Puppy Vaccines & Health: What Every Family Should Know
A Healthy Start Begins With Awareness
Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but it also comes with a lot of questions about health and safety — especially vaccines. At Homemade Puppies, we believe wellness isn’t about one single step. It’s a foundation of care that starts with responsible breeding, early development, and veterinary guidance. Vaccinations are a key part of that foundation, protecting puppies during the most vulnerable stage of life.
Why Puppy Vaccines Matter

Your new furry bundle of love deserves the best start in life. That means providing a loving home, plenty of cuddles, and essential health-boosting vaccinations.
Vaccinating your puppy not only strengthens their immune system during those vulnerable early months but also offers lifelong protection against dangerous viruses and diseases. By following a veterinarian-approved vaccination schedule, you can help ensure your puppy grows up strong and full of life.
Important Note: This guide is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Because vaccination needs vary based on individual health factors, always consult a licensed veterinarian for professional guidance and a vaccination schedule tailored to your puppy’s specific needs.
Core vs Lifestyle Vaccines
Veterinarians divide vaccines into two categories:
Core Vaccines
These protect all puppies from widespread, severe diseases like:
- Distemper
- Parvovirus
- Adenovirus
- Rabies
Lifestyle (Non-Core) Vaccines
These are recommended based on your location and your dog’s activities. Examples include:
- Bordetella (kennel cough)
- Leptospirosis
- Canine influenza
- Lyme disease
Your veterinarian will help tailor a plan based on lifestyle, travel, and exposure risk.
Typical Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Newborn puppies follow a structured vaccination timeline to build immunity against serious diseases. So when is your puppy fully vaccinated? Typically, one to two weeks after their final round of core vaccines, which is usually given around 16 weeks of age.

Until then, it's important to limit their exposure to public places where they could be at risk of infection. Always consult your vet for the best vaccination schedule for your pup.
| Puppy's Age | Core Vaccinations | Optional Vaccinations |
|---|---|---|
| 6-8 Weeks | DA2PP | Bordetella, Parainfluenza |
| 10-12 Weeks | DA2PP, Leptospirosis | Bordetella, Lyme, Canine Influenza |
| 14-16 Weeks | DA2PP, Leptospirosis, Rabies | Lyme, Canine Influenza |
| Annual Examinations | DA2PP, Leptospirosis, Rabies | Lyme, Canine Influenza, Bordetella |
Beyond Vaccines: Building a Complete Wellness Foundation
Vaccines are essential, but they’re only one part of raising a healthy puppy. Within the Homemade Puppies network, we encourage a complete wellness approach that includes:
- Genetic testing and health clearances
- Proper nutrition for growth and balanced behavior
- ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) and ESI (Early Scent Introduction)
- Early socialization and safe environmental exposure
- Veterinary checks and documented care before go-home day
This gives families a strong start and supports long-term health and confidence.
Closing Thoughts
Healthy puppies aren’t built through vaccines alone. They thrive when health care, early development, and responsible breeding come together.
At Homemade Puppies, our trusted network of small, intentional breeders focuses on every aspect of early wellness so your new companion begins life confident and strong.
Vaccines protect their bodies.
Early socialization shapes their minds.
Together, they create the beginning of a happy, healthy life.
Ethically bred puppies from Lancaster, PA
At Homemade Puppies, we work with responsible breeders in Lancaster, PA, who raise puppies in their homes. Each puppy receives its vaccinations and starts life off in a loving, social environment, ensuring it’s healthy and ready for its new home.
We’re committed to quality and only partner with breeders who share our dedication to raising healthy, happy puppies. That way, you can feel confident that your new pup is coming from a trustworthy source.
*Important Note: This guide is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Because vaccination needs vary based on individual health factors, always consult a licensed veterinarian for professional guidance and a vaccination schedule tailored to your puppy’s specific needs.
