Vaccines are one of the most cost-effective things you'll ever do for your dog's health. The diseases they prevent — parvovirus, distemper, rabies — are highly contagious, difficult to treat, and often fatal. Understanding the schedule helps you ensure nothing is missed and gives you context for why certain boosters are given at certain intervals.
Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines
Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs regardless of lifestyle. Non-core vaccines depend on your dog's risk factors (lifestyle, location, exposure).
| Vaccine | Type | Protects Against |
|---|---|---|
| Rabies | Core — legally required in most states | Rabies virus (fatal, transmissible to humans) |
| DHPP (or DA2PP) | Core — combination vaccine | Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza |
| Bordetella | Non-core (required by most daycares/boarding) | Kennel cough |
| Leptospirosis | Non-core (recommended for outdoor/water exposure) | Leptospira bacteria (also transmissible to humans) |
| Lyme | Non-core (tick-endemic areas) | Borrelia burgdorferi |
| Canine Influenza | Non-core (high-exposure dogs) | H3N8 and H3N2 flu strains |
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
| Age | Vaccines |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | DHPP #1 (given by breeder/shelter) |
| 10–12 weeks | DHPP #2, Bordetella, Leptospirosis #1 (optional) |
| 14–16 weeks | DHPP #3, Rabies, Leptospirosis #2 (optional) |
| 12–16 months | DHPP booster, Rabies booster, Leptospirosis annual (if doing) |
⚠️ Until 16 weeks: Puppies are not fully protected until 1–2 weeks after their final puppy DHPP. Limit exposure to unknown dogs and public areas until then. This does not mean isolation — controlled socialization is still important.
Adult Booster Schedule
- DHPP: Booster at 1 year, then every 3 years (or titer testing to confirm ongoing immunity)
- Rabies: State law varies — 1-year or 3-year rabies vaccines available. Your vet will follow local requirements.
- Bordetella: Annually, or every 6 months for dogs frequently in boarding/daycare
- Leptospirosis: Annually if recommended for your area
- Lyme: Annually if in tick-endemic area
What Each Vaccine Actually Does
- Distemper: Attacks respiratory, GI, and nervous systems. Highly contagious, often fatal. No cure — only supportive care.
- Parvovirus: Destroys intestinal lining causing massive hemorrhagic diarrhea. Survival rate without intensive treatment is low. Virus survives in environment for over a year.
- Adenovirus/Hepatitis: Viral liver disease. Rare in vaccinated populations.
- Rabies: 100% fatal once neurological symptoms appear. Legally required because it's also fatal in humans.
- Bordetella: Causes kennel cough — highly contagious respiratory illness. Rarely fatal in healthy adults; dangerous for puppies and immunocompromised dogs.
Key Takeaway: The core puppy series (DHPP + Rabies) is non-negotiable for all dogs. Non-core vaccines should be discussed with your vet based on your dog's lifestyle. An annual wellness exam is the best time to review the vaccination schedule and make adjustments.