Puppy Vaccines

Building Your Puppy's Immunity from Day One

Puppies are born with some immunity passed from their mother, but that protection fades within the first few months of life. Vaccines step in at exactly the right time, training your puppy's immune system to recognize and fight dangerous diseases before they're ever exposed.

Completing the full series on schedule is critical. Illnesses like parvovirus, distemper, and rabies are serious, and in many cases fatal. Vaccines are the most effective tool you have to protect your pup from them.

Your Puppy's Vaccination Schedule

Most puppies start their vaccine series around 6 to 8 weeks of age, with boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until around 16 weeks old. This staggered approach ensures strong, lasting immunity as protection from mom naturally wanes.

At Petfolk, we build a schedule around your puppy's specific needs and send reminders so nothing slips through the cracks. And protection doesn't stop after puppyhood. Your dog will need periodic boosters throughout their life to stay covered.

What to Expect After Your Puppy's Vaccines

Some mild side effects after vaccination are completely normal. They're actually a sign your puppy's immune system is responding exactly the way it should. Every puppy reacts a little differently, but the most common things you might notice are sleepiness or low energy, mild soreness or swelling at the injection site, a temporary dip in appetite or thirst, and a low-grade fever. None of these should cause alarm on their own.

These reactions are minor and typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours without any treatment. The best thing you can do is plan for a calm, low-key day after your puppy's appointment. Make sure they have access to fresh water, a comfortable place to rest, and plenty of your patience. Avoid strenuous activity or roughhousing while they're recovering, even if they seem willing to do so. Their body is working hard behind the scenes.

It's also worth knowing that some puppies show no side effects at all. That doesn't mean the vaccine didn't work. Every immune system responds in its own way, and a lack of visible reaction is just as normal as mild fatigue or soreness.

When to Call Us

Serious reactions are rare, but it's important to know what to watch for. In some cases, puppies can have an allergic response to a vaccine, and the signs usually appear within a few hours of the appointment. Contact us right away if your puppy experiences facial swelling, hives, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, difficulty breathing, or sudden collapse or extreme lethargy. These symptoms require immediate attention.

If you're ever unsure whether what you're seeing is normal, don't hesitate to reach out. We'd always rather hear from you than have you wait and wonder.

When should my puppy get their first vaccines?

Puppies typically start at 6 to 8 weeks of age. If your puppy already received shots from a shelter or breeder, bring any records, and we'll pick up where they left off.

How many vaccine visits will my puppy need?

Most puppies need 3 to 4 visits spaced about 3 to 4 weeks apart, finishing around 16 weeks of age. After the puppy series, boosters are needed at one year, then every 1 to 3 years, depending on the vaccine.

Are puppy vaccines safe?

Yes. Some puppies experience mild side effects, such as slight tiredness or tenderness at the injection site, which typically resolve within a day or two. Serious reactions are rare.

Can my puppy go outside before finishing their vaccines?

We recommend limiting exposure to unvaccinated dogs and high-traffic dog areas (like dog parks) until they've completed their series around 16 weeks. However, socialization is important! Your puppy can safely meet vaccinated dogs in clean environments and attend puppy socialization classes.

What's the difference between core and lifestyle vaccines?

Core vaccines (DA2PP, rabies, and usually leptospirosis) are recommended for all dogs. Lifestyle vaccines such as Bordetella, canine influenza, and Lyme disease are recommended based on your puppy's specific activities and risk factors.

How much do puppy vaccines cost?

We're always transparent about pricing. Core vaccines are very affordable, and investing in vaccines now prevents much more expensive treatment for preventable diseases later.

My puppy had a reaction to a vaccine before. What should I do?

Let us know about any previous reactions. Depending on the type and severity, we may pre-treat your puppy with medication, space vaccines differently, or, in rare cases, recommend skipping certain non-essential vaccines.

Do I need to bring my puppy's vaccination records?

Yes. This helps us know exactly where your puppy is in their vaccine series and avoid unnecessary duplicate vaccines. If you don't have records, we'll start fresh to ensure complete protection.

Can I skip some vaccine visits if my puppy seems healthy?

We strongly recommend completing the full series on schedule. Puppies need multiple doses because maternal antibodies can interfere with vaccine effectiveness. Skipping visits can leave dangerous gaps in protection.

What else should I know about caring for my new puppy?

We love helping new puppy parents! During vaccine visits, we're happy to answer questions about nutrition, house training, crate training, socialization, teething, and anything else on your mind.