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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?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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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/

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Other Answers

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    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.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    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.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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