Vaccinations are one of the most important things you'll do for your dog's health, protecting them from diseases that were once common and often deadly. But the schedule of shots — which ones, and when — can feel confusing, especially with a new puppy. This guide breaks down core versus non-core vaccines, the puppy and adult timeline, what to expect afterward, and when to check in with your vet.
Why vaccinations matter
Vaccines work by safely training your dog's immune system to recognise and fight specific diseases before real exposure occurs. Some of the illnesses they prevent — like parvovirus, distemper and rabies — are severe, highly contagious, and frequently fatal. Beyond protecting your own dog, widespread vaccination helps keep these diseases from spreading through the wider pet and human community. It's a small, routine step with an enormous payoff in protection.
Core vs non-core vaccines
Vaccines fall into two groups. Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs because they guard against dangerous, widespread diseases:
- Rabies — legally required in most areas and fatal once symptoms appear
- Distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parvovirus and parainfluenza — usually given together as a combination shot often called DHPP or DA2PP
Non-core vaccines are recommended based on your dog's lifestyle, location and risk. Your vet may suggest some of these:
- Bordetella (kennel cough) — for dogs in daycare, boarding or grooming settings
- Leptospirosis — for dogs exposed to wildlife, water or rural areas
- Lyme disease — in tick-heavy regions
- Canine influenza — where outbreaks or social exposure are a concern
Puppy vaccination schedule
Puppies need a series of shots because the immunity passed from their mother fades over the first months, and several doses are needed for lasting protection. A typical timeline looks like this:
- 6–8 weeks: First combination (DHPP) vaccine
- 10–12 weeks: Second DHPP booster, plus non-core vaccines if recommended
- 14–16 weeks: Final DHPP booster and the rabies vaccine
Your vet may adjust this based on your puppy's age at first visit and local disease risk. Until the series is complete, it's wise to limit exposure to unvaccinated dogs and high-risk areas.
Adult vaccination schedule
After the puppy series, dogs receive a booster at around one year of age. From there, core vaccines are typically boosted every one to three years depending on the vaccine and your vet's protocol, while rabies boosters follow local legal requirements. Non-core vaccines like Bordetella often need annual renewal for dogs with ongoing exposure. Your vet keeps a record and will let you know when each is due.
Vaccines are one piece of the puzzle. Pair them with parasite prevention and everyday wellness support from our health range to keep your dog protected all year.
Shop health & wellness →Side effects and what to expect
Most dogs handle vaccines well, with only mild, temporary effects. It's common to see slight soreness at the injection site, a little tiredness, or a reduced appetite for a day. These usually resolve on their own. Serious reactions are uncommon but do happen — watch for facial swelling, hives, persistent vomiting, or difficulty breathing, which require immediate veterinary attention. Keeping an eye on your dog for the first few hours after their appointment is a sensible precaution, and general wellness support helps them bounce back comfortably.
When to see a vet
Contact your vet if your dog shows anything beyond mild, short-lived tiredness or soreness after a vaccine — especially facial swelling, hives, repeated vomiting, weakness or trouble breathing, which should be treated as urgent. It's also worth checking in if you're unsure which vaccines your dog needs, if their schedule has lapsed, or before boarding, travel or breeding, when specific vaccines may be required. Your vet can tailor the right plan to your dog's age, health and lifestyle.
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Download the MyFurtopia AppFrequently asked questions
When should puppies start their vaccinations?
Puppies usually begin their core vaccinations at around 6 to 8 weeks of age, then receive boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until they're about 16 weeks old. This series is needed because the immunity puppies get from their mother fades over time, and multiple doses ensure lasting protection kicks in. Your vet will tailor the exact timing to your puppy and local disease risks.
What is the difference between core and non-core dog vaccines?
Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs because they protect against widespread, severe or fatal diseases, and include rabies plus the combination shot for distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and parainfluenza. Non-core vaccines are given based on a dog's lifestyle and risk, such as those for kennel cough, leptospirosis, Lyme disease or canine influenza. Your vet recommends non-core shots depending on where you live and what your dog is exposed to.
Are there side effects after dog vaccinations?
Most dogs have only mild, short-lived reactions such as slight soreness at the injection site, mild tiredness, or a reduced appetite for a day or so. These typically pass on their own. Serious reactions are rare but can include facial swelling, hives, vomiting, or difficulty breathing, which need immediate veterinary care. Watch your dog for the first few hours after vaccination and contact your vet if anything seems concerning.
This guide is educational and not a substitute for professional veterinary care. If you're worried about your dog, contact your vet.