Why vaccinate?
Vaccines protect your dog from infectious diseases that are difficult to treat and often fatal (canine parvovirus, distemper). Some protect public health (rabies). Herd immunity at the population level also protects dogs who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons — which is only possible if vaccination rates stay high.
Core vaccines — recommended for every dog
Per WSAVA guidelines, these are recommended regardless of lifestyle or location:
- Canine distemper virus (CDV)
- Canine adenovirus (CAV-2) — cross-protects against hepatitis (CAV-1)
- Canine parvovirus (CPV-2)
- Canine parainfluenza (CPiV) — usually included in combination vaccines
- Rabies: legally required in most countries outside the UK; required in the UK for travel. Some US states mandate it.
Puppy vaccination schedule
| Age | Vaccine |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | First DHPP dose (distemper + hepatitis + parvo + parainfluenza) |
| 10–12 weeks | Second DHPP dose |
| 14–16 weeks | Third DHPP dose + Rabies (where required) |
| 6–12 months | DHPP booster |
The third dose must not be given before 14–16 weeks. Maternal antibodies can neutralise earlier doses — the window closes around 14–16 weeks and this final puppy dose is the one that induces lasting immunity.
Non-core vaccines — assess based on risk
- Leptospirosis: recommended for dogs with exposure to standing water, rodents or livestock. Annual booster required.
- Bordetella bronchiseptica + CPiV (Kennel cough): for dogs that attend boarding kennels, dog shows or daycare.
- Lyme disease (Borrelia): available in North America and some European countries; recommended in high tick-burden areas.
Adult booster intervals
- DHPP (core): WSAVA recommends every 3 years after completed primary course — immunity duration is documented ≥3 years for all three components.
- Rabies: varies by product and jurisdiction — 1 or 3 years.
- Leptospirosis: annual — immunity duration is shorter.
Some vets still recommend annual DHPP — this is not supported by current evidence but reflects older practice. Discuss with your vet and consider titre testing to check existing immunity before boostering.
Vaccine reactions
Most dogs tolerate vaccines without issue. Normal mild reactions: sleepiness, local soreness, low-grade fever for 24–48h. Severe reactions (hives, facial swelling, vomiting, breathing difficulty) are rare but need immediate veterinary attention — keep your dog at the practice for 30 minutes after vaccination.