Train Without Pain Resource Library
Recommended Wellness Guidelines for Dogs
VACCINATIONS
Core vaccines:
DAPP (or DHPP): A combo vaccine for Distemper, Adenovirus (also called Hepatitis), Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. This vaccine should be started early at 6–8 weeks, then given every 2 to 4 weeks until the puppy is at least 4 months old. A booster vaccine is given in 1 year, then every 3 years for life.
This is a critical vaccine to protect against Parvovirus, which is very hardy and can last for many months in the environment. Parvo causes vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and can lead to death. This vaccine is very effective when given at appropriate intervals.
Distemper is another deadly virus and causes severe upper respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurologic disease and eventually leads to death.
Adenovirus / Hepatitis is a very serious liver disease that can be fatal.
Parainfluenza is an upper respiratory virus related to kennel cough.
Rabies: This vaccine is required by law for all dogs. Rabies is a deadly neurologic disease that has no treatment or cure. This vaccine can be given as early as 3 months of age and by law must be given by 4 months of age. A booster vaccine is needed in 1 year, then every 3 years for life.
Strongly recommended for most dogs:
Bordetella: Commonly called Kennel Cough. This vaccine is given intranasally (in the nose), providing nearly immediate immunity. This vaccine is important for social dogs who go to the dog park and is also required by most boarding and grooming facilities. The vaccine can be started early and requires yearly boosters.
Recommended for some dogs:
Leptospirosis: This is a bacterial organism that lives in natural bodies of water such as creeks and lakes, especially after heavy rains or flooding. Wildlife are common carriers of infection and shed the leptospira organisms in their urine. Dogs become infected by ingesting contaminated water or when irritated or cut skin comes into contact with infected urine or water.
The bacteria can cause severe kidney disease, liver disease (hepatitis), and/or bleeding in the lungs. Dogs who may come into contact with natural waterways or wildlife should be vaccinated against Lepto. Following an initial vaccine, a booster is needed three to four weeks later, then annually after that.
RECOMMENDED VACCINATION SCHEDULE
- 8 weeks of age: DAPP vaccine (also called DHPP), Bordetella intranasal (IN) vaccine
- 12 weeks of age: DAPP booster, Bordetella IN vaccine (if not given previously), Leptospirosis vaccine (based on lifestyle), Rabies vaccine
- 16 weeks of age: DAPP booster, Leptospirosis booster (based on lifestyle), Rabies (if not given previously)
- 20 weeks of age: DAPP booster (for dogs at high risk of parvovirus exposure)
- 1 year old: DAPP booster (good for 3 years), Bordetella booster (good for 1 year), Leptospirosis booster (good for 1 year), Rabies booster (good for 3 years)
- 2 years old: Bordetella booster, Leptospirosis booster
- 3 years old: Bordetella booster, Leptospirosis booster
- 4 years old: DAPP booster, Bordetella booster, Leptospirosis booster, Rabies booster
Continue this schedule for life
VACCINE SIDE EFFECTS / VACCINE REACTIONS
It is common for dogs and cats to have MILD side effects from vaccines, not unlike what we experience following a flu vaccine. These can start within a few hours after the vaccine and can potentially last for a day or two.
