Dog Vaccinations

What vaccines does my dog need?

The AVMA Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents’ Report on Cat and Dog Vaccines has recommended that the core vaccines for dogs include distemper, canine adenovirus-2 (hepatitis and respiratory disease), canine parainfluenza, canine parvovirus-2 and rabies.  Noncore vaccines include leptospirosis, coronavirus, and Bordetella bronchiseptica (both are causes of ‘kennel cough’), and Borrelia burgdorferi (causes Lyme Disease). Consult with our veterinarians to select the proper vaccines for your dog or puppy.Our clinic also offers the new vaccine for canine influenza.  In dogs, a strain of the influenza A virus known as H3N8 is able to cause respiratory illness.  Just like the human “flu”, canine influenza is highly contagious.  Most dogs, regardless of breed or age, are at risk for canine influenza.  Dogs at a higher risk for infection include: dogs that come from a shelter, rescue center, breeding kennel, or pet store; dogs who board at a kennel or go to a doggie daycare facility; dogs that attend group training or “dog kindergarten”: dogs that visit a groomer, dog park, or enter dog events.  The initial vaccination requires 2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart, followed by annual revaccination. 

The first step to knowing what vaccines your dog needs is to know how old your dog is. 

Here is our common vaccination schedule beginning at 6-8 weeks of age:

6-8 weeks:  Your puppies first visit would include a thorough physical examination, 5-way combination  vaccine (canine parvovirus, canine adenovirus types 1 and 2, canine parainfluenza, canine coronavirus), intestinal parasite dewormer, and a complimentary one-month dose of heartworm/flea and tick prevention.

10-12 weeks: 5-way combination booster, intestinal parasite dewormer, canine bordetella

16 weeks – 5-way combination booster, Leptospirosis (include leptospirosis in the combination vaccine where leptospirosis is a concern, or if traveling to an area where it occurs), and Rabies.

Adult (boosters) - 5-way combination vaccine, Leptospirosis, Rabies, Canine Influenza.