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

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 1 month and 11 days old

We have (4) 6 weeks old puppies. They are still nursing but being introduced to puppy food. When is it safe to get first immunisations?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 26th, 2018

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.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Tomasz Wnuk
Veterinarian
Published on May 3rd, 2020
Hello and thank your for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Your puppy will need her first vaccination in about 1 week time. This will be a vaccine containing parvovirus, hepatitis, distemper and parainfluenza virus. Many vets will add leptospirosis at the same time. Then, the vaccine will have to be repeated in 2-4 week time. Please, remember to de-worm your puppy before the vaccination.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ann Dion, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 31st, 2017
Hello! Vaccines are usually given 4 weeks apart. I usually recommend 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks, however if Percy's mom wasn't vaccinated then you can do 6 weeks, 10 weeks and 14 weeks. Either is fine. Best of luck with Percy!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on August 26th, 2019
Bronco is very cute! Puppies can get the first set of vaccines between 6-7 weeks of age. Go ahead and get him scheduled. Make sure to bring in a fecal sample to have him tested for worms as well since parasites are very common at his age. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 8th, 2017
Generally, vaccinations begin at 6-8 weeks of age and end around 16-20 weeks of age. Once the first vaccination is given (typically a combination of Distemper, Parvo, Adenovirus-2 and Parainfluenza), the next set would not be due for 3 weeks. This combination is repeated a total of 4 times typically and depending on the area you live in, may also receive coronavirus or other non-core vaccines. The bordetella is typically given around 11 weeks and Rabies vaccine given around 12-16 weeks of age. Also, Bella will likely need a dewormer as well as part of her puppy disease preventative program.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My 6-week-old puppy needs shots. What vaccines and deworming?

Hi there! Since Mocha is six weeks old, he should go ahead and start his vaccinations now. He will need a DAPP vaccine (for distemper, adenovirus, parvo, and parainfluenza) now - this vaccine will also need to be boostered every 3 weeks until he is 16 weeks or older. He will also need a rabies vaccine anytime after 12 weeks of age. Depending on his lifestyle and what diseases are prevalent in your area, he may also need to be vaccinated against Bordetelle (kennel cough), leptospirosis, and/or Lyme disease. Your veterinarian can discuss the risks of these illnesses in your area and help you make this decision. And yes, he should also be dewormed. You can use a broad-spectrum dewormer like Strongid or Panacur from the pet store, or get a prescription dewormer from your vet's office if you prefer.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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

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.

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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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Just got an 8-week-old puppy. What shots and vet visits are needed?

Hi there! Congratulations on your new pup :) If she hasn't had anything done yet, she will need a vet visit for her first DAPP vaccine (for distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza) as well as a general wellness check-up. She should also have a fecal exam for parasites, and should be dewormed if any are found. She's also old enough to start on heartworm prevention if this is a problem in your area - the vet should be able to advise you if this is needed. After that, she will need to have her DAPP vaccine boostered every 3-4 weeks until she's 16 weeks or older. She will also need a rabies vaccine at 16 weeks. Other vaccinations, such as Lyme disease, leptospirosis, or Bordetella (kennel cough) may also be recommended depending on what is common in your area and her risk of exposure. Your veterinarian should discuss this with you at her check-up visit, and will let you know if any of these vaccines are needed.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

How much do puppy's first vaccines cost, and how many are needed?

Thanks for the question. I'm glad you are planning to get Mickey vaccinated. The typical vaccination schedule is a combination vaccine called DAPP, which stands for Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. This vaccine is usually given at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. A rabies vaccine is given 16 weeks of age. Other recommended vaccines vary depending on what part of the country Mickey is living. Prices vary widely from one city to another, so I can't tell you how much this will cost. I recommend calling a local clinic and asking how much it will cost to bring Mickey in for an exam and his first round of puppy vaccines. An examination is very important for puppies to check for any problems that need to be addressed. Congratulations on your new puppy and I hope you have fun with Mickey.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

When should my 4-week-old chihuahua puppy get his first shots?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your new puppy. The distemper-parvo can be started as young as 6 weeks of age. Deworming medication will likely be given at this time as well as the bordetella vaccine. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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What vaccinations, deworming, and prevention do stray puppies need?

I would recommend deworming all the puppies. I would not start vaccinating them for another 2 weeks if they are only 1 1/2 months old. They need their DAPP vaccinations every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. They need rabies vaccinations at 16 weeks of age. Depending on your location if youhave Lepto in the area then I would start the Leptospirosis vaccination at 12 weeks of age. I would also recommend starting them on heartworm prevention and flea and tick prevention in 2 weeks. I hope this helps. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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