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When should my new puppy get their first vaccinations or shots?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shorkie | Female | unspayed | 6 months and 5 days old | 8 lbs

I just purchased a 7 week old Shorkie tzu. When do I take her for her first shots?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on July 6th, 2019

Most puppies will get their first set of vaccines around 8-10 weeks of age depending on when they were weaned from mom and if they've had any previous vaccines. It is a good idea to set up an initial new puppy appointment with your vet anyway to establish a baseline of health, meet your new vet, and get started on any other procedures including vaccines, deworming, etc. Your vet can also help go over a schedule appropriate for Unique's needs.

I'm also including a very in-depth article on vaccines for more info! https://www.petcoach.co/article/vaccination-recommendations-for-puppies-puppy-shots/

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 16th, 2017
Great question. We recommend taking them to the vet between 6-8 weeks for their first vet exam, vaccines and deworming (most dogs are born with intestinal worms). At this appointment, the vet will also give some good advice about caring for the pup.

After the initial appointment, he will need to go back for booster vaccines two more times. This is generally between 10-12 weeks and 16-18 weeks. The last booster is the most important for preventing these diseases, so make sure he gets that one even if he misses the others.

For more information about vaccines and the diseases we vaccinate for, you can read the information at the link below.

wsava.org/sites/default/files/WSAVA%20Owner%20Breeder%20Guidelines%2014%20October%202015%20FINAL.pdf

For more information about caring for the pup, please read the short article at the link below.

https://www.petcoach.co/article/puppy-101-everything-you-need-to-consider/

I hope that helps and all is well with your new pup.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 6th, 2018
Great question. We recommend taking them to the vet between 6-8 weeks for their first vet exam, vaccines and deworming (most dogs are born with intestinal worms). At this appointment, the vet will also give some good advice about caring for the pup.

After the initial appointment, he will need to go back for booster vaccines two more times. This is generally between 10-12 weeks and 16-18 weeks. The last booster is the most important for preventing these diseases, so make sure he gets that one even if he misses the others.

For more information about vaccines and the diseases we vaccinate for, you can read the information at the link below.

wsava.org/sites/default/files/WSAVA%20Owner%20Breeder%20Guidelines%2014%20October%202015%20FINAL.pdf

For more information about caring for the pup, please read the short article at the link below.

https://www.petcoach.co/article/puppy-101-everything-you-need-to-consider/

I hope that helps and all is well with your new pup.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 10th, 2017
We recommend vaccinations start at 8 weeks of age starting with a distemper/parvo combination. A booster is required at 12 & 16 weeks. But even more important is to begin deworming at about 2 weeks of age & repeating the wormer every 2 weeks until weaning. You can just use pyrantal pamoate for the pups. Hope all goes very well. Take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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