Vaccinations are essential to protect the health of our dogs and help them live happier lives. They not only prevent serious or fatal diseases but also common infections to which dogs are highly susceptible. What is the best time to start vaccinating a puppy? What vaccines should a dog not miss? Which dog vaccines are absolutely necessary? What shots does my dog need annually? How often do dogs need rabies shots? At what age do you stop vaccinating your dog?
In this SweetDoggo article, we explain everything you need to know about it: basic dog vaccination schedule for the first year of life and adulthood, mandatory and optional vaccines, frequently asked questions… and more.
Table of Contents
When to vaccinate a dog? Puppy vaccination schedule
First of all, it should be noted that there is no single vaccination schedule for all dogs. Although in most cases a standard plan is usually maintained, the truth is that this can be influenced by some factors, such as the country, the region, the dog’s health, and individual circumstances.
As a general rule, the vaccination series for dogs begins between 6 and 8 weeks of age. This is the period when the puppies receive their first vaccination. Thereafter, new vaccinations and activations continue to be given every 3-4 weeks, until the puppy is 4 months old (16-17 weeks).
The puppies receive the first antibodies from the mother during lactation. Once they are weaned, the vaccination plan recommended by the veterinarian should be started.
The following summary table shows what the vaccination schedule looks like for a dog in its first year of life and early adulthood:
Vaccinations are vital to your puppy’s health. As an owner, be sure to start his vaccination schedule between six and eight weeks of age and complete all core vaccinations during the first year of life.
Are adult dogs vaccinated?
Once the dog has received all of the core puppy vaccinations, your vet may suggest starting an adult dog vaccination schedule. This consists of the application of periodic reinforcements, commonly of vaccines such as DHPP and rabies.
Other vaccines can also be reactivated depending on the risk that the particular dog has. This includes vaccines against canine influenza, leptospirosis, Lyme disease, and kennel cough.
Approximate duration of each vaccine:
- DHPP: 3 years
- Rabies: 3 years
- Leptospirosis: 1 year
- Canine influenza: 1 year
- Lyme disease: 1 year
- Kennel cough: 1 year
There is some debate about annual vaccination in adult dogs. Some veterinarians believe that giving too many vaccines in adulthood presents risks to the health of the pet. Others, on the contrary, are in favor of vaccinating annually against certain diseases, for example, canine distemper.
What are the mandatory vaccinations for dogs?
The different vaccines are divided into two general classifications: mandatory and optional. Mandatory vaccines are those that all dogs and puppies must get. They are usually required by law. This includes the DHP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus) vaccine and the rabies vaccine.
For their part, optional vaccines are usually recommended according to the dog’s lifestyle and where they live. Vaccination against parainfluenza, canine influenza, leptospirosis, Lyme disease, and Bortedella infections (kennel cough) is not considered mandatory for all dogs.
Recommended: Distemper in Dogs – Symptoms, Contagion, Treatment, and Care
Side effects and risks associated with vaccination in dogs
Although the benefits of canine vaccination far outweigh any risks, it is important to note that some dogs may experience adverse symptoms. As with any medication, it is possible for a puppy or adult dog to experience side effects as a result of immunization.
In case of reaction to a vaccine, the pet may present:
- Fever
- Inactivity
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling in the face and/or paw pads
- Urticaria
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Pain or swelling around the injection
- Collapse, seizures, shortness of breath (with risk of anaphylaxis)
Mild and temporary symptoms are usually nothing to worry about. But if a more serious reaction is suspected, it’s best to contact your vet right away. This is especially important if the dog appears to be having an anaphylactic reaction.
Quick Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Can a dog be vaccinated before 45 days?
No puppy should be vaccinated before a month and a half of age, that is, before 45 days. As the immune system is not mature enough, the dog’s body is not able to create antibodies in response to the injected antigen. In that case, the vaccine would not be effective. This explains why the vaccination schedule starts from the sixth week of age.
In addition, vaccination too early against certain diseases is said to have negative effects on the health of puppies, particularly the developing brain.
Why are vaccines important?
Simply put, vaccines prime the dog’s immune system so it can fight off disease.
Each vaccine contains “antigens,” which mimic pathogenic organisms but do not actually cause disease. Its function is to slightly stimulate the response of the immune system. Once the pet is exposed to the actual pathogen, its system will recognize it and be ready to fight it off.
Which dog vaccines are absolutely necessary?
Canine parvovirus, canine hepatitis, distemper, and rabies are necessary. According to the risk of exposure, the severity of disease, or transmissibility to humans, core vaccines are vital for all pets.
