Vaccines stimulate a dog’s immune system by introducing modified infectious organisms into the bloodstream. This prepares your dog’s body to fight off disease. Vaccinating your dog is one of the simplest ways to protect them against serious illnesses throughout their lifetime.
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) classifies vaccines for dogs as core, noncore, and not recommended. All dogs, including puppies, should receive core vaccines. Noncore vaccines are optional, and should only be given to dogs that have a higher risk of exposure to certain diseases due to factors such as geography and lifestyle.
The final category includes vaccines such as coronavirus which are not generally recommended for widespread use in dogs.
Core Vaccines
The following core vaccines are considered important for all dogs to prevent the spread of serious and infectious diseases. Please consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your dog is kept up-to-date with all core vaccines.
Rabies
Rabies is a fatal condition with no known cure that can be spread to humans. Vaccinating dogs against the disease is mandated by law across the US.
Puppies should receive a single dose of the rabies vaccine from as early as three months of age. Unvaccinated adult dogs aged 16 weeks or older can also be protected by an initial single dose. All dogs should receive a second dose of the vaccine one year later. Dogs should then be vaccinated against the disease every one to three years according to your veterinarian’s advice.
Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is a serious and potentially life-threatening viral disease that affects respiratory and central nervous system function in dogs.
At least three doses of the vaccine should be administered to puppies between 6 and 16 weeks of age. It is recommended that vaccines are given three to four weeks apart. Adult dogs should receive two doses of canine distemper vaccine at three to four-week intervals.
Puppies should receive a booster one year after the initial series of vaccinations, and all dogs will need a booster every three years or more.
Canine Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a contagious disease caused by the canine adenovirus that can lead to severe organ damage and death. Modern hepatitis vaccines also protect against viruses that can cause kennel cough in dogs.
At least three doses of the vaccine should be administered to puppies between 6 and 16 weeks of age. It is recommended that vaccines are given three to four weeks apart. Adult dogs should receive two doses of canine hepatitis vaccine at three to four-week intervals.
Puppies should receive a booster one year after the initial series of vaccinations, and all dogs will need a booster every three years or more.
Canine Parvovirus
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that can be potentially fatal. It affects the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system in dogs. The parvovirus vaccine is very effective and plays an important role in preventing the spread of the disease.
At least three doses of the vaccine should be administered to puppies between 6 and 16 weeks of age. It is recommended that vaccines are given three to four weeks apart. Adult dogs should receive two doses of canine parvovirus vaccine at three to four-week intervals.
Puppies should receive a booster one year after the initial series of vaccinations, and all dogs will need a booster every three years or more.
Noncore Vaccines
The following noncore vaccines may be recommended for dogs that are at high risk of exposure to the diseases in question.
- Parainfluenza
- Lyme disease
- Leptospirosis
Please consult with your veterinarian to determine whether noncore vaccines will be beneficial to your dog. Communicating with your veterinarian is the best way to ensure your dog receives all the vaccines they need to protect them against disease.
