🗓️ Puppy Vaccination : The Recommended Schedule

dog vaccination

For “Core” vaccines (Distemper, Parvovirus, and Adenovirus), the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) recommends:

  • Start: Between 6 to 8 weeks of age.
  • Frequency: Every 2 to 4 weeks.
  • The Critical Dose: The final dose of the initial series must be given at 16 weeks of age or older to ensure the vaccine isn’t blocked by lingering maternal antibodies.

💉 Core vs. Non-Core: What does your puppy need?

Not every puppy needs every vaccine. We categorize them to keep your pet safe without “over-vaccinating”:

CategoryWhat it isExamples
CoreVaccines EVERY dog should have, regardless of lifestyle.Parvovirus, Distemper, Adenovirus, and Rabies (where endemic).
Non-CoreBased on lifestyle (e.g., boarding, hiking, or travel).Leptospirosis, Kennel Cough (Bordetella), and Lyme Disease.

🩺 Beyond the Needle

Vaccination is just one part of your puppy’s Annual Health Check. These visits allow us to monitor growth, discuss nutrition, and catch potential issues early.