As a dog owner, making sure your furry friend stays healthy is a top priority. One of the best ways to do that is by keeping them up-to-date on their shots and vaccinations. If you’re wondering why vaccinations are so important for dogs, you’ve come to the right place.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Vaccinations protect dogs from dangerous, potentially fatal diseases like parvovirus, rabies, distemper and more. They prevent illness, stop the spread of disease and save lives.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about puppy and dog vaccinations. You’ll learn about the different types of shots, vaccination schedules, side effects and risks. We’ll also discuss what happens if you don’t vaccinate your dog and tips for making vet visits less stressful.
Core Vaccines: The Ones Your Dog Can’t Live Without
Distemper
Canine distemper is an extremely contagious and serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of puppies and dogs. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), distemper vaccination is essential for all dogs as the mortality rate for canine distemper can be as high as 50% in infected dogs.
The distemper virus is spread through airborne exposure and contact with bodily fluids, making routine vaccination critical from an early age. With proper early puppy vaccination and timely adult boosters, distemper can be fully prevented.
Parvovirus
Canine parvovirus is another highly contagious viral disease that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness in puppies and dogs. The parvovirus is extremely hardy and can persist in the environment for months or even years.
According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), puppies should start the parvovirus vaccine series at 6-8 weeks of age as mortality rates can reach 91% in untreated cases. Proper vaccination, starting with the initial series and timely boosters, is imperative to prevent this devastating illness that spreads rapidly where dogs congregate.
Adenovirus
Canine adenovirus is an infectious disease that most commonly causes respiratory and ocular disease in dogs, but can also lead to liver disease. Adenovirus spreads through direct contact and respiratory secretions, making routine vaccination essential, especially where dogs gather.
According to VetInfo, two separate adenovirus vaccines are routinely given to puppies – one targets respiratory disease (CAV-2 vaccine) and one targets liver disease (CAV-1 vaccine). As adenovirus can develop into significant pneumonia or liver failure, vaccination is the most effective way to minimize illness severity and duration.
Parainfluenza
Yet another extremely contagious virus among unvaccinated dogs is canine parainfluenza, one of the key causes of infectious canine cough. As noted by PetCoach, routine vaccination for parainfluenza is recommended by veterinarians as part of a combination vaccine that also protects against other high-risk respiratory viruses including adenovirus and distemper. Canine cough can range from mild to severe, with prolonged harsh coughing fits that make it difficult to eat, drink or even breathe normally.
As this highly contagious virus spreads where dogs meet, proper vaccination is extremely important.
Rabies
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that can spread to humans, making vaccination vital and even legally required in most regions. All warm-blooded species, including wild animals and humans, are at risk of contracting this deadly virus through the saliva of infected animals as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The rabies vaccine is considered a core vaccine for all dogs. Frequency of adult boosters varies by location, but routine puppy and adult vaccination protects your pet, your family and your community.
Non-Core Vaccines: Optional But Recommended
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal bacterial disease that can cause liver and kidney failure in dogs. It is spread through the urine of infected wildlife and dogs. The disease often causes flu-like symptoms but can quickly take a turn for the worse.
According to the AVMA, risk factors include exposure to possibly contaminated water or soil, proximity to wooded areas, and participation in outdoor recreational activities.
The leptospirosis vaccine is considered non-core because some dogs have minimal exposure to the bacteria. However, for dogs at high risk, veterinarians almost universally recommend vaccination. The bacteria can survive for months in standing water and moist soil.
Very few bacteria are required to infect a dog. A study found 52% of tested dogs had been exposed to leptospirosis.
Bordetella
Commonly called “kennel cough,” bordetella bronchiseptica is a highly contagious respiratory disease. The bordetella vaccine helps prevent infection and transmission of the bacteria. Dogs at greatest risk are those exposed to lots of other dogs such as those who are boarded, attend dog shows, enrolled in training classes, or partake in doggie daycare.
A 2007 study published in Veterinary Microbiology found nearly 1 in 5 shelter dogs were actively shedding bordetella bacteria – meaning they were infected and able to spread it to other dogs. The study highlights the importance of vaccinating dogs before they enter facilities housing numerous other canines.
Speak with your veterinarian about the risks of exposing your pooch to bordetella and whether vaccination is right for your pet.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is an illness caused by bacteria transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. Symptoms include fever, lameness, fatigue, and can progress to cause serious joint, heart, and neurological issues if left unchecked. Ticks must be attached 36 to 48 hours to transmit the bacteria.
Using reliable tick preventatives can greatly reduce this window of transmission opportunity.
The Lyme vaccine helps prevent infection and development of disease. According to the vaccine manufacturer, studies found vaccinated dogs were over 85% less likely to contract Lyme disease. Furthermore, when they did contract it, they were much less likely to develop symptoms.
The vaccine is especially important for dogs living in or frequently visiting wooded, grassy areas where ticks are prevalent.
Canine Influenza
Canine influenza virus causes a highly contagious respiratory infection typically spread through coughing, barking, sneezing, or contact with contaminated surfaces. Most infected dogs exhibit symptoms similar to kennel cough – coughing, sneezing, lethargy, reduced appetite, and nasal discharge.
Recovery usually occurs within 2 to 3 weeks.
Vaccination can reduce duration and severity of symptoms. Canine influenza primarily poses heightened risk to very young puppies, older dogs, and those with compromised immune systems. As of 2015, canine influenza has been confirmed present in 46 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, according to AVMA.
Discuss with your veterinarian if the additional protection of canine influenza vaccine may benefit your furry friend.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule: What Shots They Need and When
8 weeks: Distemper, Parvo, Adenovirus
The initial round of puppy shots should be given at 8 weeks of age. These early vaccines help protect against three extremely dangerous diseases: canine distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus infections.
According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), these core vaccines are recommended for essentially all dogs.
Distemper impacts the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and nervous systems. It spreads through airborne exposure and is often fatal. Parvo attacks the intestinal tract and causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and rapid dehydration that can quickly kill a puppy.
Adenoviruses cause infectious hepatitis and respiratory illness. While less deadly than distemper and parvo, they still pose a significant threat.
12 weeks: Distemper, Parvo, Adenovirus
At 12 weeks old, your pup should return to the vet for a second round of the same core vaccines. Giving multiple doses spaced out over time allows the vaccines to fully stimulate your dog’s still-developing immune system. These booster shots protect your pup while closing any gaps in coverage.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), young pups receive some immunity from their vaccinated mothers. But this fades rapidly after 8 weeks of age, leaving puppies vulnerable to contracting and spreading illnesses in the interim before their 12 week shots.
16 weeks: Distemper, Parvo, Adenovirus, Rabies
At 16 weeks, vets administer a third round of the core vaccines plus the first rabies vaccine. Rabies is a fatal viral disease affecting the nervous system. All dogs require regular rabies vaccination as mandated by law. Check your local regulations for the mandated schedule.
This third combo vaccine injection further amplifies immunity. By 4 months of age, after the full initial puppy shot series is complete, your dog has built solid disease protection that the rabies vaccine now complements.
1 year: Rabies, Distemper, Parvo
At 1 year old, your dog is due for additional booster vaccines, continuing lifelong prevention. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), rabies boosters are required by law every 1-3 years depending on the type of vaccine used.
Core vaccine boosters are also recommended by vets annually or every three years.
These regular revaccinations keep your dog healthy and safe by maintaining robust immunity against viral threats. Over 90% of dogs develop protective antibody levels against core diseases with proper puppy shots and timely adult boosters.
Adult Dog Vaccine Schedule: Yearly Boosters Are a Must
Distemper
Canine distemper is an extremely contagious and often fatal viral disease that impacts a dog’s gastrointestinal, respiratory, and central nervous systems. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), distemper vaccination boosters every 3 years are imperative for adult dogs.
Parvo
Parvovirus is another devastating illness that causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and rapid dehydration in dogs. Sadly, mortality rates still hover around 91% in untreated cases. The AVMA advises annual parvo combo boosters to maintain immunity, especially for high-risk breeds like Rottweilers and Dobermans.
Adenovirus
In addition to attacking the liver and kidneys, canine adenovirus Type 1 is known to cause infectious canine hepatitis with flu-like symptoms. Yearly combination shots provide adenovirus antibodies to strengthen the immune response against this resilient virus.
Parainfluenza
Much like the human flu virus, parainfluenza in dogs inflames the respiratory tract and lungs. Chronic coughing fits and pneumonia-like wheezing accompany routine exposure. Combination vaccine boosters every 12 months limit troublesome outbreaks in boarding, grooming, or daycare center settings.
Rabies
Rabies is zoonotic, meaning it can spread between animals and people through saliva exposure. Since rabies is nearly always fatal once clinical signs appear, regulations mandate re-vaccination every 1-3 years depending on location. This protects both pet and public health across regions.
Leptospirosis (optional)
The bacteria Leptospira interrogans impacts kidney and liver function in vulnerable canine patients. Re-exposure prompts recurring illness, so annual revaccination is preferred, especially for outdoor adventurers at higher risk of infection.
Recent AVMA studies show marked Titer reductions just 12 months post-vaccination.
Lyme (optional)
Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria from tick bites slowly degrade connective tissue and joints over time, making mobility excruciating. The AVMA confirms reliable data on Lyme vaccine efficacy is still limited but supports annual boosters for at-risk dogs until improved.
This provides some antibody coverage during tick season.
Bordetella (optional)
As a highly transmittable respiratory virus, Bordetella bronchiseptica proliferates rapidly among densely housed dogs. Facilities like kennels and daycares often mandate six-month to one-year Bordetella boosters to join their communities. This minimizes infectious outbreaks.
Are There Risks To Vaccinating Your Dog?
Mild side effects like fever, lethargy
As with any medication, vaccinations can occasionally cause mild side effects. The most common side effects seen in dogs after vaccination are low-grade fevers and mild lethargy that last for a day or two. These indicate that your dog’s immune system is responding to the vaccine as expected.
There’s no need for concern if your dog has a mildly elevated temperature or seems a little more tired than usual after shots.
Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions to vaccinations are uncommon in dogs. However, they can occur if your dog is hypersensitive to one of the vaccine components. Mild allergic reactions cause redness, swelling, or itchiness at the injection site that resolves without treatment within a day.
More severe reactions involve facial swelling, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, or shock, but these are extremely rare.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, allergic reactions occur after approximately 1 in 1 million vaccine doses. So while serious allergic reactions are possible, the odds are infinitesimally small.
If your dog does have a more intense reaction, your vet can provide medications to counteract the effects.
Autoimmune diseases (rare)
A minute fraction of dogs will develop immune-mediated diseases after some vaccinations. These conditions involve the immune system overreacting and attacking the body’s own healthy tissues and cells. Examples include autoimmune hemolytic anemia, autoimmune skin disease, and autoimmune arthritis.
However, multiple long-term studies following tens of thousands of vaccinated dogs have shown these issues are exceptionally uncommon.
One analysis by the AVMA found the rate of autoimmune disease after vaccination to be less than 0.0005% – just 5 cases for every 100,000 dogs immunized. So while research does indicate a slight statistical association in some breeds, vaccination is still considered extremely safe in this regard.
The lifesaving benefits of protection from dangerous infectious illness almost always far outweigh such slim risks.
What Happens If You Don’t Vaccinate Your Dog?
Failing to vaccinate your furry friend opens them up to some potentially dangerous and heartbreaking scenarios. While the decision may seem harmless on the surface, there are a number of critical risks involved with skipping those routine vet appointments.
Exposure to Deadly Diseases
Without proper inoculations, dogs have very limited immunity against prevalent and highly contagious illnesses like parvovirus, distemper, and rabies. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), these diseases are lingering in environments everywhere and can ultimately be fatal if contracted.
Unvaccinated pups under 4 months old are especially vulnerable with mortality rates as high as 91% in cases of parvovirus.
Higher Risk of Outbreaks
Skipping shots also threatens the health of otherwise protected pets. The more unvaccinated dogs there are in a community, the higher the prevalence of disease and the bigger the risk of outbreaks. Conditions like parvo and distemper spread through feces and respiratory secretions, making tight-knit environments like dog parks and daycares probable hotbeds of transmission.
Tips for an Easy, Stress-Free Vet Visit
Choose a fear-free certified vet
Taking your dog to the vet can be stressful for both you and your pup. That’s why it’s important to find a vet that practices fear-free techniques to make the visit as calm and relaxing as possible. Look for vets that are fear-free certified.
These vets focus on positive reinforcement, distraction techniques, and creating an environment that reduces fear, anxiety, and stress for pets.
A fear-free vet clinic will have things like:
- Separate waiting areas for dogs and cats
- Comfortable, padded exam tables
- Pheromone diffusers
- Tasty treats and toys in exam rooms
The vet and techs will get down on your dog’s level, use gentle control methods, and give your dog time to get comfortable in the exam room. This helps create a calming, stress-free experience from start to finish!
Bring tasty treats
Come armed with your dog’s favorite treats to help create positive associations with the vet visit. Small soft treats or pieces of boiled chicken work well. Use treats throughout the appointment to reward calm behavior and distract your dog during exams and procedures.
You can even ask to hand feed treats while the vet conducts the exam.
Asking your dog to do simple cues like “sit” or “down” during the visit can also help shift their focus to you. Reward with treats and praise when they comply to help them feel more secure.
Try calming supplements
If your dog is especially anxious, ask your vet about natural calming supplements or anti-anxiety medication. Supplements like Zylkene or nutraceuticals containing L-theanine may help take the edge off and promote relaxation.
Your vet can prescribe anxiety medication like trazodone to give before vet visits.
It’s best to consult your vet before giving any supplements or medication to make sure they’re appropriate for your dog.
Use pheromone sprays/collars
Synthetic dog appeasing pheromone (DAP) products can help create a soothing environment at the vet. There are DAP diffuser sprays, collars, and wipes available. Diffusers can be sprayed in the exam room and sources recommend wiping pheromone wipes on any equipment that will touch your dog, like the scale, table, and thermometer.
Studies show DAP products can help significantly reduce stress during vet visits and have a calming effect.
Take it slow and give praise
Don’t rush things; let your dog warm up to the new environment and take their time approaching the exam table. Praise and reward any steps in the right direction. Even small accomplishments like stepping on the scale or putting their front paws on the table should be met with treats and encouragement.
Stay calm and keep a positive attitude – your energy impacts your dog. Use a happy tone when praising and keep touching to a minimum so your dog doesn’t feel restricted. Make the experience as positive as possible!
Conclusion
As you can see, vaccinations play a critical role in protecting your dog’s health and wellbeing. While side effects are uncommon, the dangers of not vaccinating far outweigh any small risks. By sticking to recommended vaccine schedules for puppies and adults, you can defend your dog against harmful viruses and bacteria.
While shots can be unpleasant, simple techniques like finding a fear-free vet, using calming aids and taking it slow can ensure the visit goes smoothly. When it comes to your furry best friend, vaccines are an investment that pays off in less vet bills, less anxiety and more healthy, happy years together.
Protect them today and give your pup the long, full life they deserve!
