Pupkeeper

Puppy vaccination and parasite schedule by age

Puppy vaccines usually start at 6 to 8 weeks old: a core dose (distemper, parvo) every 2 to 4 weeks until 16 weeks or older, then a booster from 6 months. Worming starts at 2 weeks: every 2 weeks until about 10 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months. Your vet sets the exact dates, and the law where you live sets rabies.

From the care plan in the Pupkeeper app, which follows WSAVA's 2024 and AAHA's 2022 vaccination guidelines, ESCCAP and TroCCAP for parasites and the American Heartworm Society. Page updated 7 November 2026.

The schedule at a glance

Puppy vaccination and parasite schedule at a glance
AgeVaccinesParasites and vet visits
2 weeks—Worming every 2 weeks
6 to 8 weeksFirst core dose: DHPP / DAPP (distemper, parvo)First vet check; worming continues
8 to 16 weeksA core dose every 2 to 4 weeks; leptospirosis where it is common (2 doses)Flea and tick, and heartworm where mosquitoes spread it; worming monthly from about 10 weeks
12 weeksRabies, where it is routine—
16 weeks or olderThe last puppy core doseDog parks about 1 to 2 weeks after it
6 monthsBooster after the puppy courseAdult worming: at least 4 times a year (monthly in the tropics)
12 monthsSecond rabies dose; leptospirosis boosterFirst birthday check-up

Week by week

2 weeks

  • WormingPuppies: every 2 weeks until about 10 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months.ESCCAP GL1
  • Worming in the tropicsPuppies: every 2 weeks until 8 weeks old, then monthly.TroCCAP

3 to 14 weeks

  • Socialization windowPuppies learn best about new people, dogs, sounds and places from about 3 to 14 weeks old, before their vaccines are finished.AVMA, AVSAB
  • Until the vaccines are donePlan short, happy meetings every day with new people and calm, vaccinated dogs, and join an indoor puppy class with vaccinated puppies. Skip dog parks for now.AVMA, AVSABIn the guide

6 to 8 weeks

  • First vet checkMost puppies should see a vet at 6 to 8 weeks old for a health check, first vaccines and worm treatment, then about every 3 to 4 weeks until 4 to 5 months old.VCA, AAHA life stages, Blue Cross
  • Core vaccine: DHPP / DAPP (distemper, parvo)Usually a dose every 2–4 weeks from 6–8 weeks old until 16 weeks or older.WSAVA 2024, AAHA 2022, AAHA 2022 (parvo)

8 weeks and on

  • The next core dosesUsually 2–4 weeks after the last dose, until 16 weeks old or older. Your vet sets the exact date.WSAVA 2024
  • Flea and tick protectionMany vets advise protection all year: monthly for most products, every 3 months for some.ESCCAP GL5
  • Only products made for puppiesDon't use a product on a puppy younger or smaller than its label allows, or split a bigger dog's dose.TroCCAPIn the guide
  • Heartworm prevention, where mosquitoes spread itVets usually advise prevention from 8 weeks old.American Heartworm Society
  • Leptospirosis, where it is commonUsually 2 doses 2–4 weeks apart, then yearly.WSAVA 2024
  • Weigh-insYoung puppies grow fast: weigh weekly to track growth and keep portions right.

12 weeks

  • Rabies, where it is routineUsually from 12 weeks old. The law where you live sets the age and how often.AAHA 2022
  • Leptospirosis in the US and CanadaUsually 2 doses 2–4 weeks apart, the first from 12 weeks old, then yearly.AAHA 2024 update, ACVIM 2023

16 weeks or older

  • The last puppy dose, then dog parksAbout 1 to 2 weeks after the final puppy vaccine, given at 16 weeks or older, most puppies can start dog parks and busy walks. Where distemper is common, some vets prefer to give the last dose at 18 to 20 weeks.WSAVA 2024, PDSA, AAHA 2022In the guide

6 months (26 weeks)

  • Booster after the puppy courseDue from 6 months old. Vets advise not waiting until a year, so puppies the first doses missed are protected sooner.WSAVA 2024
  • Worming, adult dogsAt least 4 times a year for most adult dogs. Your vet may advise more often.ESCCAP GL1
  • Worming, adult dogs in the tropicsMonthly for adult dogs in the tropics. Your vet may advise a different plan.TroCCAP
  • Weigh-insPuppies still growing: weigh every 2 weeks to keep portions right.

12 months

  • First birthday check-upFrom now on, most dogs need a full check-up at least once a year. It usually covers any boosters due, parasite prevention, teeth, weight and diet.AAHA life stages, WSAVA 2024
  • Second rabies vaccineUsually a year after the first one.AAHA 2022
  • Leptospirosis boosterUsually once a year, so protection doesn't lapse.WSAVA 2024

Adult dogs

  • Rabies boostersEvery 1 or 3 years, depending on the vaccine and local law. The certificate says which.AAHA 2022
  • Yearly check-upOnce a year: a full check, a vaccine review and a look at the teeth.AAHA life stages
  • Older dogsTwice a year for older dogs, so changes are caught early.AAHA life stages
  • Heartworm preventionUsually monthly; some products last longer. Your vet will say if it's all year where you live.American Heartworm Society
  • Weigh-insA monthly weigh-in spots gain or loss early.

In the tropics

In the tropics, deworm puppies every 2 weeks at first, then monthly, and protect against fleas, ticks and heartworm all year, as your vet and the label advise.

Deworming, Flea, Tick and Heartworm in the Tropics: the full guide entry

Your vet decides

These are the usual intervals. Your vet sets the exact dates for your puppy, and a date on the vet card always wins. Which extra vaccines your puppy needs depends on where you live.

Sources

General information, not a diagnosis or a vaccination plan for your puppy. Ask your vet.