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When you bring that soft, sweet-smelling little ball of puppy fuzz into your home, you know right away that she depends on you for, well, everything. It’s up to you to give her all the care she needs every day. It can be a little intimidating — she needs the best puppy food, plenty of attention, gentle training, safe toys, puppy socialization, a comfortable home, and proper veterinary care. And that includes puppy shots throughout her first year.
Going to the vet repeatedly over several months for vaccinations, and then for boosters or titers throughout your dog’s life, may seem like an inconvenience, but the diseases that vaccinations will shield our pets from are dangerous, potentially deadly, and, thankfully, mostly preventable.
We read about so many different vaccinations, for so many different illnesses, that it can sometimes be confusing to know which vaccinations puppies need and which ones are important but optional. Here is an overview of the diseases that vaccinations will help your pet to avoid.
This highly infectious bacterium causes severe fits of coughing, whooping, vomiting, and, in rare cases, seizures and death. It is the primary cause of kennel cough. There are injectable and nasal spray vaccines available.
If you plan on boarding your puppy in the future, attending group training classes, or using dog daycare services, often proof of this vaccination will be a requirement.
A severe and contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI), and nervous systems of dogs, raccoons, skunks, and other animals, distemper spreads through airborne exposure (through sneezing or coughing) from an infected animal. The virus can also be transmitted by shared food and water bowls and equipment. It causes discharges from the eyes and nose, fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, twitching, paralysis, and, often, death. This disease used to be known as “hard pad” because it causes the footpad to thicken and harden.
There is no cure for distemper. Treatment consists of supportive care and efforts to prevent secondary infections, control symptoms of vomiting, seizures and more. If the animal survives the symptoms, it is hoped that the dog’s immune system will have a chance to fight it off. Infected dogs can shed the virus for months.
Infectious canine hepatitis is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, and the eyes of the affected dog. This disease of the liver is caused by a virus that is unrelated to the human form of hepatitis. Symptoms range from a slight fever and congestion of the mucous membranes to vomiting, jaundice, stomach enlargement, and pain around the liver. Many dogs can overcome the mild form of the disease, but the severe form can kill. There is no cure, but doctors can treat the symptoms.
One of several viruses that can contribute to kennel cough.
The canine coronavirus is not the same virus that causes COVID-19 in people. COVID-19 is not thought to be a health threat to dogs, and there is no evidence it makes dogs sick. Canine coronavirus usually affects dogs’ gastrointestinal systems, though it can also cause respiratory infections. Signs include most GI symptoms, including loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Doctors can keep a dog hydrated, warm, and comfortable, and help alleviate nausea, but no drug kills coronaviruses.
When your puppy is around 12-to-16 weeks, talk to your vet about starting a heartworm preventive. Though there is no vaccine for this condition, it is preventable with regularly administered heartworm medication that your veterinarian will prescribe.
The name is descriptive — these worms lodge in the right side of the heart and the pulmonary arteries (that send blood to the lungs), though they can travel through the rest of the body and sometimes invade the liver and kidneys. The worms can grow to 14 inches long and, if clumped together, block and injure organs.
A new heartworm infection often causes no symptoms, though dogs in later stages of the disease may cough, become lethargic, lose their appetite or have difficulty breathing. Infected dogs may tire after mild exercise. Unlike most of the conditions listed here, which are passed by urine, feces, and other body fluids, heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. Therefore, diagnosis is made via a blood test and not a fecal exam.
Also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, kennel cough results from inflammation of the upper airways. It can be caused by bacterial, viral, or other infections, such as Bordetella and canine parainfluenza, and often involves multiple infections simultaneously. Usually, the disease is mild, causing bouts of harsh, dry coughing; sometimes it’s severe enough to spur retching and gagging, along with a loss of appetite. In rare cases, it can be deadly. It is easily spread between dogs kept close together, which is why it passes quickly through kennels. Antibiotics are usually not necessary, except in severe, chronic cases. Cough suppressants can make a dog more comfortable.
Unlike most diseases on this list, Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria, and some dogs may show no symptoms at all. Leptospirosis can be found worldwide in soil and water. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be spread from animals to people. When symptoms do appear, they can include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, severe weakness and lethargy, stiffness, jaundice, muscle pain, infertility, kidney failure (with or without liver failure). Antibiotics are effective, and the sooner they are given, the better.
Unlike the famous “bull’s-eye” rash that people exposed to Lyme disease often spot, no such telltale symptom occurs in dogs. Lyme disease (or borreliosis) is an infectious, tick-borne disease caused by a type of bacteria called a spirochete. Transmitted via ticks, an infected dog often starts limping, his lymph nodes swell, his temperature rises, and he stops eating. The disease can affect his heart, kidney, and joints, among other things, or lead to neurological disorders if left untreated. If diagnosed quickly, a course of antibiotics is extremely helpful, though relapses can occur months or even years later.
Parvo is a highly contagious virus that affects all dogs, but unvaccinated dogs and puppies less than four months of age are at the most risk to contract it. The virus attacks the gastrointestinal system and creates a loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, and often severe, bloody diarrhea. Extreme dehydration can come on rapidly and kill a dog within 48-to-72 hours, so prompt veterinary attention is crucial. There is no cure, so keeping the dog hydrated and controlling the secondary symptoms can keep him going until his immune system beats the illness.
Rabies is a viral disease of mammals that invades the central nervous system, causing headache, anxiety, hallucinations, excessive drooling, fear of water, paralysis, and death. It is most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Treatment within hours of infection is essential, otherwise, death is highly likely. Most states require regular rabies vaccinations. Check with your vet about rabies vaccination laws and requirements in your area.
Of course, your veterinarian should weigh in and can always provide more information and guidance if needed on necessary and optional vaccinations.
The first thing to know is that there is not just one puppy vaccination schedule for all dogs. Factors such as which part of the country you live in, and your dog’s individual risk factors will come into play. Some dogs do not need every vaccine. This decision is between you and your veterinarian. Always discuss puppy vaccinations at your regularly scheduled appointments.
That said, here is a generally accepted guideline of the puppy vaccination schedule for the first year.
| Puppy’s Age | Recommended Vaccinations | Optional Vaccinations |
| 6 — 8 weeks | Distemper, parvovirus | Bordetella |
| 10 — 12 weeks | DHPP (vaccines for distemper, adenovirus [hepatitis], parainfluenza, and parvovirus) | Influenza, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease per lifestyle as recommended by veterinarian |
| 16 — 18 weeks | DHPP, rabies | Influenza, Lyme disease, Leptospirosis, Bordetella per lifestyle |
| 12 — 16 months | DHPP, rabies | Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease |
| Every 1 — 2 years | DHPP | Influenza, Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease per lifestyle |
| Every 1 — 3 years | Rabies (as required by law) | none |
How much vaccinations for your puppy will cost depends on several factors. Where you live is one: Veterinarians in crowded and expensive urban areas will charge more than a rural vet in a small town. In other words, there are significant differences in price. But no matter what the range in costs, some vaccines, such as the “core vaccines,” and for rabies, are necessary.
The initial puppy vaccination costs during the first year are higher than during adulthood.
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What Are The Core Dog Vaccinations?
Core puppy vaccinations and dog vaccinations are considered vital to all canines based on a universal risk of exposure, the severity of disease, and the risk of transmission to other dogs, as well as other animal species including human beings.
The American Animal Hospital Associations Canine Task Force considers the following dog vaccinations to be core:
Although these vaccines are not considered Core, they are very important for most dogs who may be exposed to these infectious diseases. At your dogs next appointment, we will be happy to review which of the above make the most sense for your dog and make the appropriate recommendations.
Rabies vaccinations are required by law in most states, including NY. Owners must periodically have their dogs and puppies vaccinated against rabies, but the specific time frames for puppy vaccinations and dog vaccinations vary by state. In NY, puppy rabies vaccine is generally given at 14-16 weeks (no earlier than week 12), and the rabies vaccination is good for one year. For adult dogs, the rabies vaccination is good for three years and should be addressed at the time of the first visit for new patients. For example, a puppy would receive the rabies vaccine at 14 weeks, 1 year and then again at age 4.
Although puppy vaccines and dog vaccinations are very important to the overall health and wellness of your canine companion, not every puppy or dog needs to be vaccinated against every disease. Some canine vaccinations should only be administered depending upon factors including:
Therefore, it is very important for us to discuss the vaccination protocol thats right for your canine companion at your next appointment.
In general, a puppy should start vaccines as soon as you get the puppy (this is usually between 6 and 8 weeks) and then every two weeks until approximately four months of age when it will receive the final round. Generally, if the puppys mother has a healthy immune system, it will most likely receive antibodies in the mothers milk while nursing. After a puppy has been weaned off of the mothers milk, vaccinations should begin.
We typically recommend the following vaccination schedule for puppies:
*NOTE: Puppies should never be given more than 2 vaccines at one visit. Smaller puppies may only receive one vaccine at a time.
* DA2PP – distemper, adenovirus type 2 (hepatitis), parvovirus, parainfluenza.
It is important to stay current with your puppy vaccine schedule. Puppy vaccinations have been medically proven to combat many preventable diseases and illnesses that can occur without proper immunizations. Adhering to a puppy vaccine schedule is synonymous with responsible puppy care. Your puppy deserves every chance to be healthy and happy for life and vaccinations play an important role. Dont run the risk of your puppy contracting one of these terrible diseases, when they are so easily preventable.
Once your puppy reaches adulthood, and all of the core puppy vaccines have been administered, your veterinarian can begin implementing an adult dog vaccination schedule. A dog vaccination schedule consists of periodic adult boosters*, which are combinations of the same type of DA2PP vaccine administered to puppies, along with several other additions.
When dogs come in for their first one year visit, we recommend boostering their DA2PP, Lyme, Canine Influenza, Bordetella, Leptospirosis, and Rabies vaccines depending on the lifestyle of the dog.
Understanding dog vaccinations – Purina
Vaccinations are an important part of caring for your dog as they prevent or reduce the severity of infectious diseases such as canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus, and canine parvovirus, which can cause serious health consequences and even death.
Core vaccines are those that all dogs should receive as these protect against potentially fatal diseases. The core vaccines for dogs are canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus and canine parvovirus [1, 2]. They are combined within a single vaccine commonly known in Australia as the C3 vaccine.
Non-core vaccines are those that are administered depending on the risk. This is based on an assessment of the dog’s location, lifestyle, and risk of exposure to the infection [1, 2]. Therefore, it is important to ask your veterinarian about which vaccines are most appropriate for your dog. Non-core vaccines in Australia include those which provide protection against infections caused by canine parainfluenza virus, Bordetella bronchiseptica (these both contribute to kennel cough) and leptospirosis [1, 2]. The canine parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine (more commonly known together with the core vaccines as a C5 vaccine) is recommended for dogs who regularly come into contact with other dogs, such as on walks, at the park, day-care, puppy preschool, or boarding [3].
The leptospirosis vaccination is recommended for dogs who are in at-risk areas, have access to stagnant bodies of water, or have contact with livestock or rodents [1–3]. Leptospirosis is also a zoonotic disease, which means animals, including dogs, can pass the disease on to humans [3].
Australia is a rabies-free country and thus a rabies vaccine is not necessary for dogs remaining in Australia. If you are planning on taking your dog overseas, you will need to speak to your veterinarian about what vaccinations will be necessary for your dog to travel to and live in the destination country.
The first core vaccine should be given at 6-8 weeks of age, then a booster vaccine given every 2-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. The final vaccination should not be given any earlier than 16 weeks of age [1, 2]. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) provides an example vaccination schedule for a puppy to start at 8 weeks of age, where a 4-week interval between vaccinations would total three puppy vaccinations by 16 weeks of age [1, 2]. A booster vaccine is recommended at 6 months of age to ensure that a protective immune response develops in any dog that may not have responded to any of the first three vaccines [1, 2].
Puppies should have had all their routine puppy vaccinations before going to public places like the park, to reduce their risk of coming into contact with other dogs or an environment that could be a source of infectious disease. Check with your veterinarian when your puppy will be fully vaccinated, and can safely go to public places. Before your puppy is fully vaccinated you can take them out but you should carry them and limit their exposure to other dogs and areas where dogs might have been. The Australian Veterinary Association advises that puppy preschool properly conducted in a clean environment should not pose a risk to a puppy that is not yet fully vaccinated.
If your veterinarian has recommended the canine parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine, this is usually given as a single intranasal vaccine (dripped into the nostrils, with the dog’s head held slightly back), with your puppy’s second core C3 vaccine, and then annually [1, 2]. This vaccination can also be given by a needle under the skin (as a single injection mixed with the core vaccines) with the core C3 puppy vaccines in two separate doses, 4 weeks apart (usually with the 2nd and 3rd puppy vaccine), and then annually. Different veterinarians may use different protocols, so it is best to check with your veterinarian which vaccine they use.
If your veterinarian has recommended the leptospirosis vaccine, this is usually given with the core puppy vaccines in two separate doses, 4 weeks apart (usually with the 2nd and 3rd core C3 puppy vaccines), and then annually [1, 2].
The non-core vaccinations may be given at the same time as a core vaccination, to reduce veterinary visits or alone (for example, if your dog needs to go into boarding at short notice).
Puppies and dogs are not routinely vaccinated against tetanus because of the low occurrence of tetanus in dogs [1, 2]. However, some veterinarians may recommend your puppy or dog gets vaccinated against tetanus in certain situations. Puppies and dogs who engage in activities that could result in a deep penetrating wound may be at risk of contracting tetanus [4]. We recommend talking to your veterinarian about a tetanus vaccine for your dog if your dog or puppy lives or regularly goes near horses, farms, or bushland.
Once your dog has completed all their core puppy vaccinations and the booster, your dog requires their core vaccination every 1-3 years [1, 2], depending on the duration of immunity provided by the vaccine your veterinarian uses – it is best to check with your veterinarian which vaccination they use. If your veterinarian has recommended any of the non-core vaccinations (canine parainfluenza virus, Bordetella bronchiseptica or leptospirosis), they are required annually [1, 2].
If you attain a dog of any age with an unknown vaccination history, you may need to ensure that the dog has a full initial course of vaccines like a puppy does to ensure adequate protection. It is best to speak to your veterinarian about this and also if you intend to relocate interstate or to a new country.
Your veterinarian will always do a health check before administering a vaccination to ensure your puppy or dog is healthy. The core vaccines used in dogs are very safe with a very low incidence of adverse reactions. The benefits of protection from serious infectious disease significantly outweigh the risks of developing an adverse reaction [1, 2]. If you have any concerns about adverse vaccine reactions or the health of your dog, it is best to speak to your veterinarian.
[1] Day M et al (2016) Guidelines for the vaccination of dogs and cats compiled by the Vaccination Guidelines Group (VGG) of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). Journal of Small Animal Practice, 57:1-45.
[2] Ellis et al 2022 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association 58(5):213-230.
[3] Johnson A (2014) Canine Infectious Disease. In Small Animal Pathology for Veterinary Technicians; John Wiley & Sons Inc.: Iowa; pp. 7-19
[4] Fawcett A & Irwin P (2014) Diagnosis and treatment of generalised tetanus in dogs. In Practice 36(10): 482-493.