Vaccination Recommendations for dogs

The vaccination recommendations on this page should be modified under the following circumstances:

  • Give bitches a DHPP booster two to four weeks before breeding. (Be aware that some veterinarians believe this booster is unnecessary.)
  • Some rabies boosters are required at one-year intervals, others at three years. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer and of your veterinarian. Local statutes often determine when the booster shots should be given.
  • Parainfluenza and leptospirosis vaccinations may be necessary twice a year in endemic areas.
  • Bordetella may be necessary for show dogs, kennel dogs, dogs who are boarded, and others at high risk for exposure to the kennel cough complex. Boosters may be indicated twice a year in endemic areas.

 

Vaccination Recommendations for dogs

These are based on the recommendations of the American Animal Hospital’s Vaccine Guidelines. Be aware that an individual vaccine schedule should be customized for each dog and that booster recommendations are changing frequently, with longer intervals becoming more common.

CORE VACCINES – These vaccines are recommended for all dogs

Rabies
  • Required by law
  • 1 dose at 3 to 6 months of age
  • 1 year later, then annually or every 3 years, as dictated by local law

 

Canine Distemper

  • Important for every dog
  • First given at 6 to 8 weeks of age, then every 3 to 4 weeks until 12 to 14 weeks of age
  • Booster at 1 year of age, then every 3 years, unless circumstances dictate otherwise

 

Canine Parvovirus

  • Important for every dog
  • First given at 6 to 8 weeks of age, then every 3 to 4 weeks until 12 to 14 weeks of age
  • Booster at 1 year of age, then every 3 years, unless circumstances dictate otherwise

 

Canine Adenovirus 2

  • Important for every dog
  • First given at 6 to 8 weeks of age, then every 3 to 4 weeks until 12 to 14 weeks of age
  • Booster at 1 year of age, then every 3 years, unless circumstances dictate otherwise

 

NONCORE VACCINES – Depending on circumstances, may or may not be important for your dog

Distemper/Measles

  • For puppies under 12 weeks
  • 1 dose at between 4 and 12 weeks of age
  • Booster: Never in younger puppies or older dogs who did not get good passive immunity

 

Parainfluenza

  • First given at 6 to 8 weeks of age, then every 3 to 4 weeks until 12 to 14 weeks of age
  • Booster: At 1 year of age, then every 3 years, unless circumstances dictate otherwise

 

Bordetella Bronchiseptica

  • 1 dose at 6 to 8 weeks of age and a second dose at 10 to 12 weeks of age
  • + A booster anually

 

Combined Intranasal Parainfluenza and Bordetella

  • 1 dose at as early as 3 weeks of age, then a second dose 2 to 4 weeks later for best results
  • + A booster anually

 

Borrelia Burgdorferi (Lyme Disease)

  • 1 dose at 8 weeks of age and a second dose at 12 weeks of age
  • + A booster anually

 

Leptospirosis

Not recommended for Toy breeds unless the risk is very high

  • 1 dose at 12 weeks of age and a second dose at 16 weeks of age
  • + A booster anually

 

NOT RECOMMENDED

These vaccines are not recommended due to mild disease and/or inadequate efficacy

  • Canine Coronavirus
  • Giardia

 

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