Recommended Vaccination Schedule for Dogs: A Guide

Wondering how to keep your dog safe from deadly diseases? The answer lies in the following recommended vaccination schedule for dogs.

Dog vaccinations are an important part of a dog’s overall prevention strategies. Canine vaccinations are crucial to protect your puppy or dog against common and potentially fatal diseases. Vaccines boost the immune system against specific diseases, making dogs immune to that disease.

Vaccines contain antigens that mimic the disease-causing organisms without actually causing the disease. When a dog receives a vaccine, the immune system identifies these antigens as threats and mounts a defence by producing antibodies.

Furthermore, the body builds immunological memory; when a dog is exposed to a real disease, the body will respond more effectively and neutralise the pathogens before showing symptoms.

So, as a dog parent, it’s important for you to keep your dog’s vaccinations up to date. In this step, we guide you about the recommended dog vaccination schedule, why they are important and the side effects of vaccines, making this process easy for you.

Without vaccinations, dogs are highly vulnerable to these diseases, some of which have no cure.

Why is a vaccine important for dogs?

Vaccines are important for the well-being of your dog and protect it from life-threatening diseases. They prevent dogs from deadly diseases like rabies, canine distemper, canine parvo and leptospirosis.

In addition, vaccines strengthen the body’s immune system and prevent the spread of disease by providing herd immunity. In some places canine vaccinations are legally required, and if you wish to travel with your dog, many countries demand proof of dog vaccinations.

By immunising your dog, the spread of zoonotic diseases is controlled. Moreover, you reduce the risk of deadly disease in your family members. Furthermore, in the long run, vaccinations are cost-effective because they save a lot of your dollars on treatment of preventable diseases and vet fees.

Finally, it gives you peace of mind that your dog is protected from many fatal diseases.

How does a vaccine work in dogs?

Vaccines contain antigens, which are harmless and weakened pathogens (disease-causing organisms). Although these antigens do not cause disease, they trigger an immune response.

The dog’s Immune system recognises the antigens as foreign invaders, and with the help of white blood cells, produces antibodies (proteins designed to destroy antigens).

Moreover, immune cells create memory cells that recognise the specific pathogen. Later, when a dog is exposed to an actual disease, the immune system responds more quickly and effectively.

There are different types of vaccines.

Modified Live Vaccines (MLV): They contain weakened pathogens which trigger a strong immune response.

Killed (inactivated) vaccines: They contain dead pathogens, also dead, but require booster doses.

Recombinant and subunit vaccines: They contain specific parts of pathogens. These are safe vaccines but also trigger strong immune responses.

Types of Dog Vaccines

Dog vaccines can be broadly categorised into core and non-core vaccines. Here are their further details.

Core Vaccines

Core vaccines are critical for dogs regardless of their age, breed or lifestyle. These vaccines protect against life-threatening and contagious diseases which also pose a threat to human health.

1-Rabies

A deadly nervous disease with no cure. It’s highly transmissible to humans through the bite of an affected dog.

2-Canine Distemper

A serious disease affecting the digestive, respiratory and nervous systems of dogs. It’s highly contagious and fatal, especially in puppies.

3-Canine Parvovirus

A highly contagious virus causing severe vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, and death, particularly in young dogs.

4-Canine Adenovirus (Hepatitis)

It causes infectious canine hepatitis affecting the liver, kidneys and eyes.

Non-Core Vaccines

Non-core vaccines are recommended based on a dog’s individual risk factors. Not every dog needs these vaccines, but they are crucial for those at risk.

1-Bordetella bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough)

A respiratory infection in dogs which is more frequent at boarding facilities or parks.

2-Leptospirosis

A bacterial infection which is zoonotic. It’s spread by contaminated urine and more common in areas with standing water.

3-Lyme Disease

Another bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted by ticks. Its vaccination is recommended for dogs living in or travelling to tick-infested areas.

4-Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)

A viral respiratory infection is contagious. It’s transmitted by dog-to-dog contact.

5-Coronavirus

Affects the gastrointestinal system but is less common and often mild compared to other diseases.

Recommended Vaccination Schedule for Dogs

Here’s a detailed age-wise vaccination schedule to guide dog owners in keeping their pets healthy.

1-Puppy Vaccination Schedule (6–16 Weeks Old)

At 6–8 Weeks:

DHPP (1st dose): Distemper, Hepatitis (Adenovirus), Parvovirus,
ParainfluenzaBordetella (optional): For dogs at risk of kennel cough.

10–12 Weeks:

DHPP (2nd dose)
Leptospirosis (1st dose): Optional based on risk
Canine Influenza (1st dose): Optional, for social or high-risk dogs
Lyme Disease (1st dose): Optional, for dogs in tick-prone areas

At 14–16 Weeks:

DHPP (3rd dose)
Leptospirosis (2nd dose)
Rabies (1st dose): Legally required in most regions
Canine Influenza (2nd dose): If given previously
Lyme Disease (2nd dose): If given previously

2-Adolescent Dog Vaccination Schedule (6–12 Months)

DHPP Booster
Rabies Booster (depending on local laws)
Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme, and canine influenza: boosters if recommended based on lifestyle

3-Adult Dog Vaccination Schedule (1 Year and Beyond)

Annually
Leptospirosis (if at risk)
Bordetella (especially for boarding or social dogs)
Canine Influenza (if needed)
Lyme Disease (if in high-risk areas) Every 1–3 Years
DHPP Booster (based on vaccine type and vet’s recommendation)Rabies Booster

Common Side Effects of Dog Vaccinations

Canine vaccinations are generally safe, but sometimes immune reactions can occur. These are usually mild, which resolves on their own in 24 to 48 hours.

Common vaccine reactions in dogs are:

Lethargy
Mild Fever
Decreased Appetite
Localised Swelling or Lump
Mild Discomfort or Soreness
Vomiting or Diarrhoea
Facial Swelling
Anaphylaxis (a rare but life-threatening allergic reaction only in severe cases)

What is the 5-in-1 vaccine for dogs?

5-in-1 is a combination of vaccines in dogs which protects against five serious infectious diseases.Here are these five diseases.

Canine Distemper
Canine Hepatitis
Canine Parvovirus
Canine Parainfluenza
Leptospirosis

What is the 7-in-1 vaccine for dogs?

The 7-in-1 vaccine for dogs is a combination vaccine which protects against seven infectious diseases. It typically includes the same core diseases covered in the 5-in-1 vaccine for dogs. But in addition, it provides immunity against two different strains of leptospirosis, which are:

Leptospira canicola
Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae

What is the 9-in-1 vaccine for dogs?

The 9-in-1 vaccine for dogs is another combination vaccine that provides broad protection against nine serious canine diseases.

It include all diseases covered in the 7-in-1 vaccine for dogs but, in addition, provides immunity against two more strains of Leptospira, which include:

Leptospira Grippotyphosa
Leptospira Pomona

These vaccines are recommended in regions where leptospirosis is prevalent, especially where water is stagnant.

Conclusion

So, I hope now you have enough knowledge about dog vaccinations and how you you can follow recommended vaccination schedule for dogs.

Read more: How to Prevent Diabetes in Dogs

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