Dog Vaccination Schedule (Month-by-Month Printable Chart)

When I brought home my first puppy, I was overwhelmed by the vaccination schedule. Which shots did she need? When should she get them? What happens if we miss one? After years of experience and countless vet visits, I've learned that understanding your dog's vaccination timeline isn't just important - it's essential for protecting your puppy's health and preventing deadly diseases.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the complete dog vaccination schedule month by month. You'll learn which vaccines are core (essential for all dogs) and which are optional, understand the timing and costs, and get a printable chart to track your puppy's progress. Whether you just adopted a puppy or are planning ahead, this guide gives you everything you need to keep your dog protected.

Why Dog Vaccinations Are Non-Negotiable

Vaccinations protect dogs from serious, often fatal diseases. Before modern vaccines, diseases like parvovirus, distemper, and rabies killed countless puppies and dogs every year. These aren't theoretical threats - they still exist in the environment, and unvaccinated dogs remain vulnerable.

Puppies are especially at risk because their immune systems aren't fully developed. They receive some antibodies from their mother's milk, but this protection fades between 6 and 16 weeks of age. This creates a critical window where puppies need vaccines to build their own immunity before maternal antibodies disappear completely.

Vaccinations also protect the broader dog community through herd immunity. When most dogs are vaccinated, diseases can't spread easily. This protects puppies too young for vaccines, senior dogs with weakened immune systems, and dogs that can't be vaccinated due to medical conditions.

Core Vaccines: Essential for Every Dog

Core vaccines protect against diseases that are widespread, highly contagious, and potentially fatal. Every dog should receive these vaccines regardless of lifestyle or location. Veterinarians and animal health organizations universally recommend them.

Distemper (DHPP Vaccine)

Canine distemper is a viral disease that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It spreads through the air and direct contact with infected dogs. Symptoms include fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and eventually seizures and paralysis. There's no cure, and most infected puppies die.

The DHPP vaccine (also called the DA2PP or "distemper combo") protects against four diseases: distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Puppies receive this vaccine in a series of shots starting at 6-8 weeks old.

Parvovirus

Parvovirus (parvo) is incredibly contagious and deadly, especially for puppies. It attacks the intestinal tract and immune system, causing severe bloody diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and shock. The virus survives in the environment for months or even years.

Treatment requires intensive hospitalization with IV fluids and medications, often costing $1,500-$4,000. Even with treatment, many puppies don't survive. Prevention through vaccination is critical because parvo exists in virtually every environment where dogs have been.

Rabies

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the brain and nervous system. It spreads through the bite of an infected animal and is transmissible to humans. Once symptoms appear, rabies is 100% fatal in both dogs and humans.

Rabies vaccination is legally required in all 50 states. Puppies receive their first rabies vaccine at 12-16 weeks old. This vaccine is given separately from the DHPP series. Rabies boosters are required every 1-3 years depending on state law and vaccine type.

Optional (Non-Core) Vaccines: Based on Lifestyle

Non-core vaccines protect against diseases that only affect dogs in specific situations or geographic areas. Your veterinarian will recommend these based on your dog's lifestyle, location, and risk factors.

Bordetella (Kennel Cough)

Bordetella causes kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection that spreads rapidly in places where dogs congregate. Most boarding facilities, doggy daycares, and training classes require this vaccine. While kennel cough isn't usually life-threatening, it causes severe coughing and discomfort lasting 2-3 weeks.

Dogs who regularly visit dog parks, boarding facilities, or grooming salons should get this vaccine. It's available as an injectable vaccine, nasal spray, or oral medication. Protection lasts about 6-12 months, so many dogs need it twice yearly.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease spread through the urine of infected wildlife (especially rodents, raccoons, and opossums). Dogs contract it by drinking contaminated water or coming into contact with infected soil. It causes kidney and liver failure and can spread to humans.

Dogs who hike, camp, swim in lakes or ponds, or live in rural or suburban areas with wildlife should receive this vaccine. Urban dogs in areas with rodent populations may also need it. The vaccine requires two initial doses 2-4 weeks apart, then annual boosters.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease spreads through deer tick bites and is common in the Northeast, Upper Midwest, and Pacific Coast regions. It causes joint inflammation, limping, fever, and kidney problems. Left untreated, it can lead to serious complications.

Dogs living in or traveling to tick-heavy areas should consider this vaccine, though it's not 100% effective. Tick prevention medication remains the most important protection against Lyme disease. The vaccine requires two initial doses 2-4 weeks apart, then annual boosters.

Canine Influenza

Dog flu is a respiratory infection that spreads rapidly in kennels, shelters, and doggy daycares. Most dogs recover within 2-3 weeks, but some develop pneumonia. This vaccine is recommended primarily for dogs with frequent exposure to other dogs in group settings.

Month-by-Month Puppy Vaccination Schedule

This timeline represents the standard vaccination schedule recommended by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and most veterinarians. Your vet may adjust timing slightly based on your puppy's health and local disease risks.

Vaccination Costs: What to Expect

Vaccination costs vary significantly by location, veterinary clinic type, and whether you bundle services. Here's a general breakdown of what you can expect to pay.

Total first-year vaccination costs: Expect to spend $150-$350 for core vaccines only, or $300-$600 if you include all recommended optional vaccines. This includes 3-4 vet visits during the puppy series.

Many veterinary clinics offer puppy wellness packages that bundle vaccinations, exams, and preventive care at a discounted rate. Low-cost vaccination clinics run by shelters or pet stores offer significantly cheaper options ($10-20 per vaccine) but typically don't include physical exams or personalized health advice.

What to Expect During Vaccination Visits

Your puppy's vaccination visits are quick but important. Here's what typically happens during each appointment.

Physical Examination

Before administering vaccines, the vet performs a nose-to-tail physical exam. They check your puppy's weight, heart and lung sounds, eyes, ears, teeth, skin, and overall condition. Vaccines should only be given to healthy dogs because sick dogs can't mount a proper immune response.

Vaccine Administration

Most vaccines are given as subcutaneous injections (under the skin) between the shoulder blades. The injection takes seconds. Some puppies don't even notice, while others yelp briefly. Bordetella can be given as a nasal spray or oral medication instead of injection.

Documentation

You'll receive vaccination records showing which vaccines were given, the dates, and when boosters are due. Keep these records safe - you'll need them for boarding, grooming, training classes, dog parks, and travel. Many states require rabies vaccination proof for licensing.

Common Side Effects and When to Worry

Most puppies handle vaccines without problems. Mild side effects are normal and show the immune system is responding. Serious reactions are rare but require immediate veterinary attention.

Normal Side Effects (Don't Worry)

• Mild lethargy: Your puppy may be tired or less playful for 24-48 hours
• Soreness at injection site: Slight swelling or tenderness is normal and resolves quickly
• Decreased appetite: Missing one meal is fine, appetite should return within 24 hours
• Low-grade fever: Slight temperature increase as the immune system responds
• Mild sneezing (nasal vaccines): Some nasal irritation is expected with intranasal Bordetella

Emergency Signs (Call Vet Immediately)

• Facial swelling or hives: Signs of allergic reaction requiring immediate treatment
• Difficulty breathing: Emergency requiring immediate veterinary care
• Vomiting or diarrhea multiple times: More serious than mild upset stomach
• Collapse or extreme weakness: Rare but serious reaction
• Severe pain or large swelling at injection site: Possible abscess or reaction
• Symptoms lasting more than 48 hours: Prolonged reactions need evaluation

True vaccine reactions are rare (less than 1 in 15,000 dogs). Small breed dogs have slightly higher reaction rates. If your puppy has a reaction, your vet may pre-treat with antihistamines before future vaccines or space out multiple vaccines into separate appointments.

What Happens If You Miss a Vaccine?

Life happens, and sometimes vaccination appointments get missed. Here's what to do if you fall behind schedule.

During puppy series (6-16 weeks): If you miss a DHPP dose by more than 2 weeks, contact your vet. They may restart the series or adjust timing to ensure proper immunity. Gaps in the puppy series can leave your dog vulnerable during the critical socialization period.

Adult booster shots: Missing an adult booster by a few weeks or months isn't usually critical. Most vaccines provide immunity lasting longer than the recommended booster interval. However, rabies vaccination has legal requirements, so staying current is important to avoid fines or quarantine requirements.

If you're significantly overdue (more than a year for most vaccines), your vet may recommend restarting the vaccine series or performing a titer test to check existing immunity levels before giving unnecessary vaccines.

Titer Testing: An Alternative to Over-Vaccinating

Titer tests measure antibody levels in your dog's blood to determine if they still have immunity from previous vaccinations. This can help avoid unnecessary vaccines in adult dogs.

Many dogs maintain immunity to core vaccines (especially distemper and parvovirus) for much longer than three years. Instead of automatically revaccinating, you can test their antibody levels. If titers show adequate immunity, your dog doesn't need that vaccine yet.

Titer testing costs $80-$150 per test, which is more expensive than vaccines themselves. However, dogs with previous vaccine reactions or certain health conditions may benefit from minimizing unnecessary vaccinations. Note that rabies titers aren't accepted legally - you must maintain current rabies vaccination regardless of titer results.

Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Dog Starts Now

Understanding your dog's vaccination schedule removes the mystery and stress from veterinary visits. You know exactly what to expect, when vaccines are due, and why each one matters. This knowledge helps you make informed decisions about your dog's health care.

The vaccination schedule might seem overwhelming at first, especially during the intense puppy series. But remember that these appointments are temporary. After the first year, adult dogs need minimal vaccines - usually just one or two annual visits. The investment of time and money during puppyhood pays dividends in a lifetime of protection.

Work with your veterinarian to create a customized vaccination plan for your dog. Every dog is unique, and factors like breed, lifestyle, location, and health status influence which vaccines they need and when. Stay organized with a printable vaccination chart, set phone reminders for appointments, and keep all records in one place. Your puppy depends on you to protect them from preventable diseases.

Welcome to responsible dog ownership. By following this vaccination schedule, you're giving your dog the best chance at a long, healthy, happy life.