What is the difference between core and non-core dog vaccines?

Core vaccines — distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and rabies — are recommended for essentially all dogs because the diseases are severe, widespread, or required by law. Non-core vaccines like bordetella, leptospirosis, canine influenza, and Lyme are recommended based on a dog's lifestyle, location, and exposure risk.

What age do puppies start their vaccine series?

Most puppies begin the DHPP series around 6–8 weeks old, with additional doses roughly every 3–4 weeks until 14–16 weeks, when maternal antibodies have typically faded enough for the vaccine to take full effect.

How often does my dog need a rabies booster?

It depends on the vaccine product and your state's law — some states require annual rabies boosters, others allow a 3-year vaccine after the first booster. Rabies requirements vary by US state, so confirm the schedule with your veterinarian or local animal control.

Can I skip a vaccine my dog doesn't seem to need?

That decision should be made with your veterinarian, who can weigh your dog's age, health, lifestyle, and local disease risk. This page describes published guideline schedules, not individualized medical advice.

Where do these guidelines come from?

This schedule reflects the publicly available 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines and the WSAVA Global Vaccination Guidelines, both developed by veterinary expert panels. Always confirm exact timing with your veterinarian.

Where can I keep track of what my dog has already received?

A vaccination record template or a digital records tool like CanineQ can help you track what's been given, when the next dose is due, and reminders so nothing is missed.

Health & records

Dog Vaccine Schedule: Puppy Shots Week by Week

This schedule summarizes published veterinary guidelines for puppy and adult dog vaccination. Every dog is different, so always confirm exact timing with your veterinarian.

Core vs. non-core vaccines

Core vaccines — distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus (combined as DHPP) and rabies — are recommended for nearly every dog because the diseases they prevent are severe, widespread, or legally required. Non-core vaccines — bordetella, leptospirosis, canine influenza and Lyme disease — are recommended selectively, based on where you live, your dog's lifestyle (boarding, dog parks, hiking in tick country), and regional disease prevalence.

Puppy vaccine schedule, week by week

Puppy age	Typical vaccines	Notes
6–8 weeks	DHPP (distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus) — first dose	First dose of the core combo vaccine; may include leptospirosis in some protocols.
10–12 weeks	DHPP — second dose; leptospirosis; bordetella (if indicated)	Non-core vaccines are added based on lifestyle and regional risk.
14–16 weeks	DHPP — third dose; rabies; lyme (if indicated)	Rabies is typically given no earlier than 12 weeks, per state law and the vaccine label.
16–18 weeks (optional)	DHPP booster in high-risk or shelter-sourced puppies	Some vets add a final parvo-focused booster for puppies with uncertain maternal antibody status.
12–16 months	DHPP booster; rabies booster	First adult booster, one year after the puppy series finishes.

Schedule adapted from the 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines and WSAVA Global Vaccination Guidelines. Confirm exact timing with your veterinarian, since it can shift based on your puppy's health and local disease risk.

Adult dog booster schedule

Vaccine	Typical booster frequency
DHPP (core)	Every 3 years, after the 1-year booster
Rabies (core)	Every 1 or 3 years, depending on vaccine and state law
Leptospirosis	Annually, in dogs with ongoing exposure risk
Bordetella (kennel cough)	Every 6–12 months for dogs in boarding, daycare, or shows
Canine influenza	Annually, where recommended by a veterinarian
Lyme disease	Annually, in tick-endemic regions

Rabies requirements vary by US state — some states mandate annual boosters while others allow a 3-year vaccine after the initial booster. Local law, not just the vaccine label, determines the interval where you live. Confirm timing with your veterinarian or local animal control office.

Sources

American Animal Hospital Association, 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines
World Small Animal Veterinary Association, WSAVA Global Vaccination Guidelines

Once your dog has a vaccine history, a printable dog vaccination record template helps you track what's been given and what's due next. If your vet's office has closed or you're missing records, see how to get your dog's vaccination records.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between core and non-core dog vaccines?: Core vaccines — distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and rabies — are recommended for essentially all dogs because the diseases are severe, widespread, or required by law. Non-core vaccines like bordetella, leptospirosis, canine influenza, and Lyme are recommended based on a dog's lifestyle, location, and exposure risk.
What age do puppies start their vaccine series?: Most puppies begin the DHPP series around 6–8 weeks old, with additional doses roughly every 3–4 weeks until 14–16 weeks, when maternal antibodies have typically faded enough for the vaccine to take full effect.
How often does my dog need a rabies booster?: It depends on the vaccine product and your state's law — some states require annual rabies boosters, others allow a 3-year vaccine after the first booster. Rabies requirements vary by US state, so confirm the schedule with your veterinarian or local animal control.
Can I skip a vaccine my dog doesn't seem to need?: That decision should be made with your veterinarian, who can weigh your dog's age, health, lifestyle, and local disease risk. This page describes published guideline schedules, not individualized medical advice.
Where do these guidelines come from?: This schedule reflects the publicly available 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines and the WSAVA Global Vaccination Guidelines, both developed by veterinary expert panels. Always confirm exact timing with your veterinarian.
Where can I keep track of what my dog has already received?: A vaccination record template or a digital records tool like CanineQ can help you track what's been given, when the next dose is due, and reminders so nothing is missed.