Dog Vaccinations and Deworming Guide

Clear timelines for puppy vaccines, adult boosters, and parasite control.

Core vaccines protect against DAPP/DHPP and rabies; deworming and preventives protect against internal parasites. Work with your veterinarian to tailor the plan.

What to Expect

Puppies start vaccines at 6–8 weeks with boosters every 3–4 weeks until 16–20 weeks. Deworming begins at 2 weeks of age and continues regularly in early months.

Adult dogs need periodic boosters and year-round parasite prevention based on local risk and lifestyle.

Puppy Vaccine Schedule (First Year)

Veterinary visit

6–8 weeks: DAPP/DHPP (1st). Begin deworming; consider Bordetella if indicated.

10–12 weeks: DAPP/DHPP (2nd). +/- Leptospirosis (1st) where indicated.

12–16 weeks: DAPP/DHPP (3rd). Rabies per local law. +/- Leptospirosis (2nd).

16–20 weeks: Final DAPP/DHPP as needed to ensure protection as maternal antibodies wane.

1 year after puppy series: DAPP/DHPP booster; Rabies booster (per vaccine/law). +/- Leptospirosis booster if used.

Adult Boosters (After First Year)

DAPP/DHPP: booster 1 year after puppy series, then typically every 3 years (per vet guidance).

Rabies: annually or every 3 years depending on vaccine type and local regulations.

Non-core (Lepto, Bordetella, Influenza, Lyme): as indicated by risk and local prevalence.

Deworming & Parasite Control

Puppies: every 2 weeks from 2–12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months. Fecal exams help guide treatment.

Adults (primarily indoor/low risk): broad-spectrum parasite control every 3–6 months; fecal test 1–2x/year.

Adults (outdoor/travel/hikers): monthly to every 3 months depending on risk; include flea/tick and heartworm prevention.

Pregnant/lactating bitches: ask your vet for safe options.

Use vet-recommended products and maintain year-round heartworm prevention where recommended.

When to Call Your Vet

Post-vaccine reactions: facial swelling, hives, vomiting, collapse, or trouble breathing—seek urgent care.

After deworming: persistent vomiting/diarrhea, lethargy, or blood in stool—contact your vet.

If your dog is acutely ill, ask your vet before vaccinating.

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Dog Vaccinations and Deworming Guide

What to Expect

Puppy Vaccine Schedule (First Year)

Adult Boosters (After First Year)

Deworming & Parasite Control

When to Call Your Vet

Dog Vaccinations and Deworming Guide

What to Expect

Puppy Vaccine Schedule (First Year)

Adult Boosters (After First Year)

Deworming & Parasite Control

When to Call Your Vet