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Puppy Vaccine Schedule Calculator — AAHA 2022 Guidelines

When does your pup need DHPP, rabies, and lepto shots? This tool generates a personalized puppy vaccination schedule from the date of birth, following the current AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) 2022 canine vaccination guidelines with state rabies law overlay. See the AAHA 2022 canine vaccination guidelines and the CDC rabies vaccination overview for the legal and clinical framework.

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Vaccination schedule

  1. Week 6
    • DHPP (distemper, adenovirus, parvo, parainfluenza)

    First core vaccine. May begin at 6 weeks in high-risk environments.

  2. Week 9
    • DHPP booster

    Second DHPP + consider Bordetella if going to daycare/boarding.

  3. Week 12
    • DHPP booster
    • Leptospirosis (if endemic)

    Core + optional Lepto for at-risk lifestyle/region.

  4. Week 16
    • DHPP final booster
    • Rabies
    • Lepto booster

    Rabies typically given at 16 weeks. Required by law in most US states.

  5. Week 52
    • DHPP 1-year booster
    • Rabies booster
    • Lepto annual

    1-year booster visit. After this, DHPP typically every 3 years.

Additional non-core vaccines (Bordetella, Lyme, canine influenza) may be recommended based on lifestyle. Discuss with your veterinarian.

Core vaccines vs non-core vaccines: which does every puppy need?

VaccineTypeRequired by law / recommended?
RabiesCoreRequired by US state law
DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvo, parainfluenza)CoreRecommended for every pup
LeptospirosisNon-core (lifestyle)Recommended if exposed to wildlife / standing water
Bordetella (kennel cough)Non-coreRequired for boarding/daycare
LymeNon-core (region)Recommended in tick-endemic areas
Canine influenza (H3N2/H3N8)Non-coreRecommended for boarded, show or social dogs

Vaccine terminology

Core vaccine
Vaccine recommended for every dog regardless of lifestyle (rabies + DHPP).
Maternal antibody interference
Mom’s antibodies that protect young pups can also block vaccines — why DHPP is given in a series of 3-4 shots.
Titer test
Blood test that measures actual antibody response — used to decide if a booster is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do puppies start vaccinations?

Per AAHA 2022 guidelines: first DHPP at 6-8 weeks of age, then every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks. Rabies is given at 12-16 weeks depending on state law.

What is DHPP?

DHPP covers four core diseases: Distemper, Hepatitis (canine adenovirus), Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. DHLPP adds Leptospirosis. All are core vaccines per AAHA.

How often do adult dogs need vaccines?

DHPP: every 3 years after the 1-year booster. Rabies: every 1 or 3 years depending on state law and vaccine. Non-core (Bordetella, Lyme, CIV) annually if lifestyle warrants.

Sources & References

  1. [1]
    AAHA 2022 Canine Vaccination Guidelines — American Animal Hospital Association
  2. [2]
  3. [3]

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Missing the final booster at 16 weeks — maternal antibodies can block earlier vaccines until 14-16 weeks. Skipping this leaves puppies unprotected.
  • Socializing in public before final puppy vaccines complete — parvo is real. Sniff-greeting vaccinated adult dogs is fine; dog parks are not.
  • Over-vaccinating adult dogs annually when titer testing shows adequate immunity — discuss with your vet.

When to call the vet immediately

  • Lethargy or vomiting more than 24h after a vaccine — vaccine reaction. Document it for future vet decisions.
  • Face swelling, hives, difficulty breathing within 1 hour of a vaccine — anaphylaxis, emergency.

Pro tips

  • Keep a vaccine record (paper or app) — boarding, grooming, daycare all require proof.
  • Rabies vaccine timing varies by state; your first rabies is 1-year, subsequent often 3-year.
  • Lyme and Lepto are lifestyle vaccines — discuss with vet based on region and exposure risk.