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Dog Vaccination Schedule

Puppy and Adult Dog Vaccination Schedule: Core Vaccination and Boosters

Medically reviewed by: Adem Fidan, DVM — Chief Veterinarian, Fidan Veterinary Clinic

In puppies the DHPPi combination starts at 6 to 8 weeks and is repeated every 3 to 4 weeks until week 16, with rabies given at 12 to 16 weeks. Risk-based vaccines such as leptospirosis are added according to lifestyle. Adult dogs are boosted after 12 months, followed by an annual or three-yearly programme depending on vaccine type.

Fidan Veterinary Clinic — Dog Vaccination Schedule health guide

Core Vaccines: DHPPi and Rabies

At our Tatlıkuyu, Gebze clinic serving Darıca, Çayırova, Tuzla and Kocaeli, DHPPi protects puppies and adult dogs against canine distemper, infectious hepatitis (CAV-2), parvovirus and parainfluenza. Because parvovirus progresses rapidly in puppies, the first doses must never be delayed.

Rabies vaccination is mandatory for public health reasons and under Turkish regulation 5199, and it is recorded alongside the microchip number. The resulting card entry is the key document for domestic travel and for export procedures.

  • First DHPPi at 6 to 8 weeks, repeated every 3 to 4 weeks until week 16
  • Rabies at 12 to 16 weeks together with record and card matching
  • Temperature and general condition check before every dose

Risk-Based Vaccines and the Socialisation Window

Leptospirosis, bordetella and Lyme vaccines are not core; they are considered for dogs with shelter, farm, hunting or heavy dog contact. Leptospirosis is given in two doses and repeated annually.

The socialisation window runs from 3 to 16 weeks and cannot wait for the vaccine series to finish. The solution is avoiding unvaccinated dogs while planning short, controlled meetings in clean environments.

Clinical Tools

Use the clinical tools to support home monitoring decisions; the symptom triage tool helps separate urgent from routine signs.

Related Medical Departments & Clinical Procedures

Dog vaccination schedule: core and risk-based vaccines
VaccineDisease CoveredStarting AgeRepeat Interval
DHPPiDistemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza6 – 8 weeksEvery 3 – 4 weeks until week 16
RabiesRabies virus12 – 16 weeksAnnual, recorded administration
LeptospirosisLeptospira serovars8 – 12 weeksTwo doses, then annual
Bordetella / parainfluenzaInfectious tracheobronchitis8 – 12 weeksAnnual where contact risk is high
Adult boosterCore diseasesAfter 12 monthsEvery 1 – 3 years by risk assessment

Clinical Pathway

  1. Age, the dam vaccination history and the living environment are recorded.
  2. Examination, temperature check and an internal and external parasite plan are set.
  3. The DHPPi series is entered into the schedule up to week 16.
  4. Rabies is given at 12 to 16 weeks and matched to the microchip record.
  5. Risk-based vaccines and the adult booster interval are shared in writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I take my puppy outside?

Until the series is complete, avoid crowded areas where other dogs walk. For socialisation, prefer a clean, controlled garden and short meetings with vaccinated, healthy dogs.

Is my dog fully protected after the first injection?

No. Maternal antibodies and the limits of a single dose mean protection is only complete after the final dose at week 16. Risky contact must be avoided until then.

What should I do if a vaccine reaction occurs?

Mild lethargy may last 24 to 48 hours. Facial swelling, vomiting, breathing difficulty or sudden collapse requires immediate attendance at the clinic.

Does every dog need the leptospirosis vaccine?

It depends on risk assessment. It is recommended for dogs with access to standing water, rodent populations or farm environments, while the need for isolated indoor dogs is discussed with the clinician.

The information on this page is for general guidance and does not replace a physical examination.