Here is a list of the vaccines that puppies need:

• Core vaccines: These are administered to all healthy dogs and include:

  • DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo, and parainfluenza)
  • Rabies

• Non-core vaccines: These are important but not needed for all dogs. Vaccines in this category include:

  • Bordetella, Parainfluenza, and Canine Influenza (recommended for social dogs)
  • Lyme or Leptospirosis (may be recommended by your veterinarian if you live in or travel with your dog to an area where these are endemic)

The first set of vaccines should be given to puppies at 6-8 weeks of age, and they will need to visit their veterinarian numerous times to get vaccinated for and become immunized against potentially fatal, yet preventable infectious diseases. The core vaccines are administered in a series of three: at 6-, 12-, and 16 weeks old. The non-core vaccines may be given at the same time as the core vaccines or at a later time, depending on your puppys individual risk factors and lifestyle. Always discuss puppy vaccinations with your veterinarian to determine which vaccines are necessary and when they should be administered.