Which vaccines are needed in dogs?
Depending on your locality, some infections may be more or less likely. The range of vaccines available includes rabies, distemper, adenovirus / infectious canine hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, coronavirus, Lyme disease, and Bordetella bronchiseptica (for details on these diseases, see our handouts on each individual topic). These vaccines are often available in combinations that can be given in one dose. Combination vaccines are convenient and avoid extra injections for your dog, but sometimes separation of vaccines is advisable. Your veterinarian will advise you on the appropriate vaccines for your pet based on your dog's relative risks and specific lifestyle.
"Core" Vaccines - Recommended for all puppies and dogs by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Canine Vaccine Task Force:
Canine distemper virus
Canine parvovirus
Canine adenovirus-2 (hepatitis)
Leptospira spp
Rabies
Bordetella
"Non-Core" Vaccines - Recommended for puppies and dogs in special circumstances, dependent on the exposure risk of an individual dog by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Canine Vaccine Task Force:
Borrelia burgdorferi or Lyme disease
Canine parainfluenza virus
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