What Shots Does a Puppy Actually Need? Your Complete Guide to Vaccination Timing and Costs

Getting a new puppy is thrilling, but the responsibility can feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to keeping them healthy. Between selecting the right food, toys, training approaches and socialization strategies, there’s a lot to juggle. Yet one element towers above the rest in importance: making sure your pup gets the right vaccinations at the right time. Here’s everything you need to know about what shots your puppy needs and when to schedule them.

Why Puppy Vaccinations Matter More Than You Think

When puppies are born, they inherit temporary immune protection from their mother. Unfortunately, this maternal immunity fades relatively quickly and can actually interfere with the effectiveness of vaccines you give them later. According to Dr. Jamie Richardson, D.V.M., head of veterinary small medicine at Small Door Veterinary, “Puppies initially receive immune protection from their mother, but the protection is relatively short lived, and maternal immunity can interfere with the vaccines we administer, making them less effective.”

This is why puppies need multiple vaccine doses spread over several months—not just one shot and done. Each booster builds up their antibody levels until their own immune system can take over full protection.

Breaking Down What Shots Does a Puppy Need: Core vs. Noncore Vaccines

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has organized puppy vaccinations into two categories, and understanding the difference will help you prioritize what’s essential.

Core vaccines are recommended for every single dog, regardless of lifestyle or location. These protect against diseases that are either widespread, severe, or both:

• Canine distemper
• Canine adenovirus
• Canine parvovirus
• Rabies

Often, the distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus vaccines are combined into one shot called DHP. Add in parainfluenza protection and it becomes DHPP.

Noncore vaccines are tailored to your individual dog based on where you live, their lifestyle and their exposure risk. Your vet will recommend these on a case-by-case basis:

• Canine leptospirosis
• Canine Lyme disease
• Canine bordetella (kennel cough)
• Canine influenza
• Western diamondback rattlesnake toxoid

The Core Vaccines: What Each Shot Protects Against

Canine Distemper: A Multi-System Threat

Distemper is caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal system and nervous system. Puppies and dogs catch it through airborne transmission when an infected dog or wild animal coughs or sneezes. Shared food and water bowls can also spread it.

An infected puppy typically develops fever, runny nose, cough, tiredness, poor appetite and vomiting. In more severe cases, the virus damages the central nervous system, leading to circling, head tilting, muscle spasms, seizures or partial paralysis. Puppies under 4 months and unvaccinated dogs face the highest risk.

Vaccination timeline: Start at 6 weeks old, then repeat every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. After that, one booster within a year, then every three years.

Canine Adenovirus: Liver Damage and More

Infectious canine hepatitis (ICH), caused by canine adenovirus type 1, is a severe disease spread through urine, feces and eye/nose discharge from infected animals. It attacks the liver, kidneys and blood vessels.

Puppies show decreased appetite, depression, mild fever and respiratory symptoms like eye and nasal discharge. Severe cases in young puppies can include vomiting, diarrhea, facial and neck swelling and jaundice—often fatal outcomes.

Vaccination timeline: Puppies receive this as part of the DHPP combo vaccine. They need at least three doses between 6-16 weeks, spaced 2-4 weeks apart. Follow with a booster within one year, then every three years.

Canine Parvovirus: The Highly Contagious GI Attacker

Parvo is extremely contagious and targets the gastrointestinal tract. It spreads through contaminated feces and can survive on surfaces, food bowls, collars, leashes, clothing and hands. The virus thrives in various temperatures and can persist in the environment for extended periods.

Infected puppies show lethargy, appetite loss, abdominal pain and bloating, abnormal body temperature, vomiting and severe bloody diarrhea. Young puppies are especially vulnerable, making vaccination critical.

Vaccination timeline: Administer at 6-8 weeks, 10-12 weeks and 14-16 weeks. Add a booster at one year, then every three years.

Rabies: The Non-Negotiable Vaccine

Rabies, caused by the Lyssavirus, spreads through infected animal saliva and attacks the central nervous system. Infected animals display abnormal behavior including agitation, aggression, excessive drooling and biting. Globally, rabies kills approximately 59,000 people and millions of animals annually.

The rabies vaccine is legally required in the U.S., though scheduling varies by state. Start with an initial two-dose series one year apart, then booster shots every three years.

The Noncore Vaccines: When Your Puppy Might Need Extra Protection

Leptospirosis: Bacterial Infection from Water and Soil

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease present in soil and water that damages the liver or kidneys. Puppies contract it through direct contact with infected urine, contaminated water, wounds or scratches, contaminated food and bedding, or even through the placenta from the mother dog.

Symptoms include fever, shivering, muscle tenderness, increased thirst, urination changes, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss and fatigue.

Your vet will recommend this noncore vaccine based on your puppy’s exposure risk. In California, leptospirosis is now considered a core vaccine due to the disease’s severity and potential to affect even urban dogs. If recommended, the initial vaccination should be followed by a booster 2-4 weeks later, with the first shot given no earlier than 12 weeks of age. Annual boosters maintain protection.

Lyme Disease: Tick-Borne Bacterial Threat

Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, is transmitted by tick bites—specifically the deer tick or black-legged tick. Once attached, a tick takes 1-2 days to transmit the bacteria, which is why prompt tick removal is crucial.

Lyme disease predominantly occurs in the U.S. Northeast (especially New England), upper Midwest and Pacific Coast. Infected dogs develop fever, appetite loss, painful or swollen joints, lameness, enlarged lymph nodes and lethargy. Untreated Lyme disease can damage kidneys, the nervous system and the heart.

While a vaccine exists, it’s noncore and typically recommended for dogs in high-prevalence areas, especially those that hike or spend significant time outdoors.

Bordetella (Kennel Cough): The Contagious Respiratory Disease

Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), commonly called kennel cough, is highly contagious and affects the respiratory tract. It causes a frequent, harsh honking cough plus lethargy, reduced appetite, fever and rapid or labored breathing. Multiple bacteria and viruses can cause it, with Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza and canine adenovirus type 2 being the most common culprits.

This noncore vaccine is recommended for dogs that are boarded, groomed or socialize frequently in high-traffic environments like dog parks. The vaccine can be administered via injection, orally into the cheek pouch or through nasal drops. The intranasal route develops local immunity on the nose and throat mucous membranes where infection begins, providing faster protection than injectable versions.

Canine Influenza: The Flu for Dogs

This highly contagious respiratory virus resembles the human influenza virus. Dogs catch it from close contact with other infected dogs, especially in kennels, shelters and dog parks, through coughing, sneezing, barking or contact with contaminated objects like water bowls and leashes.

Infected dogs develop cough, eye and nasal discharge, sneezing, fever, lethargy and appetite loss. The AAHA classifies the influenza vaccine as noncore. It may not prevent infection entirely but can reduce severity and duration. It’s most useful for social dogs, those who board or attend grooming, or any dog with high exposure risk.

Rattlesnake Toxoid: Specialized Protection for At-Risk Dogs

The rattlesnake vaccine is a noncore option intended to help dogs build antibodies to rattlesnake venom. However, the AAHA notes there’s no published research documenting how well it works. The vaccine requires two doses one month apart, with an annual booster at least one month before potential rattlesnake exposure.

This vaccine delays venom effects but doesn’t eliminate the need for emergency veterinary care if a bite occurs.

Your Puppy’s Vaccination Timeline at a Glance

Core Vaccine Schedule:

• 6 weeks: First DHP or DHPP vaccine
• 10 weeks: Second DHP or DHPP vaccine
• 14 weeks: Third DHP or DHPP vaccine + Rabies (first dose)
• 1 year: Rabies booster (second dose)
• Ongoing: DHP/DHPP boosters every 3 years; Rabies every 1-3 years depending on state law

Noncore vaccines follow the timeline your vet recommends based on your puppy’s individual risk factors and your region.

What About Deworming?

While not a vaccine, deworming is equally important. Deworming typically begins as early as 2 weeks of age and should be customized based on your puppy’s parasite exposure. Discuss a deworming schedule with your veterinarian.

How Much Will Puppy Vaccination Cost?

Total vaccination costs for a puppy typically range from $75 to $100, though this varies by location and veterinary practice. Some vets offer puppy wellness packages bundling all vaccines and visits into one price.

Here’s what individual vaccines typically cost:

• Bordetella: $30.69
• DAPP: $35.87
• Bivalent Influenza: $48.57
• Leptospirosis: $21.96
• Lyme Disease: $39.41
• Rabies: $25.49

Don’t forget to budget for booster shots every 1-3 years. Look into local low-cost or free clinics and animal shelters, which often charge less for vaccines.

Consider Pet Insurance for Your Puppy

Beyond supplies, pet insurance deserves serious consideration. It can cover unexpected vet visits and, importantly, help offset routine puppy checkups and vaccinations during the critical first year.

Coverage varies by policy—some include wellness visits and vaccinations, others don’t. Pet insurance companies typically have waiting periods, but enrolling early has real benefits:

• Avoid exclusions from pre-existing conditions
• Prevent expensive emergency care bills
• Lock in lower premiums for younger dogs
• Offset wellness costs

According to Dr. Michael Thompson, D.V.M., founder of Pets Food Safety, “The cost with insurance is generally 40% to 60% less compared to out-of-pocket payments, depending on the provider.” In California, for example, the Bordetella vaccine costs $33.38 out-of-pocket but would be largely reimbursed through insurance. Adding a wellness plan to your pet insurance further reduces costs for annual checkups, vaccinations, heartworm treatment and preventive care.

Common Questions About Puppy Shots Answered

Q: When does my puppy need booster shots? Not all vaccines require boosters, but several critical ones do. Dr. Jamie Richardson explains, “It’s important that puppies get vaccines and boosters, because they are especially vulnerable to diseases due to their underdeveloped immune systems.”

Booster schedules vary:

• Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza: One booster within one year of the final initial dose, then every three years
• Rabies: Every 1-3 years (state-dependent)
• Leptospirosis and Lyme Disease: Annual boosters
• Bordetella: Annual boosters
• Influenza: One booster within one year, then annually
• Rattlesnake Toxoid: One annual booster

Q: How many parvo shots does a puppy need? Puppies require at least three doses (sometimes more) of a combination vaccine including parvo protection, administered between 6-16 weeks of age, roughly 2-4 weeks apart.

Q: When should my puppy be fully vaccinated? Generally, the final puppy vaccination series concludes at 16 weeks, with annual boosters thereafter.

Q: What’s the difference between what shots puppies need versus adult dogs? Puppies need more frequent initial doses to build immunity since maternal antibodies interfere with vaccine effectiveness. Adult dogs primarily need booster shots to maintain immunity levels established during puppyhood.