Puppy Vaccinations 2025: Vet Schedule, Expectations & Importance 🐶✨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Vaccinations are one of the most important things you can do to protect your puppy’s health. But between parvo, distemper, and all the “boosters,” it can get a bit confusing—especially for first-time pet parents.

I’m Dr. Duncan Houston, veterinarian and founder of Woopf. In this article, I’ll explain exactly which vaccines your puppy needs, when to give them, and what you can expect before and after each vet visit—so you can feel confident and prepared.

💉 Why Puppy Vaccinations Matter

•  🛡️ Protect against life threatening diseases like parvovirus and distemper
•  🦠 Reduce transmission of contagious illnesses (especially in social spaces)
•  🧠 Build immunity during the critical early months of development
•  ✈️ Required for boarding, daycare, grooming, and travel

Vet Tip: Puppies are born with temporary maternal antibodies—but these wear off by 6–12 weeks. Vaccines fill the gap until their immune system matures.

🗓️ Core Puppy Vaccination Schedule

🧪 Optional / Lifestyle Vaccines (Ask Your Vet)

•  🐶 Kennel Cough (Bordatella bronchiseptica)
•  🌾 Leptospirosis (important in rural/farm/rat-prone areas)
•  🌍 Rabies (required for international travel) 
• 🪱 Canine Coronavirus (different from COVID-19!)

These are not always necessary for every dog, but your vet can recommend based on where you live and what your puppy’s lifestyle will look like.

🧠 What to Expect at Each Vet Visit

•  🩺 Full health checkup: eyes, ears, heart, weight
•  💉 Injection under the skin (quick and low pain)
•  📄 Vaccine record booklet will be updated
•  💬 Ask about worming, flea control, and feeding advice

😴 After the Vaccine: What’s Normal?

•  😌 Mild tiredness or sleepiness for 24 hours
•  🐾 Slight swelling or tenderness at the injection site
•  🍗 Mild appetite reduction for one meal

Call your vet if: Your pup has facial swelling, vomiting, hives, or becomes very lethargic. These could be signs of an allergic reaction (rare).

🏥 What If You Miss a Vaccine?

•  📅 Your vet may recommend restarting the course if the gap is too long 
• ❗ Never guess—let your vet adjust based on your dog’s age and immune history

🚫 Avoid Public Places Until Fully Vaccinated

•  ❌ No dog parks, kennels, or communal bowls before 14–16 weeks
•  ✅ Carry your pup in a bag, arms, or use a stroller to socialize safely
•  ✅ Focus on socializing with vaccinated, healthy dogs in known environments

🎁 Safe Gear for Socialization & Vet Visits

•  Explorer Harness – Soft and secure for early walk training
•  Bungee Lead – Keeps walks calm when energy surges post vet
•  Dual Pocket Dispenser – Reward bravery after the vet with treats

💬 What Puppy Parents Say

“We used the Woopf harness to keep our puppy calm during all her vet visits—it was secure and easy to get on in a hurry.” – Sofia & Luna

“Knowing the vaccine timeline ahead of time helped us plan our walks, daycares, and social outings without risk.” – Jake & Ollie

👩⚕️ Want a Custom Vaccine & Care Plan?

Send your dog’s breed, age, and we’ll give you a personalized vaccine schedule, parasite control plan, and socialization strategy—vet-reviewed and tailored to your pup.

Final Thoughts

Vaccines are a simple, essential investment in your puppy’s future. With the right schedule, care, and knowledge, you’ll protect them from dangerous diseases—while setting up a lifetime of health and confidence.

Explore VetApproved Puppy Essentials →