Puppy vaccination schedule: shots by age
PUPPY · FIRST VACCINE SERIES
A puppy gets its first combination shot (DHP) at 6–8 weeks, then repeats it every 2–4 weeks up to 16 weeks of age — the final dose must land at 16+ weeks. The rabies shot is given at 12–16 weeks. Under the WSAVA 2024 protocol a revaccination follows around six months, then boosters every 1–3 years depending on the vaccine.
01Schedule by age
Age
Vaccine
Note
6–8 weeks
First DHP dose
distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus
10–12 weeks
DHP · 2nd dose
+ leptospirosis if recommended
12–16 weeks
Rabies
single dose; required for travel
14–16 weeks
Final DHP dose
must be at 16+ weeks — closes the window
~26 weeks
DHP revaccination
WSAVA 2024 — replaces the old 12-month booster
~12 months
Rabies booster
then every 1–3 years by vaccine and law
02Why the series of doses
While a puppy nurses, maternal antibodies protect it — and the same antibodies keep a vaccine from working. They fade at different rates for every puppy, so the series repeats up to 16 weeks: this closes the window in which the puppy is already vulnerable while the vaccine is still neutralised by leftover antibodies. That is why the final dose cannot be given before 16 weeks — by then maternal protection has usually gone and the shot builds lasting immunity.
Your vet will adjust the exact dates for your puppy and region — the table above reflects the baseline WSAVA protocol. In some countries leptospirosis is now a core vaccine, so it is often added from the second dose.
Platera reminds you about every shot
A plan by your puppy’s age, country and lifestyle — free.
Platera9:00 AM
Mia’s booster shot is tomorrow — clinic at 12:00
03Frequently asked
Can I move a shot by a week?
A small shift is fine: the interval between doses in the series is 2–4 weeks. If more than a month passed between doses, the vet may add an extra dose so the series works. The final dose should not be given before 16 weeks.
When can a puppy go for walks after a shot?
Full walks come after the final dose of the series (16+ weeks) plus another 1–2 weeks for immunity to build. Before that, carry the puppy and avoid places where dogs gather.
What if I missed a booster?
For an adult dog, a missed annual or three-year booster is usually covered by a single dose — you do not restart the series. The exact approach depends on the vaccine, so check with your vet.
Sources
WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines (2024)↗
AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines (2022, 2024 update)↗