Puppy health
Vaccination and deworming in the first year
7 min · last updated 22/05/2026
Vaccinations protect against diseases that are life-threatening for small puppies. This overview does not replace veterinary advice but helps with planning.
The primary vaccination schedule
Week 8: DHPPi + leptospirosis. Week 12: booster including rabies. Week 16: third partial vaccination. Month 15: booster.
After that, intervals depend on the vaccine and circumstances; distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus are usually boosted every three years.
Deworming with judgement
Puppies are dewormed every two weeks from week two until two weeks after weaning.
In adult dogs a quarterly faecal examination often replaces blanket worming — agree the approach with your practice.
Frequently asked questions
May my puppy go outside before full immunisation?
Yes, and it should. Avoid dog meadows and contact with unknown dogs, but use carrying, car rides and calm environmental stimuli for socialisation.