Vaccines for Dogs

Which vaccines does your dog need?

Depends on the probability of infection in dogs in your area. The range of vaccines available includes rabies, distemper, adenovirus (infectious canine hepatitis), parvovirus, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, coronavirus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Lyme disease, and canine influenza (for details on these diseases, see individual handouts “Rabies in Dogs”, “Distemper in Dogs”, “Infectious Hepatitis (Adenovirus) in Dogs”, “Parvovirus in Dogs”, “Leptospirosis in Dogs”, “Kennel Cough or Tracheobronchitis in Dogs”, “Lyme Disease in Dogs”, and “Canine Influenza – The Dog Flu”). These vaccines are often available in combinations that can be given in one dose. Combination vaccines are convenient and avoid extra injections for your dog. Your veterinarian will advise you on the appropriate vaccines for your pet based on your dog’s relative risks and specific lifestyle.

Core vaccines. Recommended for all puppies and dogs by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Canine Vaccine Task Force:

canine distemper virus

canine parvovirus

canine adenovirus-2 (hepatitis)

rabies virus

Non-Core vaccines. Recommended for puppies and dogs in special circumstances, dependent on the exposure risk of an individual dog by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Canine Vaccine Task Force:

Leptospira species

Borrelia burgdorferi or Lyme disease

canine parainfluenza virus

Bordetella bronchiseptica or kennel cough

canine influenza

Why does my dog need to be revaccinated?

For most properly vaccinated dogs, immunity should last more than a year, usually several years. However, immunity declines over time, and the rate of decline is determined by the dog’s condition. In order to maintain optimal protection against infectious diseases to keep your dog healthy, you need to take your dog to be re-vaccinated.

With the advancement of medical technology, the vaccine has been greatly improved. You can choose not to inject some vaccines frequently according to the specific situation. Most dogs with a low-risk lifestyle can be vaccinated with the core vaccine every three years and the non-core vaccine as required (most non-core vaccines need to be strengthened every year). Your veterinarian will discuss the necessity and frequency of intensive vaccination for your dog according to your dog’s needs and lifestyle.

Will vaccination make my dog sick?

The vaccine does not cause adverse reactions in most dogs. Some dogs may show mild signs of lethargy or soreness 1 to 2 days after vaccination. In the case of inactivated vaccines containing adjuvants, a lump may appear at the vaccination site. If the pain or persists for more than a few weeks and does not decrease in size, consult your vet. Very few dogs will have a more severe reaction, in the form of a hypersensitivity reaction (allergy). This usually occurs within minutes, but may be delayed for several hours. The dog may drool, vomit, develop diarrhea, hives, or have difficulty breathing. If this happens, consult your vet immediately.