Vet-recommended dog vaccines help keep dogs and puppies safe from a variety of transmissible diseases. As a crucial part of preventive (routine) care for dogs, vaccines boost your dog’s immunity to fight against diseases that can be transmitted through direct contact, contaminated surfaces, and so on.
This guide by Sploot Vets talks about dog vaccines, including the rabies vaccine for dogs, DHPP vaccine (Distemper vaccine, Parvo vaccine, etc) for dogs, and more! We also talk about the general dog vaccines schedule for first-time vaccinations and vaccine updates..
Overview:
- Dog vaccines can either be core or non-core. Core vaccinations are generally recommended for all—while non-core dog vaccines are recommended based on location, lifestyle, and other factors.
- Vaccines for puppies and ongoing vaccine updates follow a specific dog vaccines’ schedule for maximum protection.
- Some vaccines are required—by the state or dog-friendly establishments (e.g. dog boarding, dog daycare).
What Kind of Vaccines Do Dogs Need?
Depending on your region, activities you enjoy with your dog, and how often your dog interacts with other pets, different sets of canine vaccines will be recommended to you by your veterinarian.
Note: Aside from the rabies vaccine for dogs, other recommended vaccines may include the DHPP vaccine for dogs, the Bordetella vaccine for dogs, the Lepto vaccine for dogs, and more.
1. Required Canine Vaccines in Denver & Colorado Springs
If you reside in Denver, Colorado Springs, or any area within the state of Colorado, the rabies vaccine for dogs is a legal requirement for dogs 4 months and older.
Furthermore, in places like dog parks and dog boarding facilities, the following dog vaccinations are typically required, along with the rabies vaccine for dogs:
- DHPP vaccine for dogs (aka the DAPP vaccine for dogs)
- Bordetella vaccine for dogs
- Canine influenza vaccine (may be strongly recommended in some establishments)
Note: Establishments may require other additional vaccines. Make sure to check in advance!
2. Required Canine Vaccines in Chicago, Illinois
If you reside in Illinois, rabies vaccine for dogs is legally required for dogs that are 4 months old or more.
Establishments like dog boarding facilities will typically require the following vaccines, on top of the Rabies vaccine for dogs:
- DHPP vaccine for dogs (aka the DAPP vaccine for dogs)
- Bordetella vaccine for dogs
- Leptospirosis vaccine for dogs (in select establishments)
- Canine influenza vaccine (in select establishments)
Note: Keep in mind that additional vaccines may be mandated by establishments. We recommend verifying this information in advance.
I. Commonly Required Core Dog Vaccines
Regardless of where you are, the most commonly required and recommended dog vaccines are the following:
1. Rabies Vaccine for Dogs
The rabies vaccine for dogs builds up immunity against this deadly viral disease that affects the central nervous system. Rabies is deadly to both humans and pets. This puts the rabies vaccine for dogs at the very top of the list of must-have, core canine vaccines.
a. Rabies Symptoms in Dogs
Rabies produces symptoms in dogs like fever, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, aggressive behavior, seizures, and paralysis.
Note: Symptoms of rabies can present differently for dogs, cats, and younger pets. Learn More — Signs of Rabies in Dogs & Cats [All Ages]
b. Rabies Transmission
Dogs can contract the rabies virus through the following modes of transmission:
- Getting bitten by a rabid animal
- Coming in contact with the saliva, spinal tissue, or brain matter of an infected animal (whether living or dead.)
→ Jump to the Rabies dog vaccine schedule.
c. Rabies Protocol for Suspected Infections in Dogs
Being one of the most dangerous diseases to mammals, certain actions need to be taken if rabies is suspected in dogs, such as the following:
- If someone is bitten or scratched by a suspected rabid dog (or another rabid animal), promptly reach out to your healthcare provider and local public health department.
- A suspected rabid dog must undergo quarantine measures to safeguard the household and community. This also enables close observation of the potentially rabid dog, aiding in assessing the need for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for individuals exposed to the dog.
- Rabid animals might exhibit aggressive behavior. If assistance is required, please contact your local animal control authorities.
- In the event that the source of rabies is uncontained (e.g., a loose rabid pet, a stray dog or cat, or rabies reservoir species such as bats, skunks, and raccoons), please reach out to local animal control authorities.
2. DHPP Vaccine for Dogs or DAPP Vaccine for Dogs [4-in-1]
The DHPP vaccine for dogs, also known as the DAPP vaccine for dogs, is a 4-in-1 vaccine that builds up your dog’s immunity against the following:
- (D) Distemper in dogs — a transmissible disease affecting multiple systems; life-threatening and potentially fatal.
- (H) Canine hepatitis—a transmissible infection; can lead to lifelong chronic symptoms.
- (P) Canine parvovirus —a highly contagious disease; fatal in some cases (e.g. puppies).
- (P) Canine parainfluenza—a highly contagious disease
Note: The DHPP vaccine is the same as the DAPP vaccine for dogs. The ‘H’ as in ‘Hepatitis’ (the disease) is sometimes interchanged with ‘A’ as in ‘Adenovirus 1’ (the pathogen causing hepatitis).
2.1. Distemper Vaccine for Dogs
Distemper in dogs, caused by the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), is one of the most contagious and potentially deadly viral infections that dogs can get. Distemper will also lead to lifelong side effects for dogs that survive the illness.
Therefore, the distemper vaccine, typically included in the DHPP vaccine for dogs, is one of the most important core dog vaccines to get.
a. Canine Distemper Symptoms
Distemper affects the dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous system. Common symptoms of distemper in dogs include coughing, lethargy, fever, reduced appetite, vomiting, nasal discharge, and thickened skin on the paws and nose.
b. Canine Distemper Transmission
Distemper in dogs can be transmitted via:
- Direct contact with an infected animal
- Being in close proximity to an infected dog that is coughing.
→ Jump to the DHPP dog vaccine schedule.
2.2. Canine Hepatitis Vaccine
Canine hepatitis is caused by the canine adenovirus 1, is a viral, contagious disease that targets the dog’s liver and can cause chronic problems.
Though acute hepatitis may be cured in some cases, chronic hepatitis in dogs cannot be cured, necessitating constant monitoring and treatment. For this reason, the canine hepatitis vaccine, a component of the DHPP vaccine for dogs, is a must.
a. Canine Hepatitis Symptoms
Symptoms of canine hepatitis include fever, lethargy, thirst, loss of appetite, an enlarged abdomen, jaundice, congestion of mucous membranes, deficiency of blood clotting, and a very low white blood cell count.
b. Canine Hepatitis Transmission
Canine hepatitis is only transmissible between dogs and members of the canine family (e.g. foxes.) This disease is spread via direct contact between infected pets or animals.
→ Jump to the DHPP dog vaccine schedule.
2.3. Parvovirus Vaccine for Dogs
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral, gastrointestinal disease that can produce serious complications. Though more common in puppies, parvovirus can infect older dogs too.
Given that a parvovirus infection in dogs can lead to life-threatening symptoms (especially for puppies), immunization through the parvo vaccine for dogs is vital.
a. Canine Parvovirus Symptoms
The symptoms of canine parvovirus include lethargy, lack or complete loss of appetite, sudden fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Though CPV is not always fatal, in some cases, it can produce life-threatening dehydration or shock.
b. Canine Parvovirus Transmission
Canine parvovirus is spread via:
- Contact with a contaminated object or surface
- Ingestion of an infected animal’s feces—whether from infected pets or infected wild animals (e.g. raccoons, coyotes, & minks)
→ Jump to the DHPP dog vaccine schedule.
2.4. Canine Parainfluenza
Canine parainfluenza is a highly contagious viral disease that impacts the respiratory system. Though this disease is typically not fatal by itself, it can make a dog susceptible to pneumonia, leading to more serious respiratory symptoms. For this reason, this fourth component of the DHPP or DAPP vaccine for dogs is highly recommended.
a. Canine Parainfluenza Symptoms
Symptoms of canine parainfluenza include coughing, fever, lack of energy or weakness, nasal discharge, and loss of appetite.
b. Canine Parainfluenza Transmission
The canine parainfluenza virus is typically spread through:
- Direct contact with an infected animal
- Respiratory droplets from a coughing or sneezing infected animal
→ Jump to the DHPP dog vaccine schedule.
3. Leptospirosis Vaccine for Dogs (H3)
Leptospirosis targets the liver and kidneys of the dog or infected animal. If leptospirosis causes enough systemic damage, the dog may sustain lasting kidney or liver damage or may not survive. This disease can also be transmitted to humans.
The lepto vaccine for dogs prevents the potentially fatal leptospirosis infection in dogs as well as transmission to humans, making it a must-have core vaccine.
a. Leptospirosis Symptoms
The symptoms of leptospirosis in dogs include shivering, fever, muscle tenderness, difficulty in moving, lethargy, increased thirst, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and jaundice (i.e. the yellowing of the dog’s mucous membranes and skin). Leptospirosis also causes a painful inflammation within the eyes.
b. Leptospirosis Transmission
Leptospirosis is spread via:
- Contact with an infected animal’s urine (including certain backyard wildlife).
- Contact with contaminated water or soil (the bacteria can be infectious for weeks to months.)
Sploot veterinarian Dr. Sylvia Berns, DVM explains further: “This is a bacteria that is commonly seen in backyard wildlife including but not limited to foxes, skunks, coyotes, raccoons and even squirrels. The bacteria can be found in puddles of water and stagnant water."
→ Jump to the Leptospirosis dog vaccine schedule.
II. Non-Core Dog Vaccines
The American Animal Hospital Association categorizes the following dog vaccines as “non-core.” These are recommended based on specific lifestyle profiles, geographical locations, and individual needs.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The term ‘non-core’ may lead some to mistakenly think that these are not as important as core vaccines. However, IF recommended by your vet, these vaccines are vital. The absence of some of these non-core vaccines can lead to fatal consequences for dogs—as well as disease that are transmissible to humans.
1. Bordetella Vaccine for Dogs
Not to be confused with Bordetella pertussis (cause of whooping cough in humans), Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium that causes bordetella or kennel cough in dogs, a contagious respiratory disease.
Note: Bacterium bronchiseptica can infect humans but cases of this are extremely rare, even with immunocompromised individuals.
Though kennel cough does NOT typically produce life-threatening symptoms, it can lead to pneumonia in some rare cases. It can also be highly contagious in environments with multiple dogs—which is why the bordetella vaccine for dogs is typically required by dog boarding establishments.
Note: Some establishments require dogs to have this vaccine every 6 months so it’s recommended for pet parents to check with each individual establishment.
Bordetella or Kennel Cough Symptoms
Bordetella or kennel cough in dogs typically produces a dry hacking cough, typically accompanied by retching and clear nasal discharge.
Bordetella or Kennel Cough Transmission
Kennel cough is spread via:
- Direct contact with an infected animal
- Airborne droplets from an infected animal.
→ Jump to the Bordetella dog vaccine schedule.
2. Canine Influenza Vaccine
Canine influenza, also known as dog flu, is a contagious viral disease caused by Type A influenza viruses that infect dogs. This viral infection targets the dog’s respiratory system.
The canine influenza vaccine protects dogs from a potentially severe or lethal infection. Vets typically recommend this vaccine to dogs that socialize or go to a dog boarding facility.
a. Canine Influenza Symptoms
Canine influenza produces symptoms like fever, runny nose, cough, lethargy, eye discharge, and loss of appetite in infected dogs. The severity of a canine influenza infection ranges from mild to severe, with some cases leading to pneumonia or fatality.
b. Canine Influenza Transmission
Canine influenza is contracted via:
- Being in close contact with dogs that have the viral infection
- Airborne droplets from the barking/coughing of infected animals.
3. Lyme Disease Vaccine for Dogs
Lyme disease in dogs is caused by a bacteria known as Borrelia burgdorferi from blacklegged ticks. This disease can damage the heart, kidneys, and nervous system. Lyme disease in dogs is different to that of humans and is therefore non-transmissible to pet owners.
The Lyme disease vaccine protects dogs from potential lifelong health issues, making it essential IF recommended by your vet. This vaccine is often recommended for residential areas or destinations where there is a high risk of exposure to blacklegged ticks.
a. Lyme Disease in Dogs Symptoms
Lyme disease in dogs leads to symptoms like fever, joint pain, lethargy, swelling of lymph nodes, and loss of appetite.
b. Lyme Disease in Dogs Transmission
This type of bacteria is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. Animals with the tick can pass it on to other animals, thereby spreading the disease.
III. Common Dog Vaccines Schedules
Following a dog vaccination schedule ensures that immunization is built up in the dog and is maintained properly. Here are the dog vaccines schedule for the most commonly recommended canine vaccines:
Note: Need a hassle-free way to stay on top of your dog’s vaccine schedule? Download the Sploot Vets app today for helpful pet care notifications—from vaccines to heartworm preventives and more!
1. Dog Vaccines Schedule: Rabies Vaccine
Initial Vaccination
- First shot = within 10 - 16 weeks of age
- Follow-up booster shot = one year after first shot
Note: The above age range for the first shot is when puppies are typically vaccinated for rabies. Make sure to check with your local city or state’s ordinances or laws regarding when the rabies shot needs to be administered.
Revaccination
- Regular booster shots = every 1 - 3 years
Note: In Colorado and Illinois, rabies shots can be viable for 1 or 3 years, depending on the type recommended by your veterinarian.
2. Dog Vaccines Schedule: DHPP Vaccine [Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, & Canine Parainfluenza]
Initial Vaccination
- First shot = 1 dose, best at 6 - 8 weeks of age
- Immediate follow-up doses after the first shot = For puppies under or equal to 16 weeks of age, 3 doses spaced 2 - 4 weeks apart. For puppies or dogs (over 16 weeks of age), 2 doses spaced 2 - 4 weeks apart.
- Follow-up single dose = 1 year after the last of the serial doses
Revaccination
- Regular booster shots = Every 3 years
3. Dog Vaccines Schedule: Leptospirosis Vaccine
Initial Vaccination
- First shot = 1 dose, best at 12 weeks of age
- Immediate follow-up shot = 3 - 4 weeks after the first
- Follow-up single dose = 1 year after the last shot
Revaccination
- Regular booster shots = Yearly
4. Dog Vaccines Schedule: Bordetella Vaccine for Dogs
Initial Vaccination
- First shot = 1 dose, as recommended by vet or as required by establishments
Revaccination
- Regular booster shots = Yearly
Note: As mentioned earlier, some establishments (e.g. grooming salons, dog daycare facilities) require revaccination of the bordetella vaccine every 6 months. It’s always best to double-check with each individual establishment to know what their vaccine requirements are.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Vaccines
How Long Can a Dog Go Without Shots?
All vaccines follow guidelines on scheduling and number of doses. These practices ensure that immunity is maintained.
If your dog misses a vaccination or revaccination schedule, consult a trusted vet. The vet will generally recommend that the missed shot be administered as soon as possible. In some cases, blood tests may be required to measure your pet’s immunity.
What If My Dog Never Got Shots?
If your dog has never received any vaccines, consult a vet. You’ll likely be advised to start the vaccination process as soon as possible — especially if your dog is at risk of exposure to certain diseases due to their environment or lifestyle.
In some cases, the veterinarian may need to perform blood tests to check for existing immunity before administering dog vaccines.
In any case, your veterinarian will determine the required dog vaccines schedule of both core vaccines and additional recommended vaccines for your pet.
Hassle-Free Dog Vaccination at Sploot Vets
We hope you found this complete guide on dog vaccines helpful! We covered everything from rabies vaccine for dogs to DHPP vaccine for dogs—and more! If you have specific questions about canine vaccines, we’re here for you!
Sploot Veterinary Care is a trusted veterinary care provider for all-in-one care, including primary care, urgent pet care, and emergency vet services. We offer utmost convenience, with numerous Denver and Chicago vet clinics open 365 days a year, for extended hours.
So whether you have questions about recommended dog vaccines or the dog vaccine schedule, book a vaccination appointment today! Schedule your appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app!
