Vaccinations and their protocols continue to be a hot topic of debate, but there is no doubt that vaccines play an important part in protecting your dog against potentially deadly diseases.
According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), the core vaccines (those vaccines that are deemed indispensable) for all dogs in the US are:
- Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
- Canine Parvovirus (CPV-2)
- Canine Adenovirus (CAV-2)
- (The above 3 are usually given as a combination vaccine)
Initial vaccination in puppies < 16 weeks old
- Starting at 6 weeks, dose every 3 to 4 weeks (6, 10, 14 or 8, 12, 16 weeks) up to 14 or 16 weeks;
- final dose given between 14 and 16 weeks
Initial vaccination in dogs > 16 weeks old
- One dose
Revaccination
- For puppies who had initial vaccination series by 16 weeks, a booster no later than 1 year after completion of initial series, then every 3 years
- For dogs who received initial dose after 16 weeks of age, every 3 years
Rabies (1 year vaccine)
Initial vaccination in puppies < 16 weeks of age
- One dose no earlier than 12 weeks (or as required by law)
Initial vaccination in dogs > 16 weeks of age
- One dose
Revaccination
- For all dogs, every year (as required by law)
Rabies (3 year vaccine)
Initial vaccination in puppies < 16 weeks of age
- One dose no earlier than 12 weeks (or as required by law)
Initial vaccination in dogs > 16 weeks of age
- One dose
Revaccination
- For all dogs, vaccinate within 1 year of initial dose
- then every 3 years (as required by law)
Vaccinations deemed non-core (based on circumstance) are:
- Measles (MV)
- Canine Parainfluenza (CPiV)
- Canine Adenovirus (CAV-2) – Intranasal
- Bordetella (Bb)
- Canine Influenza
- Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease)
- Leptospira interrogans
- Canine Oral Melanoma
Your veterinarian will be able to guide you on whether to vaccinate against these diseases; the decision will be based on risk of exposure. Vaccination against rabies is essential in regions where it is required by statute/law or where the virus is endemic.
What Are the Potential Adverse Effects Of Vaccination?
Administering vaccinations is never free from risk, but in general, dog vaccines have an excellent safety record. Possible adverse effects are:
- Anaphylaxis and allergic reactions
- Injection site infection / abscess
- Transient postvaccinal nonspecific illness (temporary lethargy, anorexia, fever)
- Vaccine-associated sarcomas
Talk to your veterinarian if you have any concerns about vaccination booster shots. Antibody titer tests are available now and these can be performed to get an understanding on the level of protection your dog currently has. These can be used to provide guidance on the vaccination strategy for your pet.
Content reviewed by a veterinarian
