What Vaccines Does My Dog Really Need?
By Marta Lista DVM
As a pet parent, you want to do everything you can to keep your dog safe and healthy but when it comes to vaccines, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Which ones are truly necessary? How often should they get them?
At Trail Animal Hospital, we’re here to help you make informed, personalized decisions based on your dog’s age, lifestyle, and health. Vaccines protect your dog from serious (and sometimes deadly) diseases and keeping up to date is one of the easiest ways to protect their long-term health.
Core Vaccines: The Must-Haves for All Dogs
These vaccines are considered essential because they protect against highly contagious or life-threatening diseases:
- Rabies – Required by law in most states. Protects against a fatal virus that can affect pets and people.
- Distemper, Parvovirus & Adenovirus (Hepatitis) – Often combined in one shot called the DAPP vaccine. These viruses can be deadly and spread easily.
- Leptospirosis – A bacterial infection spread through contaminated water or soil. Can be serious and also spread to humans.
These vaccines are given in a series for puppies, followed by boosters throughout adulthood.
Lifestyle (Non-Core) Vaccines: Important Based on Exposure Risk
Your vet may recommend these depending on your dog’s environment, activities, and health:
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough) – Recommended for dogs who go to daycare, boarding, grooming, dog parks, or training classes.
- Canine Influenza – Protects against dog flu. Recommended for social dogs or during local outbreaks.
- Lyme Disease – Spread by ticks. Important for dogs who hike, camp, or live in tick-prone areas.
We’ll help you decide which ones your dog needs based on their lifestyle and exposure risk.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Puppies typically start vaccines at 8 weeks of age, with boosters every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks. After that, your dog will need booster shots as recommended to maintain protection.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Contact us if:
- You're not sure if your dog is up to date
- You’re planning to board your dog or travel soon
- Your dog hasn’t had vaccines in over a year
- You’re bringing home a new puppy or rescue
We’ll make sure your dog’s vaccination plan is safe, personalized, and stress-free.
At Trail Animal Hospital, we’re committed to treating your pets like family.
If you’re ever unsure, we’re just a phone call away ready to listen, guide you, and help your dog stay protected and healthy.