There's a lot to do when you first get a dog, but figuring out which vaccines they need and when should be at the top of the list. Dog vaccines will protect your new best friend from life-threatening viruses and one is even required by law. Learn which vaccines are recommended for your little one based on their age and lifestyle, then use our dog vaccination schedule chart PDF after each vet visit to stay on track.
Necessary Dog Vaccines
The American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association both recommend four vaccines that every dog should have unless there's a medical reason that they shouldn't. These are considered the "core" vaccines.
If four sounds like a lot, don’t panic. Most combination vaccines include protection against three of the four viruses mentioned, so your dog usually only needs to get two shots for core protection.
Canine Adenovirus Vaccine
This vaccine guards against infectious canine hepatitis as well as associated respiratory diseases. Canine hepatitis can be fatal, especially for younger dogs, and is very contagious. The disease can lead to damage to the eyes, liver, kidneys, and spleen.
Canine Distemper Vaccine
This vaccine prevents a serious medical condition known as canine distemper. If not treated, it can be fatal. There is no cure for the disease, but immediate treatment and supportive care can help a dog recover.
Canine Parvovirus Vaccine
This vaccine prevents parvovirus, a deadly and highly contagious disease. A puppy can die from parvo within 48 to 72 hours of the first visible signs. Supportive care can help a dog recover from this virus, though it's not always a guarantee.
The disease can be shed and live on surfaces and even clothing, which makes it a serious concern even if your puppy never goes near another dog. The best protection from parvovirus is vaccinating your puppy and limiting their exposure until they have immunity.
Rabies Vaccine
This vaccine is required by law because rabies is transmissible to people, not curable, and always fatal. This viral infection attacks the brain and nervous system of an animal, leading to paralysis, severe behavior changes, disorientation, and eventually death. It is transmitted through saliva, usually through bites.
Rabies vaccines aren't just considered core. They're required by law in most U.S. states.
Non-Core Vaccines for Dogs
In addition to the necessary core vaccines, there are other shots you can get for your dog. Depending on where you live and your dog's lifestyle, your veterinarian may strongly recommend one or all of these.
Bordetella Vaccine
This vaccine protects against Bordetella bronchispetica, also known as one of the types of kennel cough. If you have a dog that will be around other dogs often, such as in a dog groomer, doggie daycare, training class, or dog park, your veterinarian may advise you to get this shot for your dog.
Who needs it?: The bordetella vaccine is also usually required by boarding facilities before you can house your dog, and many shelters give dogs this vaccine upon arrival to their facilities.
Leotospirosis Vaccine
This vaccine prevents infection by the Leptospira bacteria, which is usually spread through the urine of wild animals. Areas with standing water and warmer climates with high precipitation are at risk. Lepto, if not treated, can lead to liver or kidney damage or even death.
Who needs it?: It's usually recommended for dogs that frequent wooded areas where infected wild animals may be or who live in regions where the chance of catching the leptospirosis infection is known to be higher. Many sporting dog breeds are given the vaccine, as well, if they participate in hunting activities.
Canine Lyme Disease Vaccine
If only we had this for people! The vaccine for canine Lyme disease prevents Borrelia burgdorferi, a bacteria transmitted by ticks found in parks and wooded areas. Lyme disease can cause serious medical problems for your dog if not treated, including heart and kidney failure and neurological issues.
Who needs it?: The Lyme vaccine is recommended for dogs who live in high-risk areas, which tend to be in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the U.S., as well as some northern Midwestern states.
Coronavirus Vaccine
Canine coronavirus is a virus that attacks a dog's intestines and is particularly serious for puppies. This disease is contagious and can lead to severe vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, but it ultimately is not usually deadly and will pass with supportive treatment.
Who needs it?: Although this is not considered a core vaccine, the coronavirus vaccine is often included in the combination vaccine that prevents multiple diseases.
Canine Influenza Vaccine
The "canine flu" vaccine helps protect dogs from canine flu viruses. There are currently two strains veterinarians can vaccinate against: H3N8 and H3N2. The dog flu is highly contagious and is spread through respiratory droplets.
Who needs it?: It's usually recommended for dogs that will be around other dogs on a regular basis, such as at classes, dog parks, or doggie daycare, and is often required by boarding facilities.
Rattlesnake Vaccine
The rattlesnake vaccine is designed to reduce the impact of the rattlesnake's venom, but this does not mean your dog is entirely safe if bitten. You will still need to get them to a veterinarian right away for treatment, but the vaccine can buy you a little more time and improve your dog's odds of a safe recovery.
Who needs it?: This vaccine is only used for dogs that are at a clear risk of being bitten by the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, which can be found in the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico. This would include dogs that live in a known habitat for the snakes or travel through, such as by hiking or camping with you.
Related: When Can Puppies Go to the Dog Park? What You Need to Know
Vaccination Schedule for Dogs
Each vaccine works differently and should be given at different intervals. Some are good for one year, whereas others provide immunity for up to three years. If you have a puppy, you'll want to follow a vaccine schedule provided by your veterinarian , but this guide can help you plan.
Canine Adenovirus
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Core vaccine
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A puppy can be as young as 6 weeks to receive this vaccine.
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Puppies are given this vaccine as a series, with each dose given at an interval of 3 to 4 weeks apart until the puppy reaches 16 to 18 weeks old.
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Unvaccinated adult dogs or dogs without a known vaccine history are given 2 doses of this vaccine 3 to 4 weeks apart.
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Puppies and dogs will receive a booster shot one year after the last multi-dose shot and then every 3 years thereafter.
Canine Distemper
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Core vaccine
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A puppy can be as young as 6 weeks to receive this vaccine.
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Puppies are given this vaccine as a series, with each dose given at an interval of 3 to 4 weeks apart until the puppy reaches 16 to 18 weeks old.
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Unvaccinated adult dogs or dogs without a known vaccine history are given 2 doses of this vaccine 3 to 4 weeks apart.
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Puppies and dogs will receive a booster shot one year after the last multi-dose shot and then every 3 years thereafter.
Canine Parvovirus
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Core vaccine
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A puppy can be as young as 6 weeks to receive this vaccine.
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Puppies are given this vaccine as a series, with each dose given at an interval of 3 to 4 weeks apart until the puppy reaches 16 to 18 weeks old.
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Unvaccinated adult dogs or dogs without a known vaccine history are given 2 doses of this vaccine 3 to 4 weeks apart.
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Puppies and dogs will receive a booster shot one year after the last multi-dose shot and then every 3 years thereafter.
The combination vaccine that includes protection against adenovirus, parvovirus, and distemper virus is usually referred to as DAP, DAPP, DA2PP, or DHPP by vet hospitals.
Rabies
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Core vaccine
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A puppy receives the first shot around 3 to 4 months of age, depending on state regulations.
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Depending on where you live, you may be required to give your dog the rabies vaccine annually or every 3 years.
Bordetella
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Non-Core
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A puppy can be as young as 6 weeks to receive this vaccine.
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For puppies and dogs in high-risk areas, this vaccine is given either annually or every 6 months.
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If you are going to board your dog, most facilities require this vaccine to be given at least 2 weeks prior to the boarding date but no later than 6 months prior.
Coronavirus
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Non-Core
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Can be given to puppies as young as 6 weeks. It is given in 2 doses that are 2 to 3 weeks apart.
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Dogs can be vaccinated annually upon the recommendation of your veterinarian.
Leptospirosis
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Non-Core
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Puppies can receive this vaccine as young as 12 weeks old.
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The vaccine is given in 2 doses that are about 2 to 4 weeks apart.
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If you live in a high-risk area, it is recommended to give this vaccine annually.
Canine Lyme Disease
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Non-Core
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This vaccine can be given starting at 9 weeks of age.
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It is a 2-dose vaccine with doses given between 2 and 4 weeks apart.
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It is usually given to dogs annually who live in high-risk areas.
Canine Influenza
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Non-Core
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A puppy as young as 8 weeks can receive this vaccine.
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It is given in 2 doses, with the second dose about 2 to 4 weeks after the first.
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Dogs in high-risk areas are given this vaccine every 6 months or at least 2 weeks prior to a boarding situation. If your dog had it more than 6 months before boarding, the facility will most likely require you to vaccinate your dog again.
Rattlesnake
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Non-Core
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For dogs in high-risk areas, it can be given once a dog is 4 months old.
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It is usually given in 2 doses about a month apart, and sometimes a third dose is recommended.
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It is best to give the vaccine prior to your dog entering a snake habitat or prior to the spring when rattlesnakes are more active. The peak effectiveness of this vaccine is about 30 days after it's given, but it does last for up to 6 months.
Cost of Dog Vaccinations
A common reason that many dog owners avoid vaccinations is the cost. Considering the financial and emotional costs involved if your dog becomes seriously ill, the cost of dog vaccinations is a small price to pay. According to Embrace Pet Insurance, you can expect to pay around $250 to $450 for your puppy's first year of core vaccines. The cost for vaccines on average are:
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Bordetella, coronavirus, Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and canine influence can be about $20 to $35 each.
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The rattlesnake vaccine can cost between $30 to $50.
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The rabies vaccine costs around $15 to $25.
Estimating Dog Vaccine Costs
Keep in mind when estimating costs that most veterinarians will also charge for an office visit for administering vaccines. Banfield Pet Hospitals provides a helpful cost estimator to determine what vaccines should cost in your area. It also pays to shop around.
Reduced-cost vaccine clinics are a great way to save on routine vaccines. Reach out to your local pet store or shelter to see if they have any coming up.
Are Dog Vaccines Safe?
Another reason that people may avoid vaccinations for their dogs is fear for their dog's safety. While it's true that vaccinations can put stress on the dog's immune system for several days, these usually produce minor side effects that pass very quickly. In the long run, the illness you're vaccinating against is far worse than a few days of soreness from the shot.
Adverse Vaccine Reactions in Dogs
Some dogs have severe allergic reactions with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, whole-body itching, fever, collapse, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face or legs. This is known as vaccinosis. If these symptoms occur, the dog should receive immediate medical attention.
Fear of vaccinosis isn't a good reason to avoid getting your dog its core vaccinations. If you're worried about it, schedule the vaccinations on a day when you can be home to monitor your dog for a few hours afterward. If you see signs of a bad reaction, you can get your dog back to the veterinarian for treatment right away.
Are Vaccines Necessary for Your Dog?
While vaccinations can sometimes be a subject up for debate among pet owners, it's best to discuss any concerns you have with your veterinarian. While adverse reactions can happen, they're very rare, and vaccines can make the difference between life and death for a young puppy who enters the world with limited immunity and is counting on you to care for all of their health needs.
