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When should my puppy get its first vaccinations: 6 or 8 weeks?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 1 month and 10 days old | 13 lbs

Should I vaccinate with Canine Spectra 5 at 6 weeks and then every 3 weeks (4 doses)? It contains Canine Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2 (CAV-2 cross protection CAV-1), Parainfluenza and Parvovirus Vaccine (MLV). Some vets say six weeks and some say wait til eight? I'm not sure which is best. I want to be able to take him out

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 11th, 2018

Puppies typically get three vaccines starting at 6-8 weeks of age. Starting at 6 weeks is better than starting at eight. The boosters are 2-4 weeks apart depending on their risk. High risk puppies (in contact with a lot of dogs, or infected dogs) should get the vaccine every two weeks. The last vaccine should be around 16-18 weeks and is very important for them to get, because this is when they are most susceptible to getting one of the diseases we vaccinate for. For more information, I recommend you read the article at the link below. It's best to have your vet give the vaccines, so they can ensure they are stored correctly, given appropriately, and are available in case of a vaccine reaction or adverse event.

https://www.petcoach.co/article/everything-you-should-know-about-pet-vaccines/

I hope that helps and all is well with Luke.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 3rd, 2020
You can start at 6 weeks but many vets don't consider this as proper due to maternal anitbody interference with the vaccination. What is recommended is 3 sets of vaccinations at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age. Two weeks apart is too early in my opinion. Three to four weeks apart is standard practice.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Debi Matlack
Veterinary Technician
Published on April 28th, 2019
She should be good for a year. Ask your veterinarian to be sure, some areas allow the use of multiple year vaccinations, meaning once they reach adulthood and receive the vaccination, your pet can go for two or even three years before needing a booster. It depends on the frequency of certain disease in your area and what the local law is.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on February 8th, 2018
If the puppy is no longer nursing from the mother then yes, vaccinations should be started, and then repeated every 3 to 4 weeks until at least 16 weeks of age. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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When should my 6-week-old puppies get their first vaccinations?

Congratultions on your puppies! We normally start vaccinating at 6 to 8 weeks of age. At 6 weeks of age we can start what some call the "distemper vaccine" or the "DAPP" (helps protect against Distemper, Canine Adenovirus, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza). The Bordetella vaccine is normally given after 8 weeks of age and the Rabies vaccine after 12 weeks of age. You can see the guidelines for various vaccinations at : https://www.aaha.org/guidelines/canine_vaccination_guidelines/practice_vaccination.aspx and your vet can come up with a schedule appropriate for your puppies based on their age and lifestyle.

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

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/

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When do puppies get their first vaccinations and how many are needed?

Apollo should start his vaccines between 7-8 weeks of age. He will need them every 2-4 weeks until the final set at 16 weeks of age. The core vaccines are Distemper/Parvo, Rabies and Bordetella. Depending on where you live, Leptospirosis and Lyme disease may also be indicated. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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How many DAPP vaccine doses does my puppy need for full protection?

Good Evening...thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! As long as the last DAPP is given at 16 weeks you should be good to go (3 doses of this vaccination is perfect)! You may want to ask your veterinarian about other important regional vaccinations such as Leptospirosis as this may also be a concern in your area. Good luck with Luke and have fun!

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When should my puppy get their first vaccines? Is 6 weeks too early?

That is a lie and so wrong to say to you. Puppies can get their first vaccines as early as 6 weeks of age, but some vets like to wait until 8 weeks. Never listen to pet store employees about veterinary matters. They are not vets, and they do not hahe veterinary knowledge. Honestly, I’d report the employee who told you that to management. It’s shocking they told you the puppies would die. Shame on them.

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Puppy vaccine schedule: 5-way, Bordetella, and intranasal boosters?

Yes, you can give the vaccines at your proposed schedule. The intranasal vaccine does not need to a booster and will only need to be given a year later depending on his risk. As always, it's best to have this done by your veterinarian to ensure it's given correctly and in order to avoid complications. Below is a link to more information about vaccines in dogs. wsava.org/sites/default/files/WSAVA%20Owner%20Breeder%20Guidelines%2014%20October%202015%20FINAL.pdf I hope that helps and all is well with Luke.

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My 7-week-old puppy got a combo shot at 5 weeks. When's his next?

You're right that the vaccines are typically started at six weeks and the booster vaccines are given every 2- 4 weeks until they are 16- 20 weeks of age. The frequency of the the boosters depend on their risk. It's best to have a vet evaluate him in the next few days. They can give a booster and give you a good plan for future vaccines and other preventative health care. I hope that helps and all is well with Quill.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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