Dog Vaccination Guide
Dog Vaccination Guide
Ensuring your dog receives the proper vaccinations is one of the most important steps to keep them happy, healthy, and protected.
Below, you’ll find details on which vaccines are considered “core” (recommended for every dog) and which are “non-core” (only given if your dog’s lifestyle or environment requires them).
You’ll also learn why each vaccine matters, what the disease does, and how frequently your pet may need booster shots.
Keep in mind that exact vaccination schedules can differ based on where you live, your dog’s health status, and your veterinarian’s advice.
Core Vaccines: Essential for Every Dog
1. Rabies Vaccine
What It Prevents: Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the brain and nervous system. It spreads through bites from infected animals and can also threaten human health.
Suggested Timing: Puppies often receive their first rabies shot between 12 and 16 weeks of age.
A follow-up booster typically occurs around one year later. After that, depending on your local regulations and the specific vaccine used, booster shots are usually needed every 1 to 3 years.
2. Distemper Vaccine (Usually Part of the DHPP Combination)
What It Prevents: Distemper is a severe viral illness that can harm a dog’s lungs, stomach, and nervous system, sometimes leading to serious long-term health problems or death.
Suggested Timing: Puppies typically start their distemper vaccinations at around 6 to 8 weeks old, with booster shots every 3 to 4 weeks until about 14 to 16 weeks old.
After the initial series, a booster is often given at the one-year mark, followed by repeat boosters every 1 to 3 years based on your vet’s recommendations.
3. Parvovirus Vaccine (Usually Part of the DHPP Combination)
What It Prevents: Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that damages a dog’s digestive system, causing intense diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. It can be life-threatening if untreated.
Suggested Timing: Parvo protection is included in the same series as distemper (DHPP).
Just like distemper, puppies receive multiple doses starting between 6 and 8 weeks, with boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until around 14 to 16 weeks old. After that, a booster at one year and then every 1 to 3 years is common practice.
4. Hepatitis (Adenovirus-2) Vaccine (Usually Part of the DHPP Combination)
What It Prevents: Canine hepatitis can harm the liver, kidneys, and other organs, and can be deadly if not prevented. The adenovirus-2 vaccine shields dogs from this risk.
Suggested Timing: Hepatitis prevention comes packaged with the DHPP shots.
The schedule mirrors the distemper and parvovirus timing: puppy doses start early, repeated every few weeks until about 14 to 16 weeks, then a booster at 1 year, and additional boosters every 1 to 3 years.
Non-Core Vaccines: Given Based on Your Dog’s Needs
1. Bordetella (Kennel Cough) Vaccine
What It Prevents: Bordetella causes a harsh cough and is easily passed between dogs in close contact, such as in kennels, grooming salons, or dog parks.
Suggested Timing: Puppies may begin this vaccination around 8 to 16 weeks old. If your dog is frequently around many other dogs, your vet may recommend a booster every 6 to 12 months.
2. Leptospirosis Vaccine
What It Prevents: Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection found in water, soil, and animal urine. It can harm a dog’s organs and can also infect humans.
Suggested Timing: Often given to puppies at around 8 to 9 weeks, followed by another dose 2 to 4 weeks later. Dogs at ongoing risk typically receive a yearly booster.
3. Lyme Disease Vaccine
What It Prevents: Lyme disease, spread by ticks, can cause joint pain, fever, and other serious health issues.
Suggested Timing: Puppies may start receiving the Lyme vaccine as early as 8 to 9 weeks old, then get a second shot a few weeks later. If your dog remains in tick-prone areas, a yearly booster is usually recommended.
4. Canine Influenza (Dog Flu) Vaccine
What It Prevents: Canine influenza is a contagious respiratory disease, leading to symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge.
Suggested Timing: Generally, dogs receive two doses of the canine flu vaccine a few weeks apart. If your dog stays at risk, an annual booster is often advised.
Understanding the Puppy Schedule and Adult Boosters
For Puppies:
Starting Early: Puppies typically begin their core vaccination series between 6 and 8 weeks old, getting a series of shots every 3 to 4 weeks until they reach about 14 to 16 weeks of age. This step-by-step process helps build a robust immune system during the most vulnerable stage of life.
For Adult Dogs:
Yearly Check-Ins: Once your dog completes the initial puppy series, they usually receive a booster at around one year old. After that, many core vaccines are refreshed every 1 to 3 years. Certain non-core vaccines may require yearly boosters if your dog’s exposure risk remains high.
Work Closely With Your Veterinarian
Every dog is unique, and vaccination needs can differ based on where you live, how often your dog meets other animals, and the likelihood of encountering specific diseases.
Your vet will help create a personalized vaccination plan and schedule.
By staying in touch with your veterinarian and keeping up with regular wellness check-ups, you can help ensure that your dog remains well-protected, healthy, and happy for years to come.
Following the right vaccination plan is a key part of responsible pet care.
By understanding core and non-core vaccines, sticking to recommended schedules, and consulting with a trusted veterinarian, you give your canine companion the strongest defense against dangerous diseases.
This approach not only supports your dog’s long-term well-being but also promotes a safer environment for other animals and people in your community.
This concludes our guide to dog vaccinations. We hope that this article will be of some help to those who are adopting a puppy for the first time or those who are planning to vaccinate their puppy.