Our Vets are Available 🟢
Dial A Vet Logo
🐾 Pet Health
Blogs
Dog HealthCat HealthVeterinary ServicesPet Health
ask a vet
Ask A Vet Q&A - Free!Vet Tips - By Our Vets!
resources
Free Symptom CheckerDial A Vet NZFind a Local Vet ClinicGlossary
about DIAL A VET
Terms & Conditions
Privacy PolicyEditorial GuidelinesNewsletter
View all Blogs
Over 6,000 Articles
View All Q&A
5,000+ Answers
💵 Pricing📖 How it Works📧 Contact
Chat to a Vet

Question:

Conflicting information about puppy vaccines

I'm really stressed out and could use some advice. I've got this adorable little puppy, Max, who just joined our family two weeks ago. I've been trying to be the best puppy parent, but I'm getting so many mixed messages about his vaccinations, it's driving me crazy. My vet gave me one schedule, but then my friend, who's raised three dogs, says her vet recommended something totally different. When I looked it up online, there were pages saying I should avoid going outside the house until Max has all his shots, but some say it's okay to socialize him early. I just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing for Max, especially since he's already getting so curious about the outside world. Has anyone else gone through this? How did you decide what was best for your puppy? I’d love to hear any experiences or suggestions for navigating these vaccine recommendations.

Answer:

Thanks for reaching out with your question about puppy vaccines! Navigating all the information out there can certainly be confusing, but that's what we're here for. Vaccinations are crucial for protecting your puppy from serious diseases, and it's important to follow a recommended schedule.



Typically, puppies should receive their first round of vaccines at about 6-8 weeks of age, with additional booster shots given every 3-4 weeks until they’re around 16 weeks old. These vaccines usually include protection against distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus, among others. Rabies vaccination is typically administered at around 12-16 weeks, depending on local regulations.



It's perfectly normal to feel uncertain with mixed messages out there. One common point of confusion is whether to administer certain vaccines, which may depend on your puppy’s lifestyle and the local prevalence of certain diseases. Your veterinarian can help determine which vaccines are necessary based on these factors.



At home, help support your puppy’s immunity by ensuring they eat a balanced diet, have regular exercise, and maintain good hygiene. Signs that there might be a vaccine-related issue include fever, swelling at the injection site, severe lethargy, or loss of appetite. If you observe any worrying symptoms, it's important to contact a vet right away.



For tailored advice, consider booking a video consult with Dial A Vet. We can help clarify schedules and answer any other concerns you may have!

Answered by

Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet

June 27, 2025

  Book A Vet Consultation
The "Ask a Vet" forum on Dial A Vet offers general information and helpful tips on pet health, but it's not a substitute for professional veterinary care. The advice here doesn't create a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and our vets can't diagnose or treat your pet remotely. For emergencies or specific medical concerns, always contact your local veterinarian immediately. Your pet's health is unique, and decisions should only be made after consulting with a qualified professional. By using this forum, you acknowledge these limitations and agree to seek in-person veterinary advice for all your pet's health needs. View our content guidelines.
🧠 Related Pet Owner Questions
Dog may have eaten bone on walk
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Is Tidy Cat unscented and Fresh step unscented good cat litter?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cat over grooming for 1.5 years: allergies or compulsive behavior? Allergy test positive pics on a different post
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Afraid to have my cat's dental cleaning done this week due to risk of anesthesia death. What are some questions I should ask before committing?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Money Magazine
Australia's Leading
Online Vet
TrustPilot:
Excellent
Real Vets

Thousands of Pet Owners across the Globe rely on Dial A Vet for peace of mind.

Real questions, vet reviewed answers and quality care.

Trusted by 40,000+ users
4.7/5
dog in grass
Ina
Pet Owner

It was so easy, I needed some eye drops for my dog and thinking about going to the vet on a weekend made me nervous about the cost involved. Dial A Vet was a much simpler, cheaper option with faster results. Within 10 minutes of the call, I had the medicine I needed for my dog without an expensive consultation.

25 May 2025
Joanne
Pet Owner

A great fast efficient service with a qualified vet who was lovely and helpful. Thank you Samantha. I was able to sort my dog at 6pm on a Sunday night for $49 - amazing. Highly recommend.

12 May 2025
Lisa
Pet Owner

What an amazing service, at my wits end as I knew my beautiful dog had an ear infection, could not get into the vet for 4 days. Never knew there was vets online until I googled. Within 15 minutes on a Sunday I was taking to beautiful Samantha who diagnosed and treated our Jasper. Only $49. She trusted that we knew our boy and gave us lots of advice. I will definitely be using dial a vet every time and sharing with all my friends and family. Absolutely fantastic kind caring service. 11/10

7 April 2025
The logo for Dial A Vet, the online vet company.

With Dial A Vet, expert veterinary advice is just a tap away. Get fast vet consultations, trusted care, and personalized pet support - anytime, anywhere, all year round.

Dial A Vets uses software that is HIPAA compliant and SOC - 2 Certified.

support@dialavet.com.au

dial a vet owner with cat
dial a vet pet owner with dog in a orange top
colourful pet owner with their dog
40k+
Pet Owners
Fluffy stuff
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy policy
Company
How It WorksPricingBlogFree Online VetOnline VetPet Symptom CheckerFind a Local Vet ClinicAsk A Vet: Q&AGlossary
NEW ZEALAND
Speak to A Vet NZ
Our Social Links