Puppy Vaccination Schedule: A First-Year Guide
When do puppies get their combination, rabies and kennel cough vaccines? When can they go outside? The full first-year vaccine timeline.
Bulut Veterinary Clinic Medical Team
Reviewed by Mücahid Çiftçioğlu, DVM
Parvovirus and distemper are the two biggest enemies of unvaccinated puppies — both are severe and can be fatal. The good news: both are largely preventable with routine vaccination.
A typical first-year timeline
- Weeks 6–8: General exam, deworming, 1st combination vaccine (DHPP)
- Weeks 10–12: 2nd combination vaccine + kennel cough assessment
- Weeks 12–16: Rabies vaccine
- Weeks 14–16: 3rd combination vaccine (per your vet's plan)
- Monthly: Flea/tick prevention and regular deworming
- 1 year: Annual boosters and a full check-up
When can my puppy go outside?
The question we hear most. Until the vaccine series is complete, we advise keeping your puppy away from parks and shared areas where other dogs roam — parvovirus survives in the environment for months. One to two weeks after the final combination dose is generally considered safe.
Don't skip socialization in the meantime — just do it safely: short neighborhood tours in your arms, and home meetups with fully vaccinated dogs you know.
Why the vaccination booklet matters
The rabies vaccine is legally required in Türkiye and is documented in the vaccination booklet. You'll need an up-to-date booklet for pet hotel stays, grooming, intercity travel and international trips. We record every vaccine and call you when boosters are due.
Frequently asked questions
Is the kennel cough vaccine necessary?
Strongly recommended for dogs that will board at a pet hotel, socialize at parks or meet other dogs often. We recommend it before stays at our own pet hotel.
We missed a vaccine date — do we start over?
It depends on the delay: short gaps usually continue where you left off, longer gaps may require repeating some doses. Bring the booklet and we'll update the plan together.
Related services
Book your puppy's first exam and vaccine plan today.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for a veterinary examination. Always consult your veterinarian about decisions concerning your pet's health.