What You Need to Know About Dog Vaccinations

Vaccines may not be the most glamorous part of pet ownership, but they’re one of the most essential. Whether you’ve just brought home a new puppy or adopted an older dog, staying on top of vaccinations is one of the best things you can do to protect your dog’s health.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics—what vaccines are for, which ones your dog really needs, when they should get them, and a few things to watch out for along the way.

Why Vaccinate in the First Place?

Vaccines help prevent serious (and often contagious) diseases that can spread quickly between dogs, or even from dogs to people. By keeping your dog vaccinated, you’re not only protecting their health, but also helping prevent outbreaks in your community.

And in some cases, vaccines, like rabies, aren’t just a good idea. They’re legally required.

Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines

Not all vaccines are the same. Some are considered essential for all dogs, while others are based on lifestyle, environment, and risk level.

Core Vaccines (recommended for all dogs):

• Rabies – This one’s non-negotiable in most places. Rabies is fatal and can be transmitted to humans.

• DHPP – A combination vaccine that protects against:

  • Distemper

  • Hepatitis (Adenovirus)

  • Parvovirus

  • Parainfluenza

These are highly contagious and potentially deadly diseases, which is why core vaccines are considered a must for all dogs, regardless of where they live or how active they are.

Non-Core Vaccines (given based on risk):

• Bordetella – Often required for dogs that go to daycare, boarding, grooming, or group training classes.

• Leptospirosis – A bacterial infection that spreads through water contaminated by wildlife urine. Common in rural or wooded areas.

• Lyme Disease – Transmitted by ticks. If you live in or travel to high-risk regions, your vet may recommend this one.

• Canine Influenza – Like the human flu, but for dogs. Contagious in places where dogs gather.

Puppy Vaccine Schedule

Puppies don’t have fully developed immune systems, so they need a series of shots to build up protection.

Here is a general schedule:

Age	Vaccine(s)
6-8 Weeks	DHPP (1st dose)
10-12 Weeks	DHPP (2nd dose), Bordetella (if needed)
14-16 Weeks	DHPP (3rd dose), Rabies, Lepto (if needed)
12-16+ Weeks	Lyme, Canine Influenza (optional)

After the initial puppy series, most vaccines require boosters at 1 year, and then every 1–3 years depending on the specific vaccine and your vet’s recommendations.

What About Older Dogs?

If your dog is older and you’re unsure about their vaccine history, your vet might recommend restarting the core series just to be safe. It’s common practice and ensures your dog gets full protection.

Are There Side Effects?

Most dogs handle vaccines well, maybe a little tired or sore for a day, but nothing major. Occasionally, dogs can have mild side effects like lethargy, low-grade fever, minor swelling at the injection site, etc.

Serious reactions are rare, but if your dog has vomiting, facial swelling, or trouble breathing, contact your vet immediately.

Keep a copy of your dog’s vaccination history—either through your vet’s app, a paper copy, or a quick photo saved in your phone. You’ll need this for boarding, travel, doggy daycare, and sometimes even grooming appointments.