💉 Vet-Reviewed · AKC & Chewy Sources · 2026
Dog Vaccination &
Vet Visit Schedule
A complete, printable checklist covering every vaccine, wellness exam, and preventive care item — from 6 weeks through senior years. Tick items off as you go.
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Puppy Stage
Weeks 6–16 · The most critical vaccination window
Why so many visits? Maternal antibodies from the mother’s milk gradually fade between 6–16 weeks, but the timing varies per puppy. Multiple boosters ensure immunity is established regardless of when maternal protection wanes.
First Year Boosters
Months 4–12 · Completing the primary series
Adult Maintenance
Years 1–7 · Annual wellness + 3-year core boosters
Senior Care
7+ years · More frequent check-ups, tailored vaccines
Vaccine Quick Reference
What each vaccine protects against
DA2PP / DHPP
CORE
Combination vaccine: Distemper, Adenovirus (Hepatitis), Parainfluenza, Parvovirus. The most critical dog vaccine — protects against four potentially fatal diseases in a single shot.
Puppy series → 1-yr booster → every 3 years
Rabies
CORE · LEGAL
Protects against a fatal neurological virus transmissible to humans. Legally required in all 50 U.S. states and most countries. First dose at 12–16 weeks.
First dose 12–16 wks → 1-yr booster → every 1–3 yrs (by law)
Bordetella
LIFESTYLE
Protects against kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis). Required by most boarding kennels, groomers, doggy daycares, and group training classes.
First dose ~12 wks → annually (or every 6 months for high-exposure dogs)
Leptospirosis
LIFESTYLE
Bacterial disease spread through water and wildlife urine — can affect humans too. Recommended for dogs with outdoor access, near rivers, or in rural/suburban areas.
2-dose initial series → annually
Lyme Disease
LIFESTYLE
Tick-borne bacterial disease causing joint pain, fever, and kidney disease. Recommended in tick-endemic regions (Northeast/Pacific coast U.S., parts of Europe).
2-dose initial series → annually in at-risk areas
Canine Influenza
LIFESTYLE
Protects against H3N2 and H3N8 strains of canine flu. Recommended for dogs in high-density social environments — dog shows, kennels, daycares in regions with outbreaks.
2-dose initial series → annually
Sources:
AKC, “Puppy Vaccination Schedule: What Shots Do Puppies Need?” (2025) ·
Chewy, “Dog Vaccinations: A Complete Guide” (June 2025) ·
PetMD, “Dog Vaccinations for Every Life Stage” (2025) ·
The Pet Vet, “Recommended Vaccination Schedule for Dogs” (September 2025) ·
Independence Veterinary Clinic, “Dog Core Vaccination Schedule by Age” (February 2026) ·
AskAVet, “Vet Approved Vaccine Guide for Puppies, Adults & Seniors 2025” ·
WSAVA Guidelines for the Vaccination of Dogs and Cats (current edition). ·
Always consult your veterinarian for a personalised schedule — regional disease risk, lifestyle, and local law affect recommendations. Published by lifeatherpaw.com — last updated May 2026.