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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?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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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.

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Other Answers

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    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.

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    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!

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    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.

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