Puppy Vaccines 101: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting—but it also comes with lots of questions. One of the most important things you can do for your pup’s long-term health is to start them on the right vaccine schedule.

Here’s a clear and simple guide to which vaccines your puppy needs, why they matter, and how to build a safe, effective schedule. All the provided information follows the UC Davis Veterinary vaccines guidelines.

Core Vaccines: Essential Protection for Every Puppy

These vaccines are considered "core" because they protect against serious, potentially fatal diseases that are common or pose a risk to both pets and people.

• DAPP or DHPP (Distemper, Adenovirus/Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)

  This combination vaccine protects against multiple highly contagious and dangerous viruses. Puppies typically begin this series at 6–8 weeks of age, with boosters every 3–4 weeks until at least 16 weeks old.

• Rabies

  Required by law in California, the rabies vaccine protects against a deadly virus that affects both pets and humans. It’s usually administered around 16 weeks of age and boosted one year later.

• Leptospirosis

  UC Davis recommends leptospirosis as a core vaccine since the bacteria can infect people. Leptospira is spread through urine of wildlife and has been found in small rodents, so even indoor pets or those in urban and suburban neighborhoods may be at risk. We recommend this vaccine for nearly all puppies in our region.

Lifestyle Vaccines: Tailored to Your Puppy’s Activities

These vaccines aren’t needed for every dog, but they’re strongly recommended based on your puppy’s exposure to certain environments or other pets.

• Bordetella (Kennel Cough)

  This vaccine protects against the most common cause of respiratory illness in dogs. It’s often required for daycare, training, grooming, and boarding. We recommend it for most puppies.

• Canine Influenza

  Canine flu spreads easily in social settings like dog parks, boarding and group play. This vaccine is recommended for dogs in high-risk areas or those with active social lives.

• Lyme Disease

  This disease is not as common in the Sacramento area and thus we do not carry the vaccine at Fair Oaks Pet Hospital. We highly recommend all dogs stay on flea/tick prevention which greatly reduces the risk of tick borne diseases.

Building a Vaccine Schedule: Timing Is Everything

Puppies are typically vaccinated every 3–4 weeks starting at 6–8 weeks of age, with their final boosters given at 16 weeks or older. But why so many shots?

Maternal antibodies—the natural protection puppies get from their mother—can interfere with how vaccines work. These antibodies fade at different times for different puppies, and until they’re gone, vaccines may not be fully effective. That’s why we give vaccines in a series: to make sure your puppy gets full protection once those antibodies wear off.

It’s not just about how many vaccines your puppy gets—it’s about when they’re given. Depending on when a puppy starts their series, the total number of vaccines may vary. What matters most is that the final vaccine in the series is given after maternal antibodies are gone, typically at or after 16 weeks of age.

Set Your Puppy Up for a Healthy Start

At Fair Oaks Pet Hospital, we know that great care early in life sets the foundation for a healthier future. That’s why we offer an affordable puppy plan designed to cover the essential care your new companion needs.

👉 Learn more about what’s included in our Puppy Plan and give your new best friend the healthy start they deserve.

Have questions or ready to get started?

Have questions or ready to get started?

Book your puppy’s vaccine visit today or give us a call. We're happy to walk you through the process.