Dogs require several vaccinations to protect them from dangerous and potentially deadly diseases. The specific vaccinations a dog needs can vary based on factors such as where they live and their individual risk factors. However, there are some core vaccines that are considered vital to all dogs based on risk of exposure, severity of disease, or transmissibility to humans. These core vaccines include:
- Canine Parvovirus
- Distemper
- Canine Hepatitis
- Rabies
Most dogs with low-risk lifestyles can be vaccinated every three years with the core vaccines and as needed for any non-core vaccines. Non-core vaccines are given depending on the dogs exposure risk. These include vaccines against Bordetella bronchiseptica, Lyme disease, and canine influenza.
Puppies require a series of vaccinations to provide necessary protection, which are given every two to four weeks until a puppy is at least 16 weeks old. The core vaccines for puppies include the DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo, and parainfluenza) . It is important to discuss puppy vaccinations with a veterinarian at regularly scheduled appointments.
