Puppy Vaccinations: Everything You Need to Know About Dog Vaccines

Are you a new puppy owner looking for information on what vaccine your puppy needs? As a veterinarian, I will update you on the latest in pet care in the field of puppy vaccines. I have gathered all the information you need about puppy vaccinations, the diseases the vaccine protects against, the puppy vaccine schedule, and how to keep your pup safe from preventable illnesses.

Introduction to Vaccinations

Puppies are a joy to bring into the family, but it’s important to remember that they also require proper medical care to stay healthy. One key aspect of puppy healthcare is vaccinations. Vaccinations help protect puppies from various serious and potentially deadly diseases and are an important part of responsible pet ownership. In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about puppy vaccinations, including why they’re important, which vaccines are necessary, and how the vaccination process works. By the end, you’ll understand how to keep your furry friend healthy and protected through proper vaccination.

It is essential to stay up-to-date on puppy vaccinations so that your pup is protected from potentially deadly illnesses. Puppies should receive a combination of core and non-core vaccinations depending on their lifestyle, age, and geographical location. Additionally, boosters may be required every 1-3 years to protect your pup against disease.

Why Vaccinate Your Puppy?

Puppy vaccinations are important for keeping your pup safe and healthy. Vaccines help to protect your puppy from dangerous illnesses and diseases, reducing the risk of them becoming sick and needing expensive vet treatments. Vaccinating your puppy is vital if you plan to board them, as many facilities require proof of vaccinations before admission.

Vaccines can save your pup from a lot of pain, suffering, and expense down the line, so make sure you’re up-to-date with their vaccinations to keep them safe and healthy!

Different Types of Vaccines for Dogs

Vaccines for dogs are usually divided into two groups, core vaccines, and non-core vaccines.

Core Vaccine

According to the WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) Vaccination Guidelines Group, core vaccines are the vaccines that all dogs should receive regardless of circumstances or geographical location. Core vaccines protect animals from the following severe, life-threatening diseases that are found all over the world:

• Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
• Canine Adenovirus (CAV)
• Canine Parvovirus Type 2 (CPV-2)
• Rabies (recommended core vaccine where needed due to requirements or where the infection is endemic)

Non-Core Vaccine

WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines Group has classified non-core vaccines as those required by only those animals whose geographical location, environment, or lifestyle puts them at risk of contracting specific infections.

The following non-core vaccines are available:

• Kennel Cough
  • Parainfluenza Virus
  • Bordetella bronchiseptica
• Borellia burgdorferi
• Leptospirosis
• Canine influenza virus
• Rattlesnake toxoid (Recommended in some areas by American Animal Hospital Association)

What Diseases Do Core Vaccines Protect Against?

There are core vaccines that all puppies and adult dogs should be vaccinated with and those vaccines protect against the following diseases.

Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)

Canine distemper is a viral disease that is highly infectious and attacks a dog’s whole body. It occurs worldwide and dogs usually display clinical signs such as fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Additionally, they may have respiratory signs (nasal discharge, pneumonia), GI signs (diarrhea), and later on, neurologic signs (muscle twitching, focal or generalized seizures). Vaccination for the disease is available and is normally very effective.

Canine distemper virus also infects a range of other animal species, including zoo animals, wild game, marine mammals, and farmed fur animals. Unvaccinated dogs, therefore, pose a risk of infection to both other dogs and several other species.

The distemper virus can live for a few weeks in the environment if it is not too hot, dry, or in direct sunlight. However, the virus will die faster under those conditions. Dogs can contract viruses from their surroundings, so they don’t need to come into contact with a sick dog to become ill themselves. I.e it can be transmitted in other ways, such as through human hands and objects like clothing and food bowls. Viruses are also spread by dogs that don’t show any symptoms of illness, meaning you often won’t know an infected dog has spread the disease until one or some unprotected dogs suddenly get sick.

Properly vaccinated adult dogs are well protected against infection. It is more difficult to protect puppies under and around three months of age. Puppies born of properly vaccinated moms have indirect protection for the first few weeks, but the rate and extent of this protection gradually decrease.

Canine Adenovirus (CAV)

The disease is caused by the canine adenovirus type 1, abbreviated CAV-1. The disease is also known as Infectious Canine Hepatitis or Hepatitis contagiosa canis (HCC). Infectious canine hepatitis is a contagious disease that affects dogs all over the world. The symptoms can be mild, like a fever and congestion of mucous membrane, or severe, like depression and deficiency of blood clotting. In recent years, the disease has become less common in areas where routine vaccination is used.

The most prevalent way of infection is by consuming urine, feces, or saliva from an infected dog. A dog who has recovered from the virus can still spread it through their urine for up to 6 months. A dog can get infected if it has direct contact with an infected dog, mainly through urine. It can also get infected indirectly, for example via contaminated objects or hands, or through the outdoor environment. CAV-1 can also infect dogs and bears in the wild.

The sudden onset and bleeding usually indicate that the dog has infectious canine hepatitis, but more tests are needed for confirmation. The mortality rate is the highest among puppies.

CAV-1 can survive for weeks in different environments; it is resistant to both freezing temperatures and 86-degree Fahrenheit heat

Canine Parvovirus Type 2 (CPV-2)

Canine parvovirus is a virus that is easily spread and commonly causes gastrointestinal disease in young, unvaccinated dogs. Early signs include a loss of appetite, feeling tired, vomiting, and diarrhea, which is often bloody.

The viruses are spread through feces from infected dogs for approximately two weeks. If feces remain on, for example, their fur or paws, the dog can continue to spread the virus. Many contagious dogs never show any symptoms of the disease and can spread the infection even before they exhibit any illness themselves. The virus can stay active in forests and soil for several years, infecting new dogs as they come into contact with it.

The virus is also spread through other means such as human hands or objects like clothing, food bowls, blankets, etc.

Adult dogs that are properly vaccinated are unlikely to catch an infection. However, it is more complicated to protect puppies that are younger than three months old. Puppies whose mothers were properly vaccinated have some protection in the early weeks. The level of protection decreases over time, but the speed of which varies.

Rabies

Rabies is a fatal viral infection of the nervous system that mainly affects carnivores and bats but can affect any mammal including humans. It is almost always transmitted by the bite of an infected animal when the saliva with the virus is introduced into the body. Signs of rabies can include sudden and severe behavioral changes, unexplained paralysis that worsens over time, irritability, hyperexcitability, and aggressiveness.

Prevention of rabies in dogs includes notification of suspected cases, leash laws and quarantine to reduce contact between susceptible dogs, mass immunization programs with continued boosters, stray dog control and euthanasia of unvaccinated dogs that roam freely, and dog registration programs. Rabies vaccination is recommended where the disease is endemic. See this website for information regarding the status and recommendation in your state http://www.rabiesaware.org/

What Diseases Do Non-Core Canine Vaccines Protect Against?

Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is the name given to a self-limiting, temporary cough in dogs that is caused by a virus (usually parainfluenza) and/or the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica. The primary symptom is sudden, repetitive coughing. Dogs may also gag and cough up white mucus. Additionally, many dogs will have a short fever when the coughing period begins.

Kennel Cough

Since kennel cough is so common in dogs that socialize in groups, it’s not surprising that it often develops rapidly in dogs after events such as dog shows.

What Kennel Cough Sounds Like

Borrelia Burgdorferi – Lyme Diseaes

Both humans and animals can get Lyme disease from common ticks that spread the bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi.

There are a few symptoms that may occur in dogs with a Borrelia infection:

• In the great majority of cases, there are either no symptoms or only a skin reaction (redness) to the tick bite.
• However, in some dogs that do develop symptoms, the following can be seen to varying degrees: acute fever, subdued general condition, and sudden joint problems. Wandering lameness may be seen; that is, the dog soon begins to limp on another leg, because another joint has reacted to the infection.

Prevention:

• Dogs should be treated regularly with an easily accessible, effective tick-control product. Ask your veterinarian to recommend the best product for your pet.
• Dogs should be routinely checked for ticks after they have been outside, especially if they have been in tall grass and brush during spring, summer, or fall.
• Remove the tick as soon as possible when it is detected.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can affect both humans and animals. Most of the time, infection in dogs does not cause disease. However, there are some cases where serious, even fatal disease develops in newly infected dogs. Dogs can get leptospirosis by coming in contact with infected urine, contaminated water, or through bite wounds. A sign of leptospirosis seen in dogs is sudden kidney damage. Symptoms may include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, dehydration, and back pain from inflammation of the kidneys. You may also notice changes in urination, such as increased volumes of urine or decreased/absent urine production.

Canine Influenza Virus

Canine influenza is caused by the canine influenza virus. The virus causes respiratory infection and is highly contagious. It is spread from dog to dog through respiratory secretions, contaminated objects, and people who have been around an infected dog.

Most dogs (80%) exposed to the virus develop a mild respiratory infection, and a cough that lasts 1-3 weeks. Other signs of the virus include discharge from the eyes and nose, sneezing, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Dogs can become severely ill with a high fever, pneumonia, and an additional bacterial infection. Less than 10% of affected dogs die from the flu.

Rattlesnake Toxoid – Crotalid Vaccine

According to Red Rock Biologics, an organization based in Sacramento, California that developed a rattlesnake vaccine, approximately 300,000 dogs and cats are bitten annually by venomous snakes in the United States.

The rattlesnake vaccine helps a dog by lessening the reaction to snake venom. The dog’s immune system produces antibodies against snake venom when stimulated by the vaccine. The vaccine is recommended for dogs living in “high-risk” geographical areas where rattlesnakes are prevalent. It is also recommended for dogs that go on hikes, camping trips, hunting excursions, or any activity where they might come in contact with a rattlesnake.

A toxoid that helps protect against Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) venom is accessible and given to dogs that might come into contact with Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes. There is limited cross-protection against other rattlesnake species.

Combination Vaccines

Many of the vaccines used in dogs contain combinations of antigens. This means the dog does not have to take several shots, but a single shot can contain vaccines that protect against several diseases.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule – Core Vaccine

A puppy vaccine schedule should be followed to ensure the health and safety of your dog. The maternally derived antibody significantly gets in the way of most current core vaccines administered to puppies early on in life. Since maternal antibodies vary greatly among litters, the recommendation is to administer multiple core vaccine doses to puppies, with the last dose being administered when they are 16 weeks or older.

Vaccination Against Distemper, Hepatitis, and Parvo

According to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, the following vaccination schedule should be followed for all puppies.

Vaccination against distemper, hepatitis, and parvo included in the core vaccination program should be done from 6-8 weeks of age and thereafter every 2-4 weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks old.

Boster at 6 or 12 months of age and then every third year.

Vaccination Against Rabies

Administer one dose of rabies vaccine at 12 weeks of age. If vaccination is performed earlier than 12 weeks of age, the puppy should be revaccinated at 12 weeks of age. In high-risk areas, a second dose may be given 2–4 weeks after the first.

Booster at 1 year of age and then depending on what vaccine booster every 1 or 3 years.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule – Non-Core Vaccine

Parainfluenza Virus Vaccine

Administer vaccine against parainfluenza virus at 6-8 weeks of age, then every 2-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age or older.

Boster at 6 or 12 months of age and then yearly.

Bordetella Bronchiseptica Vaccine

• Intranasal vaccine
  • Administer a single dose as early as 3 weeks of age.
• Oral vaccine
  • The current manufacturer’s recommendation is for use of this vaccine from 8 weeks of age.
• Subcutaneous vaccine
  • Administer one dose at 6–8 weeks and one dose at 10–12 weeks of age.

Booster every year or more often in very high-risk animals.

Kennel Cough Vaccine (Combination Parainfluenza and Bordetella Bronchiseptica)

Intranasal vaccine: Administer a single dose as early as 3 weeks of age.

Booster every year or more often in very high-risk animals.

Borrelia Burgdorferi Vaccine

The recommendation is an initial dose at 12 weeks of age or older. A second dose is given 2–4 weeks later.

Booster annually.

Leptospira Vaccine

Initial dose at 8 weeks of age or older. A second dose is given 2–4 weeks later.

Booster annually.

Canine Influenza Virus Vaccine

Two doses 2–4 weeks apart with the initial dose at >6 weeks of age.

Booster annually.

Example of Vaccination Schedule for a Puppy From 8-16 Weeks of Age

Core vaccine for all dogs and non-core vaccine chosen depending on location and needs – ask your local vet.

Vaccine Schedule Adult Dog

Vaccine against	Initial Adult Vaccination	Booster
Distemper Adenovirus Parvo	2 doses of a combination vaccine, 2-4 weeks apart	Every 3 years
Rabies	1 single dose	Every 1 or 3 years depending on vaccine or laws.
Kennel cough	1 single dose	Annually
Borrelia	2 doses 2-4 weeks apart	Annually
Leptospira	2 doses 2-4 weeks apart	Annually
Canine influenza	2 doses 2-4 weeks apart	Annually

How Are Vaccines Given to a Puppy?

Subcutaneous Injection

Most of the vaccines are given subcutaneously (sometimes shorten SQ or SubQ). This means that the dog is injected with the vaccine under the skin.

How to Administer Vaccines to Canine Patients

Intranasal Administration

Another type of Kennel Cough vaccine is an intranasal vaccine, which is dripped or squirted into the nose. While this might seem like an odd way to give a vaccine, it is very effective. Dogs get Kennel Cough by breathing in the bacteria/virus. This vaccine causes the production of antibodies in the respiratory tract, where they can be ready to attack the germs before they enter the body.

Durvet Product Training | How To Give Intranasal Canine Kennel-Jec 2

Oral Administration

Some vaccine against Bordetella bronchiseptica is given orally.

Benefits of Puppy Vaccinations

Puppy vaccinations are an essential part of protecting your pet from serious and potentially deadly diseases. Vaccines are designed to help the body recognize and fight off disease-causing organisms. Vaccines also help to reduce the severity of certain diseases in the event of an infection. Regular vaccinations can also help prevent the spread of contagious diseases to other animals and humans.

Benefits of puppy vaccinations include:

Protection from Serious Diseases

Vaccines help to protect your pet from a variety of serious and sometimes fatal diseases, such as parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, and rabies. These diseases can cause severe health problems in your puppy, and can even be fatal. Vaccinations are the best way to ensure that your pet is protected against these diseases.

Reduce the Risk of Infection and the Spreading of Infection

Vaccinations also help to reduce the risk of infection by preventing the spread of contagious diseases between animals and humans. By vaccinating your puppy you can reduce the risk of your pet spreading disease to other animals or people in your household.

Boost Immunity

Vaccines help to boost the immunity of your pet by teaching the body how to recognize and fight off disease-causing organisms. This helps to keep your puppy healthy and protected against disease. Regular vaccinations can also help to strengthen the immune system against future illnesses and infections.

Save Money

By investing in vaccines for your puppy now, you can save money in the long run.

Side Effects of Dog Vaccines

Local Reactions

There can be a lump, sometimes with pain or pruritus at the injection site.

General Reactions

After vaccination, the dog may also have general side effects due to the innate immune response. Common side effect symptoms are lethargy, anorexia, fever, and lymphadenopathy. Symptoms usually resolve within 24-48 hours.

Hypersensitivity reactions are a side effect of vaccination in some dogs. The most serious reaction is a type 1 anaphylactic response. Dogs that go into anaphylactic shock show initial excitement followed by vomiting, defecation, and urination.

Immunologically Different Types of Vaccines

Attenuated Vaccine

These types of vaccines could also be called:

• Live vaccine
• Modified live vaccine
• Live attenuated vaccine

The immunogenicity of this vaccine provides long-term immunity. Additionally, it induces both cellular and humoral immunity. This makes it more likely to prevent infection and disease. Note that some vaccines may cause a brief period of viral shedding of the attenuated/modified virus. Though it is theoretically possible for the virus to revert to virulence, this is unlikely in appropriately tested and licensed vaccines. It’s important to carefully store (usually refrigerate) and handle this vaccine.

Inactivated or Killed Vaccine

• They can’t cause disease in animals
• They’re less immunogenic than attenuated products, and the immunity they create lasts for a shorter time
• They usually require an adjuvant to create enough immunity; they may also require more frequent administration
• There may be more adverse reactions associated

Recombinant Vaccine

These types of vaccines could also be called:

• Subunit vaccine
• Polysaccharide vaccine
• Conjugate vaccine
• Chimeric vaccine
• Viral-vectored vaccine

This category includes using a gene from the pathogen that is inserted into a virus or bacterial plasmid, or a single protein. These can be used alone or in combination with other antigens. There is significant variability in terms of immunogenicity and frequency of booster

Toxoid Vaccine

The vaccine creates immunity to the toxin produced by the organism, rather than immunity to the organism itself. Vaccines of this type generally provide the shortest duration of immunity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Vaccines

Are Dog Vaccines Always Effective?

Most of the time vaccines are very effective but there are some reasons why vaccinations may not be effective, such as:

• The vaccinated individual does not produce a strong enough immune response.
• Exposure to the infection before being fully vaccinated.
• Maternal antibodies interfere with the vaccine.
• The vaccine was not stored or handled properly, including during administration.

How Many Da2pp Shots for Puppies?

All puppies need at least 3 doses of a combination vaccine of core vaccine (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus) between 6 and 16 weeks of age. Parainfluenza could also be included in these shots.

Do Dogs Really Need Vaccines Every Year?

It depends on the vaccine in question. Some vaccines need to be boosted every year. Core vaccines usually do not need to be boosted annually. But vaccines against kennel cough, for example, must be boosted annually.

Is It Really Necessary to Stop My Puppy From Socializing With Other Dogs Until They Are Fully Vaccinated?

It’s usually best not to socialize with any unfamiliar animals, or in areas where there might be a lot of unknown animals or wildlife. I typically tell people that it’s okay to socialize with dogs belonging to friends and family members, as long as you know they’re healthy and vaccinated, and not displaying symptoms of contagious diseases such as diarrhea or vomiting. I also advise clients to avoid dog parks and anywhere else where any dog may have urinated or defecated, as these are places where viruses, bacteria, and parasites may spread.

What Vaccines Does a Dog Really Need?

What shots do puppies and adult dogs need? All dogs need the core vaccines against Canine Distemper Virus, Canine Adenovirus, and Canine Parvovirus. The rabies vaccine is also recommended core vaccine depending on location and law. Non-core vaccines are given depending on the dog’s geographical location and exposure risk.

How Often Do Puppies Need Da2pp Vaccine?

Puppies get DA2PP vaccine shots every 2-4 weeks between 6 and 16 weeks of age.

At What Age Do You Stop Vaccinating Your Dog?

You do not stop vaccinating your dog but follow the vaccination schedules for each vaccine for life. Usually, this means boosters every one to three years.

Can Small Dogs or Puppies Have a Half Dose of Vaccine?

No, small dogs and puppies should not have a half dose of vaccine. All dogs, regardless of size, should receive the same dose of vaccine. When vaccines are tested, all dogs in the test group received the same dose of vaccine which has been proven safe for dogs of all sizes at the recommended dosage. It is important to give the full dose of vaccine for the body to properly create antibodies and build immunity against diseases. Failing to give the full dose could leave your pet unprotected against disease. Also, there is no evidence that smaller doses of vaccinations are associated with a decreased likelihood of vaccine reactions.

What Happens if You Miss Your Dog’s Vaccinations?

It depends on the vaccine. Sometimes it is enough to take a new vaccine shot as soon as possible and sometimes you have to repeat a basic vaccination with two vaccinations. Ask your local vet.

Do Dogs Need a Parvo Shot Every Year?

No, after the vaccination at 6 months – one year of age, the dog only needs boosters every three years.

Abbreviations Related to Dog Vaccines

Abbreviation	Explanation
DA2PP Vaccine	Vaccine against: D – Distemper A2 – Adenovirus-2 (Hepatitis) P – Parvovirus P – Parainfluenza
DHP Vaccine	Vaccine against: D – Distemper H – Hepatitis (Adenovirus-2) P – Parvovirus
DAP Vaccine	Vaccine against: D – Distemper A – Adenovirus-2 (Hepatitis) P – Parvovirus
DHPP Vaccine	Vaccine against: D – Distemper H – Hepatitis (Adenovirus-2) P – Parvovirus P – Parainfluenza
MLV	Modified Live Virus
DOI	Duration of immunity
CPV	Canine Parvo Vaccine
DPV	Distemper Parvo Vaccine

Disclaimer and Sorces

Tizard, I. R. (2021). Canine vaccines. Vaccines for Veterinarians, 153-166. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-68299-2.00022-8

World Small Animal Veterinary Association https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/WSAVA-Vaccination-Guidelines-2015.pdf

American Animal Hospital Association https://www.aaha.org/

Merck Veterinary Manual https://www.msdvetmanual.com/

http://www.rabiesaware.org/