Puppy Vaccination Schedule – Full Timeline & Vet Guide 2025
Following the correct puppy vaccination schedule is one of the most important steps to keeping your new dog healthy and safe. Vaccinations protect puppies from life-threatening diseases like parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, and rabies. This guide will walk you through the full timeline, types of vaccines, and when each one should be administered.
Why Puppy Vaccines Are So Important
Puppies are born with temporary immunity from their mother’s milk, but this protection fades within weeks. Without vaccines, your puppy is vulnerable to dangerous viruses. Vaccines train the immune system to recognize and fight infections early. In the UAE, where many dogs live in close proximity, timely vaccination is even more critical.
Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines
- Core Vaccines: Recommended for all puppies regardless of location or lifestyle (e.g., DHPP, Rabies).
- Non-Core Vaccines: Given based on risk, location, and lifestyle (e.g., Bordetella, Leptospirosis).
Complete Puppy Vaccination Schedule (Week-by-Week)
✔️ 6–8 Weeks Old
- DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
- Optional: Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
✔️ 10–12 Weeks Old
- Second DHPP booster
- Optional: Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza (based on vet’s advice)
✔️ 14–16 Weeks Old
- Third DHPP booster
- Rabies (legally required in most regions including UAE)
✔️ 6 Months – 1 Year
- DHPP Booster (final for the puppy stage)
- Rabies Booster
Annual Boosters After First Year
After your puppy completes the full vaccination schedule, they will need annual or tri-annual boosters based on vaccine type and your vet’s protocol. Rabies and DHPP are usually repeated every 1 to 3 years.
How to Prepare Your Puppy for Vaccination
Before the vet visit:
- Make sure your puppy is healthy and free of symptoms
- Avoid vaccination if your puppy has diarrhea, fever, or is lethargic
- Bring medical records if it’s not your regular vet
Possible Side Effects to Watch For
Vaccines are generally safe, but some puppies may experience mild symptoms like:
- Fatigue for 24 hours
- Loss of appetite
- Slight swelling at injection site
- Mild fever
If symptoms last more than 48 hours, or if your puppy shows signs of an allergic reaction (swelling of face, vomiting, difficulty breathing), contact your vet immediately.
Cost of Puppy Vaccination Schedule in the UAE
The average cost of full puppy vaccinations in the UAE ranges from AED 500 to AED 900 depending on the clinic, location, and number of vaccines. Many clinics offer packages that include multiple visits at a discounted rate. Be sure to compare and confirm what’s included in each package.
Can You Vaccinate at Home?
Vaccinating puppies at home is not recommended unless you are a trained veterinary professional. Improper administration, incorrect dosage, or lack of proper storage (vaccines must be refrigerated) can make the vaccine ineffective or dangerous.
Importance of Deworming Alongside Vaccines
Most vets will also check for worms and recommend deworming treatments in parallel with the vaccination schedule. Deworming typically starts at 2 weeks old and continues every 2–4 weeks until 12 weeks, then monthly until 6 months of age.
FAQ – Puppy Vaccination Schedule
- Can I walk my puppy before they finish vaccines?
No. Avoid public areas until at least 1 week after their 16-week vaccinations to minimize exposure to viruses. - What happens if I miss a vaccine?
Consult your vet immediately. They may need to restart the series depending on the gap duration. - Are vaccines mandatory in the UAE?
Rabies is legally required. Other vaccines are strongly recommended by most vets.
Final Thoughts
Following a proper puppy vaccination schedule is one of the smartest things you can do as a new dog owner. It protects not only your puppy but also other dogs in your community. Stay consistent, track all vet visits, and ask questions if you’re unsure. Healthy puppies start with timely vaccinations.
Helpful Resources
