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Vaccines play a vital role in protecting our pets from serious, and often life-threatening infectious diseases. Each individual may have varying vaccine recommendations, depending on lifestyle, and this should be discussed with your veterinarian. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has created an AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines Task Force, which has put together AAHA Vaccination Guidelines to help your vet choose which vaccines are right for your pet. Core vaccines are considered vaccines that all dogs need, and non-core vaccines are lifestyle dependent. The following is a brief overview of canine vaccines.
Core
Distemper, parvo, and adenoviruses (DA2P, often with parainfluenza as DA2PP)
This is typically a combination vaccine
This is the most critical vaccine for dogs, these are super contagious and deadly
Pups should have a minimum of two vaccines 2-4 weeks apart, ideally beginning at 6 weeks old with the last vaccine being not earlier than 16 weeks. This is boostered annually, then every 3 years.
Rabies
Critical for protecting public health and your pup from a 100% fatal disease
Depending on state law, pups should have 1 shot from the age of 12 weeks to 16 weeks, then boostered a year later. Then boostered every 1-3 years depending on the specific vaccine administered.
Non-core
Bordetella
Injectable (needle under skin), oral (by mouth), or intranasal (into the nose)
Prevents kennel cough
Pups should have 1 vaccine, ideally at 8-12 weeks, then boostered annually. If injectable form is administered initially, it must be boostered in 2-4 weeks.
Influenza H3N2 and H3N8
Both strains of dog specific flu
Pups >8 weeks old should have 2 shots 2-4 weeks apart, then boostered annually
Leptospira
Leptospirosis is a life-threatening zoonotic (humans can get it) disease shed by wildlife anywhere from the cities of NY to wooded areas.
The vaccine only prevents half the strains of disease
Can be given after 8 weeks old, 2 shots 2-4 weeks apart and again every year
Lyme
This is a life threatening tick-borne disease
Can be given after 8 weeks old, 2 shots 2-4 weeks apart and again every year
Rattlesnake
Still need anti-venom if bit and bite could still be fatal
Pup needs avoidance training also
Can be given to pups at least 16 weeks old, needs to be boostered in 2-4 weeks, then boostered annually
UC Davis veterinary school does not support the use of this vaccine due to lack of evidence of efficacy
Risks of Vaccines
The risks of these diseases are far greater than risks associated with vaccines, and adverse vaccine reactions are extremely rare. Any pet can have an adverse reaction to a vaccine within hours of being vaccinated, and all pets should be monitored for facial swelling, vomiting, hives, or any other concerning signs. It would be normal for your pet to be sleepier, have a reduced appetite, possibly have mild pain at the site of injection, and not be as playful within approx. 24 hours of being vaccinated. If you notice any signs of an adverse vaccine reaction, or anything that you find concerning, you should immediately seek veterinary care for your pet. Adverse vaccine reactions can be life threatening and are emergencies.
Can adverse vaccine reactions be prevented? Yes, but it isn't necessary unless your dog has had a known adverse vaccine reaction. If so, your dog should have Benadryl administered at home or at the vet office prior to the vaccination, but as always, this should be discussed with your vet first.
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