Keeping your dog healthy involves more than good food, regular exercise, and routine checkups. Canine Vaccinations play a crucial role in protecting them from serious, sometimes fatal, diseases. Yet, many pet owners have questions: What vaccines does my dog need? When should they receive them? Why are they necessary?
This guide breaks it all down so you can make informed decisions about your dog’s health.
Note: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian for recommendations tailored to your pet’s specific health needs and circumstances.
What Are Canine Vaccinations?
Vaccines help prepare a dog’s immune system to recognize and fight off harmful viruses and bacteria. They contain antigens—harmless versions of disease-causing organisms—that stimulate the immune system without actually causing illness. If your dog encounters the real virus or bacteria later, their immune system can respond more effectively, reducing the severity of illness or preventing it altogether.
There are two categories of vaccines:
- Core Vaccines: Essential for all dogs, regardless of lifestyle or location. These protect against widespread and life-threatening diseases.
- Non-Core Vaccines: Recommended based on a dog’s exposure risk, such as lifestyle, environment, or geographic location.
Core Vaccines: The Essentials
Every dog needs core vaccines because they protect against diseases that are severe, highly contagious, or transmissible to humans.
Rabies
Rabies is fatal in dogs and humans. It spreads through bites from infected animals and affects the nervous system, causing aggression, paralysis, and death.
- When to vaccinate: Given as early as 12–16 weeks old, with a booster at one year. After that, it’s required every one to three years, depending on state laws.
- Required by law: In most states, including Massachusetts, rabies vaccination is mandatory for all dogs.
Distemper
Canine distemper is a serious viral disease that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It can lead to seizures, pneumonia, and death.
- When to vaccinate: Puppies receive a series starting at 6–8 weeks old, followed by boosters every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks. Adult dogs require a booster every one to three years.
Parvovirus (Parvo)
Parvo is highly contagious and deadly, especially for puppies. It causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and immune system damage.
- When to vaccinate: Follows the same schedule as distemper—starting at 6–8 weeks old, with boosters every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks, then every one to three years.
Adenovirus (Canine Hepatitis)
This virus affects the liver, kidneys, spleen, and lungs. It spreads through bodily fluids and can be fatal.
When to vaccinate: Included in the combination DHPP vaccine (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza), following the same schedule as distemper and parvo.
Non-Core Vaccines: When Are They Necessary?
Non-core vaccines aren’t required for every dog but are strongly recommended based on lifestyle and risk factors.
Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterial infection that causes severe coughing and respiratory distress, particularly in social dogs.
- When to vaccinate: Given as a nasal spray, oral dose, or injection. Often required by boarding facilities, doggy daycares, and groomers. Boosters are needed every 6–12 months.
Leptospirosis
A bacterial infection that spreads through contaminated water, soil, and urine from wildlife. It can cause kidney and liver damage and is zoonotic, meaning humans can contract it too.
- When to vaccinate: Often given with core vaccines, starting at 12 weeks old with a booster 3–4 weeks later, then annually.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease, caused by bacteria transmitted through tick bites, leads to joint pain, fever, and kidney disease.
- When to vaccinate: Recommended for dogs in tick-heavy regions like New England. Initial dose at 12 weeks, a booster a few weeks later, then annually.
Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)
Two strains (H3N8 and H3N2) cause flu-like symptoms, including coughing, fever, and lethargy. It spreads quickly in kennels and dog parks.
- When to vaccinate: Given as two doses, two to four weeks apart, followed by annual boosters.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Puppies receive a series of vaccines because their mother’s antibodies can interfere with their immune response. The goal is to build strong immunity without gaps in protection.
- Typical puppy schedule: Core vaccines start at 6–8 weeks old, with boosters every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks. After the puppy series, core vaccines need boosters at one year, then every one to three years, depending on the vaccine.
Why Vaccinations Matter
Vaccinating your dog isn’t just about preventing illness—it protects the entire community, including other pets and even humans in some cases.
Preventing Deadly Diseases
Many of the illnesses vaccines prevent are fatal or cause lifelong complications. Treating these diseases is often expensive and difficult, making prevention the smarter choice.
Reducing Disease Spread
Vaccinated dogs help limit outbreaks. Diseases like parvo and distemper spread easily in shelters, dog parks, and boarding facilities. Keeping your dog up to date protects other pets, too.
Protecting Human Health
Some diseases, like rabies and leptospirosis, can spread to humans. Vaccinating dogs helps prevent these zoonotic diseases from becoming public health risks.
Avoiding Costly Treatments
Treatment for parvo, Lyme disease, or leptospirosis can cost thousands of dollars and require intensive care. Vaccines are a small investment compared to the financial and emotional toll of a sick pet.
Meeting Legal & Boarding Requirements
Rabies vaccination is legally required, and many boarding facilities, groomers, and training centers require proof of other vaccines. Staying current ensures your dog can safely participate in activities.
Are Vaccines Safe?
Yes, vaccines are overwhelmingly safe. Side effects are rare and typically mild, such as soreness at the injection site, mild fever, or temporary fatigue. Severe reactions (such as allergic responses) are extremely rare but should be reported to your veterinarian immediately.
Vaccinating your dog is one of the most effective ways to ensure a long, healthy life. Staying on schedule with core vaccines while discussing non-core options with your vet based on your dog’s lifestyle will provide the best protection.
Have questions about your dog’s vaccination schedule? Book an appointment with Metrovet Veterinary Clinic today! Our team is here to keep your pup healthy, happy, and protected.
