Your puppy's first year: a simple vaccination timeline

The first year is when your puppy builds the immunity that protects them for life. Vaccines are given in a series because a puppy's immune system needs a few rounds to respond fully, and because the protection passed on from their mother fades at different times.

A typical schedule

Every puppy is different, and we adjust the plan to your pet's lifestyle and risk. As a general guide:

• 6–8 weeks: first DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza) and a deworming.
• 10–12 weeks: second DHPP, plus lifestyle vaccines such as leptospirosis or Bordetella if recommended.
• 14–16 weeks: final DHPP and the rabies vaccine.
• 12 months: first set of boosters.

Until the series is finished

Keep your puppy away from unknown dogs and high-traffic areas like dog parks until two weeks after the last shot. You can still socialise safely — carry them, invite vaccinated friends' dogs over, and enrol in a puppy class that requires proof of vaccination.

What to bring to each visit

Any records you already have, a list of questions, and a few treats. We use those visits to weigh your puppy, check growth, and answer the small worries that come up in the first few months.

If you're not sure where your puppy is in the series, call us at (503) 555-0142 and we'll map it out together.