Why puppies need a vaccine series
Maternal antibodies decline at different times and can interfere with early vaccination. Repeated doses every few weeks help close this protection gap until the immune response is reliable.
Core vaccines and risk-based vaccines
Core vaccination commonly covers serious infectious diseases, while leptospirosis, kennel cough, and other vaccines depend on lifestyle and local exposure. Rabies requirements must also be followed.
- Keep the vaccine card and dates accessible.
- Avoid high-risk exposure until your veterinarian confirms protection.
- Tell the clinic about previous reactions or current illness.
- Use reminders so the series and boosters stay on schedule.
This is a general guide
Never start, delay, or repeat a vaccine based only on an online schedule. Your veterinarian must assess your dog.
Frequently asked questions
When do puppy vaccines usually begin?
Core vaccination often begins around 6–8 weeks and continues at intervals until at least 16 weeks, but the exact schedule is veterinary.
Can a mildly ill dog be vaccinated?
Tell your veterinarian about every symptom. The veterinarian decides whether vaccination should proceed or be postponed.
Veterinarian
Elif Demir, DVM
Writes about preventive medicine and pet health, drawing on more than a decade of clinical experience. Health editor on the diji.pet content board.
