Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Every shot, every age, every reason — plus what to expect after each visit and breed-specific notes for the puppies we place in Millersburg, Ohio.
Why the Vaccine Schedule Is Non-Negotiable
Puppy vaccines are not optional extras — they are the reason diseases like Parvovirus and Distemper, which once killed enormous numbers of dogs every year, are now preventable. A single missed dose in the core series can leave your puppy unprotected during the exact window when their immune system is most vulnerable.
When puppies are born, they receive temporary protection from their mother through her milk. This maternal immunity starts fading between 6 and 16 weeks — but the exact timing is different for every puppy. The vaccine series is spaced the way it is specifically to catch the moment that maternal immunity drops and your puppy’s own immune system must take over. Skipping or delaying doses leaves a gap that a virus like Parvo will find.
Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines Explained
Not all vaccines are recommended for every puppy. Veterinarians divide them into two categories based on disease risk and severity.
🔵 Core Vaccines (Every puppy needs these)
- DA2PP / DA2P+CPVCovers Distemper, Adenovirus (Hepatitis), Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza in one injection. Given at 8, 12, and 16 weeks.
- RabiesRequired by law in Ohio and most states. Given once at 16 weeks, then again at 1 year, then every 1–3 years depending on vaccine type and local law.
🟡 Non-Core Vaccines (Recommended based on lifestyle)
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough)Recommended before boarding, grooming, or dog park access. Given as nasal drops or injection.
- LeptospirosisRecommended for dogs with outdoor exposure, especially near wildlife, standing water, or farms. Two-dose initial series.
- Lyme DiseaseRecommended in tick-heavy areas of Ohio and the surrounding region. Two-dose initial series.
- Canine Influenza (H3N2/H3N8)Recommended for dogs frequently in group settings like doggy daycare or dog shows.
The Complete Vaccination Schedule: Age by Age
Here is every vaccine your puppy needs, organized by age. Print this out and bring it to every vet visit to make sure nothing is missed.
First DA2PP — Done Before Your Puppy Comes Home
This is the first dose in the core series. Our breeding partners administer this before your puppy leaves their care. It begins building immunity against Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza — but one dose alone is not enough. This visit also confirms the puppy is healthy and developing normally.
Second DA2PP + First Non-Core Vaccines
This is your puppy’s first vet visit after coming home and one of the most important. The second DA2PP significantly boosts the immune response started at 8 weeks. This is also the right time to discuss and begin non-core vaccines — especially Bordetella if you plan to board or groom, and Leptospirosis if your puppy will be outdoors in Ohio’s rural areas.
Third DA2PP + Rabies — The Critical Final Step
This visit completes the core series. The third DA2PP is essential — without it, the vaccine series is incomplete and your puppy may not have full protection against Parvovirus. Rabies is also given at this visit. Two weeks after this appointment, your puppy has full protection and can safely go to dog parks, pet stores, and on walks in public areas.
One-Year Boosters — Locking In Long-Term Protection
Approximately one year after the puppy series is complete, your dog needs booster doses of DA2PP and Rabies. This visit is also a great time to do a full wellness check, discuss spay/neuter timing, and review which non-core vaccines are still appropriate for your dog’s lifestyle.
Adult Maintenance — Ongoing Protection for Life
After the one-year booster, DA2PP shifts to every 3 years for most adult dogs using the standard vaccine, or annually if your vet uses a 1-year formulation. Rabies follows state law — in Ohio, after the first year booster, the 3-year Rabies vaccine is widely used. Annual wellness exams let your vet reassess the schedule as your dog ages.
What to Expect After Each Vaccine Visit
Most puppies handle vaccines very well. Mild reactions are normal and temporary — they are actually a sign that the immune system is doing exactly what it should.
Normal — No Action Needed
- Sleepiness for 12–24 hours
- Soreness at injection site
- Reduced appetite same day
- Mild low-grade fever
- Less playful than usual
- Small firm bump at injection site (fades in days)
Watch Closely — Call Your Vet
- Symptoms lasting more than 48 hours
- Not eating for more than 24 hours
- Persistent crying or whimpering
- Limping at injection site after 24 hrs
- Mild vomiting (1–2 times)
- Diarrhea same day
Emergency — Go to Vet NOW
- Facial swelling or hives
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Collapse or sudden weakness
- Repeated vomiting or bloody diarrhea
- Pale gums
- Extreme agitation or disorientation
Breed-Specific Vaccine Notes
All three breeds we place at Boundless Horizon Puppies follow the same core vaccine schedule — but there are some breed-specific factors worth discussing with your vet before each appointment.
| Breed | Vaccine Consideration | Vet Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Maltipoo | Small body weight means smaller vaccine volumes may be appropriate. Confirm with your vet at the first appointment. Some veterinarians use adjusted protocols for very small dogs under 5 lbs. | Feed a small meal 1–2 hours before the vet visit to stabilize blood sugar. Very small Maltipoos can be prone to low blood sugar when stressed. |
| Cavapoo | Generally good vaccine tolerance thanks to Poodle genetics. The Cavalier side occasionally shows mild immune sensitivity — discuss splitting vaccines across visits if your vet recommends it. | Stay at the vet for 15 minutes post-vaccine on the first visit to observe for any reactions. Cavapoos tend to be vocal about discomfort. |
| Teddy Bear (Shichon) | Cross of Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise. Generally good tolerance. Some flat-face (brachycephalic) traits from the Shih Tzu side — schedule morning appointments to reduce overheating risk in waiting rooms. | Check the injection site 24 hours after the visit. A small lump is normal; a spreading red patch warrants a call to your vet. Bring a familiar blanket to reduce stress during the visit. |
Titer Testing: An Alternative for Adult Dogs
After your dog has completed the full puppy series and the one-year boosters, titer testing is worth knowing about. A titer test is a blood test that measures the level of antibodies your dog already has against a specific disease. If your dog has strong titers for Distemper and Parvovirus, some veterinarians will accept this in place of a routine booster — reducing the total number of vaccines given over a lifetime.
Titer testing is not a replacement for the puppy series or the one-year boosters — it is a tool for managing adult dog vaccine schedules more precisely. Rabies vaccination is required by law regardless of titer results in Ohio.
Every puppy I place has their first DA2PP done before they come home — and you get the vaccine records to prove it. The next step is yours. Schedule that 12-week vet appointment before you even pick up your puppy. The families that have everything on the calendar before day one have the smoothest experience. Your puppy’s health is the investment that protects everything else.
— Dan, Owner | Boundless Horizon Puppies, Millersburg, Ohio | Est. 2022Vaccination Questions We Hear Every Week
📚 Sources & Expert References
- AVMA — Vaccinations for Your Pet
- American Kennel Club — Puppy Vaccination Schedule
- ASPCA — Dog Vaccination Series
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) 2022 Canine Vaccination Guidelines — foundational reference for core vs. non-core classification
- Ohio Revised Code § 955.26 — State Rabies Vaccination Requirements
- Boundless Horizon Puppies LLC — Licensed Ohio puppy placement, Millersburg, OH 44654 — Est. 2022
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Maltipoo
Maltese × Toy Poodle. Playful, smart, and deeply affectionate. Ideal for first-time owners, apartments, and allergy-sensitive families.
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel × Poodle. Gentle, adaptable, and wonderful with children. Soft, low-shedding coat with a loving personality.
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