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Puppy Vaccination Guide: 5-in-1 Vaccine for Puppies & Puppy Shots Schedule
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Bringing home a puppy is exciting, but it’s important to remember that it’s also a lifelong responsibility. Protecting your pup’s health starts from the very beginning, and one of the best ways to do that is through vaccination. To get you started, our puppy vaccination guide covers the recommended puppy vaccine schedule, the vaccines your puppy may need, and what to expect before and after each appointment.
Key Takeaways
- Puppy vaccinations usually begin at six to eight weeks, with further doses every two to four weeks until the puppy turns 16-18 weeks old.
- The first vaccination is a combination shot protecting against distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza.
- Core vaccines like the 5-in-1 shot and rabies are essential for every puppy, regardless of lifestyle or location.
- Non-core vaccines depend on your puppy's environment, travel plans, and exposure to other dogs or wildlife.
- Full immunity takes about two weeks after the final dose, so limit outside exposure until then.
Why Puppy Vaccinations Are Essential
Vaccines help protect your puppy against serious diseases by training their immune system to recognize and respond to specific viruses and bacteria. Vaccinations are especially important during puppyhood, since growing pups are more vulnerable to infectious diseases such as canine distemper or parvovirus. Moreover, vaccination also helps reduce the spread of preventable diseases within the wider dog community.
Importance Of Early Vaccinations For Puppies
During the first few weeks of life, puppies get some protection from antibodies through their mother’s milk. However, this protection gradually fades as they grow. Starting vaccinations early helps reduce the gap between this natural protection wearing off and your puppy developing reliable immunity of their own. When bringing a puppy home, ask for their vaccination records so your veterinarian can see which doses have already been given and what still needs to be completed.
Planning Your Puppy's Vaccination
Register your dog with a vet as soon as possible so you can stay establish your puppy's vaccination schedule. Bring any existing health or vaccination records, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about your puppy’s care. Your vet will serve as your guide to puppy vaccinations and will give tailor fit advice based on your pet's age, health, and individual needs.
Core Puppy Vaccines
Core vaccines help protect puppies against serious diseases that pose a significant health risk. These commonly include combination vaccines given during puppyhood, as well as rabies vaccination. But now you may be wondering, what is the first puppy vaccination and when should it be given?
5 in 1 Vaccine
The first puppy vaccine given to your little furball is the 5-in-1 vaccine, which should be given to your pet when they are six to eight weeks old. This vaccine, commonly referred to as DHPP, DAPP, or DA2PP, combines protection against multiple diseases such as:
- Canine Distemper Virus
- Canine Adenovirus
- Parainfluenza
- Parvovirus
The 5-in-1 puppy vaccine is administered in a series, starting at 6 to 8 weeks of age, with boosters every 2 to 4 weeks until your puppy is 16 weeks old. After the initial series, your dog will need a booster every 1 to 3 years based on your vet's advice. Combining multiple vaccines into one shot reduces the number of injections, saves time, and minimizes discomfort for your puppy.
Rabies Vaccine
The rabies vaccine is another essential core vaccine. Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system and can spread to both animals and people, most commonly through the bite of an infected animal. In the Philippines, puppies generally receive their first rabies vaccination from around 3 months of age, followed by regular revaccination based on veterinary guidance and local requirements.
Non-Core Puppy Vaccines
Non-core vaccines are recommended based on your puppy’s individual risk factors, including where they live, their lifestyle, and exposure to other dogs or certain environments. These may include:
- Bordetella: Helps protect against Bordetella bronchiseptica, one of the common causes of kennel cough.
- Leptospirosis: Protects against a bacterial infection spread through contaminated water or soil that can affect the kidneys and liver. While historically non-core, it may be considered core in higher-risk areas such as the Philippines.
- Canine Influenza: Helps protect against contagious respiratory viruses that can spread easily between dogs.
- Lyme Disease: Protects against a tick-borne bacterial infection that can cause fever, joint pain, and lameness.
Your Puppy Vaccine Chart
Here’s a general puppy vaccination chart based on WSAVA vaccination guidance. The exact schedule may vary depending on the vaccine used, your puppy’s age and health, and your veterinarian’s recommendations. Overall, the chart below can help you understand what a typical vaccination schedule for puppies may look like.
| Vaccination | Puppy’s age |
|---|---|
| Canine Parvovirus-2, Canine Distemper Virus, Recombinant Canine Distemper Virus, Canine Adenovirus-2, CPV-2, Canine Adenovirus-1, Parainfluenza Virus | Administer at 6 - 8 weeks, then to be given every 2-4 weeks until the dog turns 16 weeks or older |
| Rabies | Generally given at 12 weeks of age. If first shot is given before 12 weeks, then the puppy should be revaccinated again at 12 weeks. |
| Bordetella bronchiseptica, B. bronchiseptica + CPiV intranasal, B. bronchiseptica +CPiV (MLV) +CAV-2 (MLV) intranasal | First single dose to be administered at 3 weeks of age |
| B. bronchiseptica | Given at 6-8 weeks of age. |
| Bordetella bronchiseptica, Bordetella bronchiseptica | First dose to be administered at 6–8 weeks and one dose at 10–12 weeks of age |
| Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme borreliosis; killed whole bacterin, parenteral), Borrelia burgdorferi (rLyme borreliosis) (recombinant-Outer surface protein A [OspA], parenteral) | First dose at 12 weeks or older of age. Second dose is given 2-4 weeks later |
| Leptospira interrogans | First dose at 8 weeks of age or older. Second dose is given 2-4 weeks later |
| Canine influenza virus | Two doses 2–4 weeks apart with initial dose at >6 weeks of age. |
Vaccinations For Puppies At Shelter Homes
Vaccination is especially important for puppies living in shelter homes because they are exposed to a multi-dog environment where infectious diseases can spread more easily. Because of this higher risk, shelter puppies may begin vaccinations earlier and follow a more frequent schedule than puppies living in private homes
| CDV + CAV-2 + CPV-2 rCDV + CAV-2 + CPV-2 with or without CPiV Parenteral | To be administered immediately upon admission in the shelter at 4 weeks of age. To be repeated every 2 weeks until the dog is 20 weeks old. |
| Bordetella bronchiseptica, B. bronchiseptica + CPiV, B. bronchiseptica +CPiV, B. bronchiseptica | To be administered as early as 3 weeks of age. If the first dose is given at 6 weeks, then an additional dose to be given after 6 weeks |
| Bordetella bronchiseptica | One dose at the time of admission at 6-8 weeks of age and 2nd dose 2-4 weeks later. |
| Rabies | Administer based on the puppy’s age and local requirements, typically before or at discharge. |
How Many Vaccinations Do Puppies Need?
Your puppy should receive the following core vaccines: Canine Parvovirus, Canine Distemper, Canine Adenovirus, and Rabies Your puppy’s vet, however, may add additional vaccines like Parainfluenza and Leptospirosis. Cocktail vaccines would vary depending on the manufacturer and the discretion of the vet.
Dos And Don'ts: Preparing For Your Puppy's Vaccination Appointment
Want to know how to give puppies their first shots safely? Vaccinations should be administered by or under the guidance of a veterinarian, but there are simple ways to help your puppy feel more comfortable during the appointment:
- Stay calm and speak to your puppy in a reassuring voice.
- Transport your puppy safely using a carrier, leash, or harness.
- Bring any existing health and vaccination records.
- Let your vet know if your puppy is unwell or has had a previous vaccine reaction.
- Bring treats or a familiar toy to help keep your pup calm.
Here are some tips on how you can nurse your dog post-vaccination:
- Give your puppy a comfortable place to rest.
- Provide fresh water and their usual puppy food, even if their appetite is temporarily lower.
- Let your puppy rest and give them space if they prefer.
- Monitor them for any unusual or worsening symptoms.
Understanding The Side Effects Of Puppy Vaccinations
Most puppies experience no significant problems after vaccination. But in some cases, some mild, short-term side effects may include:
- Tiredness or reduced activity
- Mild soreness or swelling at the injection site
- Reduced appetite
- Mild fever
How Much Is It To Vaccinate a Puppy: The Cost of Puppy Vaccines in the Philippines
In the Philippines, vaccine prices vary depending on the clinic, vaccine brand, and type of vaccine. Your puppy’s initial vaccination series may cost around ₱2,000–₱6,000 or more, depending on the vaccines needed, clinic fees, and number of visits. As a general guide, you may expect:
- Combination vaccines (5-in-1): around ₱350–₱950 per dose
- Rabies vaccine: around ₱200–₱500 per dose
- Kennel cough vaccine: around ₱430–₱800 per dose
- Veterinary consultation: around ₱350–₱500 per visit
Some local government units (LGUs), veterinary clinics, and animal welfare programs may also offer free or discounted vaccinations, so it’s worth checking what services are available in your area.
Vaccines Protect Your Puppy For Life
Keeping your puppy’s vaccinations up to date is one of the simplest ways to help protect them as they grow. Stay on top of their records, follow your veterinarian’s advice on future boosters, and keep an eye out for any unusual reactions after each appointment. Good preventive care starts early and should continue throughout your dog’s life. For more tips on puppy care, nutrition, health, and everyday well-being, explore the PEDIGREE® blog.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Puppy Vaccinations
Puppy vaccinations generally begin at around 6 to 8 weeks of age, with additional core vaccine doses given every 2 to 4 weeks until the puppy is at least 16 weeks old.
Not necessarily. Puppies need a series of core vaccinations starting at around 6 to 8 weeks and continuing every 2 to 4 weeks until they are at least 16 weeks old, so the total number of doses can vary depending on when the series begins.
In the Philippines, puppies generally receive their first rabies vaccine from around 3 months or 12 weeks of age. Follow your veterinarian’s advice and local requirements for future rabies vaccinations.
No. If your dog missed their puppy vaccinations or their vaccination history is unknown, your veterinarian can create a catch-up schedule suited to their age, health, and previous vaccination history.
Unvaccinated dogs remain vulnerable to preventable diseases such as parvovirus, distemper, and rabies. Some diseases, including rabies and leptospirosis, can also spread from animals to people.
Titre testing measures antibodies against selected diseases and can help assess your dog’s response to certain core vaccines. However, it does not replace rabies vaccination.
Yes, but interactions should be controlled. Puppies that are still completing their vaccine series can socialize with healthy, fully vaccinated dogs in clean, low-risk environments while avoiding unknown or unvaccinated dogs.