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There are so many dog vaccines that figuring out when your dog needs them can be confusing. We recommend discussing vaccine schedules with your veterinarian.
Typically, your puppy will receive the bulk of their vaccines from 6-16 weeks of age. Adult dogs should be vaccinated every six months to every three years based on their risk level, vaccines received, and your veterinarian’s recommendations.
Continue reading to learn more about dog diseases, vaccine costs, and schedules.
What Vaccines do Dogs Actually Need?
There are many factors that go into which vaccines your dog needs including legal requirements, lifestyle and geographical location. Please talk to your veterinarian for specific recommendations.
When it comes to dog vaccines, there are two types:
Core Vaccines
Core vaccines are the vaccines that veterinarians recommend for all dogs regardless of their lifestyle or where they live. These vaccines are fundamental to your dog’s health.
The one vaccine you cannot skip is your dog’s rabies vaccine, as it’s usually required by law. There is only one other core vaccine, called DA2PP, which covers the following four diseases:
- Canine distemper virus
- Canine adenovirus-2
- Canine parainfluenza virus
- Canine parvovirus
You may have also heard of this vaccine referred to as DHPP. Although the vaccine is legally optional, veterinarians recommend keeping all dogs up to date. Facilities such as dog groomers or boarders may require it, as may airlines or foreign countries if you travel or move with your dog.
Non-Core Vaccines
Just because a vaccine isn’t listed as a core vaccine, doesn’t mean it’s not important! The diseases covered by these vaccinations can be just as dangerous and deadly.
A non-core vaccine is simply one that is recommended based on a dog’s risk level. Your veterinarian will look at:
- Your dog’s lifestyle: How often your dog is around other dogs, time spent outdoors, and how often you travel with them.
- Where you live: Do you have deer ticks (also known as bear ticks) in your area, which can carry lyme disease? What are your dog’s chances of encountering a rattlesnake?
Based on this information, they’ll recommend the vaccines that are right for you.
How Much do Dog Vaccines Cost?
Dog vaccines cost an average of $25-$100 for each individual vaccine, with some clinics charging less and some more. Puppy vaccinations, and even annual check-ups, can be quite expensive. Please make sure to budget for your dog’s healthcare prior to adoption!
Free Vaccine Events
If you already own a dog and are in a financial bind, many communities have free dog vaccine events. The best way to find these is to call your local shelter, as they’ll likely have more information. Joining your area’s local Facebook groups is also a great way to learn about events as they happen.
Vaccine Schedule – At What Age Are Dogs Fully Vaccinated?
Here are the most common dog vaccines and their vaccine schedules:
Rabies
Most states require rabies vaccines for dogs because it’s essential to avoid rabies outbreaks in our populations. Rabies is contagious to other animals and people, and has a nearly 100% mortality rate in both humans and dogs.
The rabies vaccine is typically given to puppies when they’re between three to six months old, then again one year later. Adult dogs will need a booster every one to three years.
DA2PP (DHPP)
This combination vaccine covers canine distemper, adenovirus 2 (also known as hepatitis), parainfluenza, and parvovirus. All of these diseases are highly contagious and can be deadly, which is why vaccination is recommended for all dogs.
The vaccine schedule for DHPP is typically 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks of age, followed by a booster every 1-3 years.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is an infection that can impact all dogs, but your dog is at greater risk if they spend a lot of time around other animals, especially wild or farm animals, or if they hike or swim around stagnant water.
Some dogs show no signs of leptospirosis infection, while others become gravely ill, including symptoms like kidney or liver failure.
The leptospirosis vaccine is typically given to puppies at 12 weeks and 14-16 weeks, then as an annual booster.
Bordetella
Bordetella vaccines are recommended to social dogs, especially those who spend a lot of time in doggy daycare, at the dog park, or otherwise in large groups of unknown or unvaccinated dogs. Bordetella is one of the leading causes of kennel cough and upper respiratory infection.
Most dogs recover from bordetella within three weeks, with more stubborn cases taking around six weeks. However, bordetella can also progress to pneumonia and in some cases can be deadly.
Bordetella vaccines are typically given just once to puppies determined to be at-risk, followed by a yearly booster. Puppies can be vaccinated as young as six to eight weeks.
See also
Coronavirus
Canine coronavirus is highly contagious between dogs but does not spread to humans. (It is not the same as the human virus that causes COVID-19.)
This virus causes gastrointestinal upset which can be painful, but typically clears up in two to ten days. Severe cases are especially likely in puppies and may require hospitalization.
The first vaccine is first given at 6-12 weeks for at-risk dogs and should be boosted based on your veterinarian’s recommendation.
Lyme Disease
Not all dogs are at risk of lyme disease. It depends on where you live, as not all areas have deer or bear ticks (the ticks that carry the disease).
By the time you see symptoms of lyme disease, it has already spread throughout your dog’s body. You’ll most commonly notice limping and high fever. However, some dogs’ kidneys are impacted, leading to a more severe infection that is often deadly.
While dogs and humans can both get lyme disease, you cannot catch it from your dog. However, you can get it from infected ticks if both you and your dog were bitten.
Your puppy can receive their first dose of the lyme vaccine once they’re eight weeks or older. The first doses are given two to four weeks apart, followed by annual boosters.
Rattlesnake Vaccine
Rattlesnake bites are veterinary emergencies. Rattlesnake venom is incredibly toxic to dogs and can cause permanent damage, even if you don’t notice symptoms at first.
Even if your dog is vaccinated, they must see a veterinarian immediately if bitten by a rattlesnake. However, the vaccine can build your dog’s immunity, save them from severe symptoms or death, and can eliminate your dog’s need for antivenom injections.
Antivenom can cost between $400-$800 a vial with some dogs needing multiple vials. The rattlesnake vaccine typically costs just $30-$50 and is given once every six months to a year.
How Often Do Adult Dogs Need Vaccines?
Puppies are considered fully vaccinated when they receive their third set of booster shots at 16-18 weeks old. This means that they can go outside and spend time around other dogs. However, dogs need booster vaccines throughout their entire lives.
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, adult dogs at low-risk can receive boosters for core vaccines just once every three years. However, your veterinarian may recommend yearly core vaccinations for your specific dog. Non-core vaccines are typically boosted every 6-12 months.
Final Thoughts
As a pet owner, it’s your job to protect your fur babies and stay up-to-date on vaccine recommendations. Please remember to always follow your veterinarian’s guidance on how and when to vaccinate your dog. We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about dog vaccinations, diseases, and how often your dog should be vaccinated.
