borne disease caused by spirochete bacteria. When a dog gets sick, it often walks with a limp, its lymph nodes swell, its temperature goes up, and it stops eating. If left untreated, the disease can harm the heart, kidneys, and joints, as well as cause neurological disorders. If the infection is found quickly, a course of antibiotics is very helpful, but it can come back months or even years later.
#10. Parvovirus
Parvo is a highly contagious virus that affects all dogs, but unvaccinated dogs and puppies under the age of four months are the most vulnerable. The virus attacks the gastrointestinal system, causing vomiting, fever, and often severe, bloody diarrhea. Extreme dehydration can happen quickly and kill a dog in 48 to 72 hours, so it is important to get them to the vet as soon as possible. Because there is no cure, keeping the dog hydrated and controlling secondary symptoms will keep him going until his immune system overcomes the illness.
#11. Rabies
Rabies is a virus that attacks the central nervous system of mammals. It can cause headaches, anxiety, hallucinations, excessive drooling, fear of water, paralysis, and death. It is most commonly transmitted by a rabid animal’s bite. Treatment must begin within hours of infection; otherwise, death is highly likely. Most states require rabies vaccinations regularly. Consult your veterinarian about the rabies vaccination laws and requirements in your area.
What Shots Do Puppies Need At 6 to 8 Weeks
Some of these vaccines may have already been administered to your puppy before you picked it up. Check with the people or organization you bought your puppy from to find out what vaccines it got and when.
Because all of these puppy shots must be given in a series of “initial” shots followed by “booster” shots, your vet needs this information to know how to structure your pup’s initial vaccination series.
What shots do puppies need between the ages of 6 and 8 weeks?
#1. CORE: DA2P (a.k.a. “Parvo” or “Distemper shot”)
Distemper, Adenovirus (Canine Infectious Hepatitis), and “Parvo” vaccine combined. This vaccine can also be given as a DA2PP, which is similar but also includes protection against Parainfluenza (an important but “non-core” vaccine).
#2. NON-CORE: Bordetella (a.k.a. “Kennel Cough”)
Depending on the type of vaccine (intra-nasal, oral, or injectable), the first vaccine can be given at this age if needed or wanted.
#3. NON-CORE: Canine Influenza Virus (a.k.a. “Dog Flu”)
There are two canine flu vaccines available, each of which protects against a different strain of dog flu. When necessary, puppies can begin receiving these shots at 6 or 8 weeks of age, depending on which vaccines they are receiving.
In either case, for the best protection, a booster is required 2-4 or 3 weeks later, depending on the vaccine.
Where your puppy can usually go and what they can usually do after this 6–8 week vaccine visit:
- Attend puppy classes: If their DA2P and Bordetella vaccines have been administered by a veterinarian and your puppy is not showing any signs of illness, they can likely begin puppy socialization classes 1 week after these vaccines. The facility, however, must be clean, and all puppies in attendance must have received their first veterinary-administered vaccine and deworming.
- Meet some (but not all) other dogs: At this point, a puppy can usually begin to meet other KNOWN and healthy puppies and adult dogs.
- Avoid: Sidewalks, parks, pet stores, doggie daycare, groomers, and other places/settings where other unknown dogs congregate.
What Shots Do Puppies Need at 9 to 12 Weeks
Depending on how old your puppy was when you got them, this may be their first or second visit to the veterinarian. In any case, it’s an important visit.
What shots do puppies need between the ages of 9 and 12 weeks?
#1. CORE: DA2P (a.k.a. “Parvo” or “Distemper shot”)
Distemper, Adenovirus (Canine Infectious Hepatitis), and “Parvo” vaccine combined. This vaccine can also be given as a DA2PP, which is similar but also includes protection against Parainfluenza (an important but “non-core” vaccine).
#2. NON-CORE: Bordetella (a.k.a. “Kennel Cough”)
Depending on the type of vaccine (intra-nasal, oral, or injectable), the first vaccine can be given at this age if needed or wanted.
#3. NON-CORE: Canine Influenza Virus (a.k.a. “Dog Flu”)
There are two canine flu vaccines available, each of which protects against a different strain of canine flu. If this is your puppy’s first dose of this vaccine, they will need a booster in 2-4 or 3 weeks, depending on which vaccine they are receiving, for the best protection.
Where your puppy can usually go and what they can usually do after this 9–12 week vaccine visit:
- Begin puppy socialization classes: If a puppy has not yet begun puppy socialization classes, it can (and should) do so after receiving its vaccines during this period.
- Play with known dogs: A puppy can continue to meet other KNOWN and healthy puppies and adult dogs.
- Avoid: Sidewalks, parks, pet stores, daycare, and other locations frequented by unknown dogs should be avoided.
- Groomer visits for “socialization”: A quick “socialization visit” to the groomer should be fine as long as the shop is kept clean and there aren’t or haven’t been any sick dogs there recently. Shopping malls and home improvement stores can be excellent places for your puppy to socialize without exposing him to contagious dog diseases.
What Shots Do Puppies Need Before Going Outside
Puppies typically receive three rounds of vaccinations during their first 16–18 weeks of life. There is a five-to seven-day waiting period after each round of shots before they are fully effective.
- 6-8 weeks for Round 1 (distemper and parvovirus).
- 10-12 weeks for Round 2 (DHPP, bordetella, influenza).
- 16-18 weeks for Round 3 (DHPP, rabies, bordetella, influenza).
Contrary to the advice of some more traditional veterinarians, puppies can and should be taken out five to seven days after their first round of vaccinations. If you have a fenced yard, your puppy can run around there (even if wild animals pass through occasionally), but because they are still highly vulnerable at this stage, their feet should not touch the ground in public places. If you live in an apartment building, there is one exception to this rule. In that case, designate one spot outside the building for your puppy to relieve himself. Carry them to the toilet, let them sniff around and do their business, and then carry them back home.
When Can Puppies Go for a Walk for the First Time?
Your puppy is ready for its first walk five to seven days after the second round of vaccinations. While they are much more resilient than they were a few weeks ago, it is still critical to avoid anything that could make them sick.
When walking, keep to paved surfaces such as sidewalks and parking lots. Avoid grass or dirt trails where unvaccinated dogs’ urine or feces are easier to avoid. Puppies who have had their second round of vaccinations can also go to the beach; just choose less crowded locations or times of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What first set of shots does a puppy need?
Your puppy will receive their first dose of the distemper complex at 8 weeks of age, which includes vaccines for distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), parainfluenza, parvo, and leptospirosis. This vaccine is typically administered by the breeder or rescue organization prior to the adoption of your new puppy.
How many rounds of shots do puppies need?
We recommend that puppies receive at least three rounds of vaccines in their first year and that puppies receive a fourth round of vaccine for maximum protection against Parvo. Ideally, the first round of vaccine should be given around the age of 6 weeks.
When should puppies get dewormed?
Puppies should be dewormed at a young age, usually at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 weeks. Once your puppy is 12 weeks old, you can continue to treat him with an effective all-wormer every three months for the rest of his life.
How many shots can a puppy get at once?
Puppies should never receive more than two vaccines in a single visit. Smaller puppies should only get one vaccine at a time.
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