AAHA includes leptospirosis among core canine vaccines. Ask your vet how current guidance applies to your location and puppy. AAHA.
Why Are Puppy Vaccinations So Important?
Vaccinating your puppy is one of the most critical steps you can take to ensure they grow up healthy and strong. When puppies are born, they receive temporary immunity from their mother's milk (colostrum). However, this maternal immunity fades within the first few weeks of life, leaving the puppy vulnerable to serious and potentially fatal infectious diseases.
Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines
Veterinarians categorize puppy vaccines into two main groups: core and non-core vaccines.
Core Vaccines
Core vaccines are recommended for all puppies, regardless of their location or lifestyle, due to the severity of the diseases they prevent.
- DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus): A combination vaccine that protects against four dangerous viruses. Parvovirus, in particular, is highly contagious and often fatal in young puppies.
- Rabies: A fatal viral disease that can spread to humans. Rabies vaccination requirements depend on local rules.
- Leptospirosis: AAHA classifies this as core. Your veterinarian determines the schedule and applies local guidance.
Non-Core Vaccines
Non-core vaccines are administered based on your puppy's specific lifestyle, environment, and risk of exposure.
- Bordetella: Protects against kennel cough. Highly recommended if your puppy will be going to daycare, boarding facilities, or training classes.
- Lyme Disease: Essential for puppies living in or traveling to tick-endemic areas.
The Week-by-Week Puppy Vaccination Timeline
A puppy schedule is individualized. Combination vaccines usually start at 6–8 weeks and repeat every 2–4 weeks, with the final initial-series dose at 16 weeks or older. Your vet adapts the schedule and rabies vaccination to the product and local requirements. AAHA recommendations.
6 to 8 Weeks
At this age, puppies receive their first round of core vaccines. They are usually given the initial DHPP vaccine and, if recommended by the vet, the Bordetella vaccine.
10 to 12 Weeks
During this visit, your puppy will receive the second DHPP booster. Depending on their lifestyle, the vet may also administer the initial doses of additional vaccines such as leptospirosis or Lyme disease.
16 Weeks or Older
The final initial-series core dose should be at 16 weeks or older; some puppies need a longer series. Your vet determines rabies timing and other vaccinations based on risk and product guidance.
What to Expect After Vaccination
It is common for puppies to experience mild side effects after receiving a vaccine. These can include lethargy, a slight fever, or tenderness at the injection site. These symptoms typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours.
When Can My Puppy Go Outside Safely?
It is generally safe to take your puppy outside in your own private, enclosed yard. However, you should avoid public spaces, dog parks, and areas where unvaccinated dogs may frequent until two weeks after their final round of core vaccines at 16 weeks of age.