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Confused about puppy shots? What's the right vaccine schedule?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Bulldog | Male | unneutered | 15 lbs

My puppy was given his first series of shots at 5 weeks of age. It was a Canine Spectra 5 series. His second series of shots was given at 8 weeks of age, which was a Canine Spectra 9. I am told he only needs one more series of shots. He is only 12 weeks old. I am also told this last series should be given at 16 weeks of age. If I wait until he is 16 weeks, that will be 8 weeks between shots. What do I do? In the past, I thought they needed 4 series of shots. I'm so confused!!

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 14th, 2018

Thank you for your question. In puppies, with the distemper combination booster vaccines you are mentioning, we do need to booster every 3 to 4 weeks until at least 16 weeks of age. If your puppy goes longer than 4 weeks between the vaccines, he will need additional boosters. For example, if he had vaccines at 5 weeks, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks, he would need an additional booster at 20 weeks to have complete protection because too much time passed between the 2nd and 3rd boosters.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Kristin DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 6th, 2017

    I recommend puppies get their first set of shots at 8 weeks. This is for Distemper/Adenovirus/Parainfluenza/Parvovirus. This vaccine requires a booster at 12 and 16 weeks. A rabies vaccine is typically given at the 16 week visit as well. There may be other vaccines recommended by your veterinarian depending on where in the country you live, and what diseases are present. I hope this helps.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 20th, 2017

    Newborn puppies are too young for vaccines. Rocky will not be old enough for his vaccines until he is at least six to eight weeks of age. Then he will a DHPPi combination shot which protects against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. He will need three series of the DHPPi vaccine each given four weeks apart to be fully vaccinated. At 12 weeks of age, he will need a rabies vaccine, and a booster of that should be given four weeks after the first one is given. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 6th, 2018

    Thank you for submitting your question. Most dogs will recieve their initial vaccines starting at 6-8 weeks. Depending on their lifestyle, they will usually get a distrmper-parvo combination, bordatella and possibly an influenza vaccine. I hope this information helps!

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