Dog Vaccination Schedule
Core Vaccines, Lifestyle-Based Options and the Puppy Series Explained

Core Vaccines Every Dog Needs

The AVMA and AAHA distinguish between core vaccines — those recommended for all dogs regardless of lifestyle — and non-core vaccines, which are recommended based on individual exposure risk. Understanding this distinction helps you have more informed conversations with your vet and avoid both under-vaccination and unnecessary vaccination.

The DHPP combination vaccine covers four diseases in a single injection: canine distemper, infectious hepatitis (caused by adenovirus), parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Parvovirus is the most critical — it kills unvaccinated puppies rapidly and remains infectious in the environment for months. Distemper is less common today precisely because vaccination rates are high, but it is serious and often fatal in unvaccinated dogs. The DHPP series in puppies typically begins at 6-8 weeks, with booster doses every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks, a booster at 1 year, and then every 3 years for fully vaccinated adult dogs.

Rabies vaccination is legally required in the vast majority of US jurisdictions. Dogs receive their first rabies vaccine at 12-16 weeks, a booster at 1 year, then either annually or every 3 years depending on the vaccine product and local law.

• DHPP: distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza — core for all dogs
• Rabies: legally required in most US jurisdictions, core for all dogs
• Puppy series: first DHPP at 6-8 weeks, boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks
• 1-year booster: DHPP and rabies booster after initial puppy series
• Adult maintenance: DHPP every 3 years, rabies per product label and local law
• Titer testing: blood test that measures existing immunity, used as booster alternative

Non-Core Vaccines by Lifestyle

Non-core vaccines are not recommended for every dog, but they are recommended for dogs with specific exposure risks. Your lifestyle determines which of these are appropriate — and some are now required by kennels, dog parks, and grooming facilities regardless of your personal assessment.

Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine is required at most boarding facilities, doggy daycares, and dog parks. Bordetella bronchiseptica is one of several pathogens involved in infectious tracheobronchitis — it causes the characteristic honking cough but is rarely dangerous in otherwise healthy adult dogs. The vaccine does not prevent all cases of kennel cough (multiple organisms are involved), but reduces severity and transmission.

Leptospirosis is particularly relevant for dogs that swim in natural bodies of water, walk in areas with wildlife, or live in suburban and rural environments. Leptospira bacteria are shed in urine by infected wildlife (raccoons, deer, rodents) and survive in standing water. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease — transmissible to humans — and can cause kidney and liver failure in dogs. AAHA now considers leptospirosis vaccination a core vaccine for dogs with any outdoor exposure.

There is an important indirect connection between ear infections and non-core vaccination decisions: dogs who swim regularly are at significantly higher risk for moisture-driven ear infections. If you are vaccinating for leptospirosis because your dog swims, also implement a consistent post-swim ear-drying protocol using a vet-recommended drying solution.

• Bordetella: required at most boarding, daycare, grooming, and dog park facilities
• Leptospirosis: recommended for outdoor dogs, swimmers, rural or wildlife-exposed dogs
• Lyme disease: tick-endemic regions — Northeast, upper Midwest, Pacific Coast
• Canine influenza (CIV): high-density environments, dog shows, kennels with outbreaks
• Rattlesnake toxoid: dogs in snake-prevalent areas, especially off-trail hikers
• Schedule timing: most non-core vaccines need 1-2 week lead time before exposure

Puppy Schedule and Adult Maintenance

The puppy vaccine series exists because of maternal antibodies. Nursing puppies receive antibodies from their mother's milk that provide temporary protection. These maternal antibodies gradually wane over the first weeks of life — but while they are present, they can also interfere with vaccine response. The vaccine series is designed to catch the puppy as maternal antibodies wane, before it is fully vulnerable.

This is why the timing of the final puppy vaccine is so critical. The last dose in the puppy series must be given at 16 weeks or later — not because the vaccine formulation is different, but because maternal antibodies are most reliably cleared by that age. A puppy who received its last DHPP at 12 weeks may still have had residual maternal antibodies blocking the vaccine. If this happens and the owner considers the dog "fully vaccinated" based on the 12-week dose, the dog could still be susceptible to parvovirus.

Adult dogs with complete vaccination histories and consistent annual or triennial boosters are well protected. Finding a vet you trust for these visits — and who also monitors your dog's overall health including ear health, skin condition, and allergy status — is covered in our guide to finding a vet near you. Dogs with allergies that drive ear infections benefit from using each annual wellness appointment to reassess their allergy management plan.

• 6-8 weeks: first DHPP vaccine — do not start before 6 weeks
• 10-12 weeks: second DHPP, begin non-core vaccines if appropriate
• 14-16 weeks: third and final puppy DHPP + first rabies vaccine
• Final puppy dose at 16 weeks: critical — cannot be given earlier for reliable protection
• 12-16 months: DHPP booster + rabies booster after puppy series
• Every 3 years: DHPP maintenance in fully vaccinated adult dogs
• Annual wellness exam: vaccines are the reason for the visit, comprehensive exam is the value