Vaccination for dogs

Vaccinations are vital for maintaining the health of dogs throughout their lives. They are categorized into core and non-core vaccines, with core vaccines being essential for all dogs, while non-core vaccines are based on specific lifestyle risks.

Core Vaccines

Core vaccines are necessary for all dogs and include:

• Distemper

• Adenovirus (Hepatitis)

• Parvovirus

• Parainfluenza

• Rabies

These vaccines protect against serious diseases that can be fatal or lead to severe health issues. The rabies vaccine is often mandated by law and is typically administered at around 12 to 16 weeks of age, with boosters every one to three years thereafter

Non-Core Vaccines

Non-core vaccines are recommended based on a dog's lifestyle and risk factors. These may include:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough)

• Leptospirosis

• Canine Influenza

• Lyme Disease

These vaccines are particularly important for dogs that frequently interact with other animals or are exposed to specific environments

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Puppy vaccinations typically begin at 6 to 8 weeks of age, with boosters given every 2 to 4 weeks until the puppy is at least 16 weeks old. Here’s a general schedule:

Age (Weeks)	Core Vaccines	Non-Core Vaccines
6 - 8	Distemper, Parvovirus	Bordetella
10 - 12	DHPP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)	Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza, Lyme Disease
14 - 16	Final DHPP, Rabies	Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza

After completing the puppy vaccination series, adult dogs require periodic boosters. The core vaccines typically need to be administered every three years after the initial series

Adult Dog Vaccination Schedule

For adult dogs, the vaccination schedule includes:

Vaccine	Frequency
Rabies	Every 1 to 3 years
DHPP	Every 3 years
Bordetella	Annually or as needed
Leptospirosis	Annually
Canine Influenza	Annually

It's crucial to consult with a veterinarian to tailor the vaccination schedule according to the dog's health status and lifestyle needs