What Shots Do Puppies Need? A Complete Puppy Vaccination Guide
What Shots Do Puppies Need? A Complete Puppy Vaccination Guide
Bringing home a new puppy is exciting—but did you know vaccinations are one of the most important steps in keeping your furry friend healthy and safe? At All Dog Kennels, we care about the wellbeing of your pet, which is why we've created this easy-to-follow guide to help you understand what shots puppies need, when they need them, and why they matter.
Why Are Puppy Vaccinations Important?
Puppies are vulnerable to many contagious diseases. Core puppy vaccinations protect them from life-threatening illnesses like parvovirus, distemper, and rabies. Without these puppy shots, your new dog could be at serious risk.
Core Vaccines Every Puppy Needs
These are considered essential by veterinarians:
- Distemper
- Parvovirus
- Adenovirus (Canine Hepatitis)
- Parainfluenza
- Rabies
These are often combined into a single vaccine called the DHPP vaccine (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus).
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
|
Puppy Age |
Vaccinations Needed |
|
6–8 weeks |
DHPP (1st dose) |
|
10–12 weeks |
DHPP (2nd dose), Leptospirosis (optional) |
|
14–16 weeks |
DHPP (3rd dose), Rabies |
|
12–16 months |
DHPP booster, Rabies booster |
Optional (Non-Core) Vaccines
Depending on your location and lifestyle, your vet may recommend:
- Bordetella (kennel cough)
- Lyme disease
- Leptospirosis
- Canine Influenza
If your pup will be boarding, attending doggy daycare, or traveling, these shots may be especially important.
Are Puppy Shots Required by Law?
Rabies vaccination is legally required in most states. Your vet will provide a certificate proving your puppy is vaccinated, which is essential for licensing and travel.
Tips for Puppy Owners
- Keep your puppy indoors or away from unknown dogs until vaccinations are complete.
- Don’t skip booster shots—these ensure lasting protection.
- Keep a vaccination record for your dog’s health history.
Protect Your Puppy with the Right Kennel Setup
Vaccines are only one part of keeping your puppy healthy. Make sure they have a safe, comfortable dog kennel at home! At All Dog Kennels, we offer a wide selection of durable, secure dog kennels designed with your puppy's safety in mind.
Final Thoughts
Keeping up with your puppy's vaccination schedule is crucial to ensuring a healthy start in life. With the right puppy shots, safe housing, and lots of love, your furry friend will thrive for years to come.
Shop top-quality dog kennels today at All Dog Kennels and give your puppy the safe space they deserve.
