Your puppy's first year, one vaccine at a time

Bringing a puppy home is pure joy with a side of to-do lists. The good news: the medical part of year one follows a simple rhythm, and we’ll remind you of every step.

6 to 16 weeks: the core series

Puppies get their first core vaccine at around six to eight weeks, then a booster every three to four weeks until about sixteen weeks. Each dose builds on the last, so timing matters more than the exact day — a few days late is fine, a month late means starting over.

• Core vaccines protect against distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis.
• Rabies comes at twelve weeks or later.
• Lifestyle vaccines — kennel cough, leptospirosis — depend on where your puppy goes.

Deworming and parasites

Worms are almost universal in young puppies. We deworm every two weeks until twelve weeks, then monthly until six months. Flea and tick prevention starts as soon as the label allows.

Socialise safely

The window for socialisation closes around fourteen weeks — before vaccines finish. Carry your puppy to new places, invite vaccinated dogs over and join a puppy class that checks vaccine cards.

Six months and beyond

At six months we talk about neutering, adult food and dental care. At one year: the first adult booster, and your puppy is officially a grown-up (in paperwork, at least).