Vaccines are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your dog from serious, sometimes fatal, diseases. But vaccine schedules can be confusing, especially when you hear terms like “core,” “non-core,” “booster” and “titer.” This guide explains what each of those means so you can have a better conversation with your veterinarian.
What are core vaccines?
Core vaccines are recommended for essentially every dog, regardless of lifestyle or location, because the diseases they prevent are widespread, highly contagious or extremely dangerous. For dogs, the core vaccines usually include:
- Canine distemper virus. A severe disease that can affect the respiratory, digestive and nervous systems. It is often fatal, and dogs that survive may have lasting neurological problems.
- Canine parvovirus. A very contagious virus that attacks the intestines and causes severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea. It is especially dangerous for puppies, and the virus can survive in the environment for months.
- Canine adenovirus. Vaccination protects against infectious canine hepatitis, which damages the liver.
- Rabies. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear and can spread to people. In many countries and states, rabies vaccination of dogs is required by law.
Distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus are often combined in a single injection, sometimes called a DAPP or DHPP vaccine. The extra “P” usually refers to parainfluenza, a cause of kennel cough.
What are non-core vaccines?
Non-core, or “lifestyle,” vaccines are recommended based on where your dog lives, travels and spends time. Your vet will weigh your dog’s actual risk. Common examples include:
- Leptospirosis. A bacterial disease spread through the urine of wildlife and other animals, often in puddles, ponds and wet soil. It can damage the kidneys and liver and can infect people too. Because it turns up in cities as well as rural areas, many veterinarians now recommend it for most dogs, and some guidelines treat it as essentially core.
- Bordetella (kennel cough). Often required by boarding facilities, groomers and doggy daycares.
- Canine influenza. Recommended for dogs in areas with outbreaks or with a lot of contact with other dogs.
- Lyme disease. Considered for dogs living in or traveling to areas where infected ticks are common.
A typical puppy vaccine schedule
Puppies receive some protection from their mother’s antibodies, but those antibodies fade at an unpredictable time and can also block a vaccine from working. That is why puppies get a series of shots rather than a single one.
- 6 to 8 weeks: First combination vaccine (distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, often parainfluenza)
- Every 2 to 4 weeks after that: Repeat combination vaccines until the puppy is at least 16 weeks old
- Around 12 to 16 weeks: First rabies vaccine, depending on local law
- Lifestyle vaccines: Added when appropriate, usually as two initial doses a few weeks apart
The final puppy dose at or after 16 weeks is especially important. Stopping the series early is one of the most common reasons puppies are left unprotected against parvovirus.
Adult boosters
After the puppy series, dogs usually get a booster about a year later. After that, many core vaccines are given every three years, while some non-core vaccines, such as leptospirosis and Bordetella, are typically given yearly. Rabies booster intervals depend on the product used and on local regulations. Your vet will set a schedule based on the specific vaccines your dog receives.
What about titer testing?
A titer test is a blood test that measures antibodies against certain diseases, most commonly distemper and parvovirus. Some owners use titers to decide whether a booster is needed. Titers can be useful, but they have limits: they are not accepted in place of rabies vaccination in most places, and they do not tell the whole story about immunity. Ask your vet whether titer testing makes sense for your dog.
Are vaccines safe?
Vaccines are very safe for the vast majority of dogs. Mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site, a little tiredness or a slightly reduced appetite for a day are fairly common and usually pass on their own. Serious reactions are rare but can include facial swelling, hives, repeated vomiting or difficulty breathing, usually within minutes to hours after the shot. If you see any of these, contact your vet right away. If your dog has reacted before, tell your vet so they can plan accordingly.
Keep a record
Keep a copy of your dog’s vaccine certificates. You will need them for boarding, grooming, training classes, travel and in case you ever need to see a new vet. Many clinics can email or text you reminders when a booster is due.
Vaccine recommendations vary by country, region and individual dog. This article is for general information only; follow the vaccination plan your veterinarian recommends.