What Vaccinations Does Your Dog Really Need? (2024)

FAQs

What Vaccinations Does Your Dog Really Need? ›

The main core vaccines your puppy will need are for rabies, canine distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis) and parvovirus. Find out more about the viruses they protect against below.

The main core vaccines your puppy will need are for rabies, canine distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis) and parvovirus. Find out more about the viruses they protect against below.

Any dog that regularly goes outside is potentially at risk of contracting this disease. While the leptospirosis vaccine is not currently a required immunization for dogs, it is highly recommended for any dog that commonly goes outside, even just to go to the bathroom in the backyard.

At what age do you stop vaccinating your dog? Senior dogs do not generally stop requiring vaccinations, but it will depend on your dog's lifestyle and overall health. Once a dog reaches seven years of age, its senior status requires some special considerations to keep them healthy and happy.

The DHPP 5-in-1 vaccine is a single shot that is given to puppies in a series of injections starting at about 6 weeks of age and given every 2 to 4 weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks old. All adult dogs should receive a booster shot of the DHPP vaccine either yearly or every 3 years based on your vet's recommendation.

The American Animal Hospital Association calls vaccinations “a cornerstone of canine preventive healthcare” and recommends that all dogs (barring specific medical reasons), receive a core set of vaccines for rabies, distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza, and advises that many dogs receive additional “non ...

Your breeder's concern is the fact that the leptospirosis vaccine has historically been associated with a higher risk of vaccine reactions, especially in tiny breed dogs.

In the past, the leptospirosis vaccine anecdotally was associated with a higher incidence of adverse vaccine reactions including vomiting, fever, malaise, and local swelling. These reactions were most seen in smaller dogs, including Dachshund and Chihuahua.

Symptoms of kennel cough include lethargy, decreased appetite, fever and a distinct, honking cough. The Bordetella vaccine for dogs is considered a core vaccine, which means it's recommended for all dogs unless there is a specific medical reason not to vaccinate.

What is the 5-in-1 shot for dogs? ›

The 5-in-1 vaccine, or DHPP vaccine, protects against five viruses: Canine Distemper Virus, Canine Adenovirus 1 and 2, Canine Parainfluenza, and Canine Parvovirus. Puppies should receive the 5-in-1 vaccine starting at 6-8 weeks of age, with shots given every 3-4 weeks until they reach 16 weeks old.

There is no evidence that annual booster vaccination is anything but beneficial to most dogs. Published research has shown conclusively that abstaining from some boosters can put your dog at risk.

But Schulz is also very much in agreement with those who say pets are being over vaccinated, calling it a “serious problem.” Often, he says, pets are vaccinated by vets who just want to keep clients coming in. But too many vaccines, especially when given in “combo shots,” can “assault” immune systems.

Your Pet Will Be Susceptible to Detrimental and Fatal Diseases. Whether you like it or not, your pet will be more vulnerable to various viruses. It doesn't matter if they are indoor pets. These microscopic assassins enter your home and find their way to your pets.

Because this disease can be fatal, prevention of infection in the first place is key. Distemper vaccination should be part of the standard puppy series of immunizations and boosters. Into adulthood, dogs should be vaccinated annually or every three years, depending on the veterinarian's recommendations as dogs age.

After the puppy series, we re-vaccinate the patient when a year has passed. For rabies and distemper, we would go for an every-three-year protocol after the one-year booster. The Leptospirosis, Bordatella, influenza, and Lyme are done annually.

If you regularly board your dog or if he is exposed to other dogs, some vaccines, especially those for infectious bacterial diseases such as kennel cough (Bordetella), may be needed annually. Before vaccine administration, your veterinarian will perform a health examination.

Does my dog need the Bordetella vaccine? The Bordetella vaccine can prevent kennel cough. It is administered by vets as a squirt in the nose. Not all dogs need this vaccine, but we recommend it for social dogs and any dogs who will be boarded (most boarding facilities require proof of a recent Bordetella vaccine).

Missing a vaccination or booster

The action taken by your vet will primarily depend on how late you are with the appointment. If this is more than 3 or 4 weeks, your furbaby may be given two vaccinations just 2 or 3 weeks apart to boost their immunity against the disease.