Core Dog Vaccines at a Glance
Puppy Vaccine Schedule
| Vaccine | Protects Against | Schedule | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHPP | Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Parainfluenza | Kitten series + boosters | $20-40 |
| Rabies | Rabies virus (zoonotic) | Single dose at 12-16 wks | $15-30 |
| Bordetella (Non-Core) | Kennel Cough | Risk-based (boarding, daycare) | $15-30 |
Vaccination Checklist
| Start vaccines at 6-8 weeks | |
| Complete 3-shot puppy series | |
| Keep vaccination records current | |
| Skip rabies (legally required) | |
| Expose puppy to dog parks before 16 wks | |
| Assume adult dogs are fully covered |
Core Dog Vaccines: What They Are, When, and Why
Canine parvovirus can kill a puppy in 72 hours. Distemper causes neurological damage that is sometimes permanent. Rabies is 100% fatal once neurological symptoms appear. These diseases still circulate — parvo outbreaks occur every year in unvaccinated populations — and they are entirely preventable. Understanding your dog's vaccine schedule is basic ownership knowledge that protects your dog and others. This guide provides educational context; your vet will develop a protocol based on your dog's age, lifestyle, and location.
| Vaccine | Core/Non-Core | Protects Against |
|---|---|---|
| Rabies | Core + legally required | Rabies |
| DAP/DHPP | Core | Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus |
| Bordetella | Non-core | Kennel cough (required by most boarding) |
| Leptospirosis | Non-core (core in high-risk areas) | Bacterial disease from water/wildlife |
| Lyme | Non-core (recommended in tick-risk areas) | Lyme disease |
| Canine Influenza | Non-core (high-exposure dogs) | Dog flu (H3N8, H3N2) |
The Puppy Series: Why Multiple Shots?
Puppies receive antibodies from their mother (maternal antibodies) that protect them in early life but also interfere with vaccine response. The problem is that maternal antibody levels vary between puppies and we don't know exactly when they wane. The puppy series (typically at 8, 12, and 16 weeks) gives multiple chances to catch the window when maternal antibodies have fallen enough for the vaccine to work. Missing or delaying shots in this series leaves gaps in protection. Puppies are not fully protected until 1–2 weeks after the final puppy shot.
Over-Vaccination Concerns: Where They're Warranted
The shift from annual to triennial core boosters in adult dogs reflects evidence that protection from core vaccines lasts 3 or more years. Annual boosters for vaccines that provide 3+ years of immunity are unnecessary. At the same time, core vaccines should not be skipped entirely based on unwarranted concerns about side effects — the diseases prevented are far more dangerous than the very rare serious vaccine reactions. Your vet can help calibrate the right schedule for your specific dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the core vaccines for dogs?
The AAHA designates four core vaccines for dogs: rabies (legally required in most US states), and the combination vaccine covering Distemper, Parvovirus, and Adenovirus (DAP/DHPP). These protect against life-threatening diseases all dogs are at risk for regardless of lifestyle.
How often does my adult dog need boosters?
After the initial puppy series and 1-year boosters, the AAHA 2022 guidelines recommend core vaccines (DAP) every 3 years, not annually. Rabies follows your state's legal requirements. Non-core vaccines like Bordetella may need annual boosters.
What are titer tests and are they a valid alternative to vaccines?
Titer tests measure antibody levels to show whether a dog has immune protection from previous vaccination. They are a reasonable alternative to reflexive boosters for core vaccines in adult dogs. However, they cannot replace the legally required rabies vaccine in most jurisdictions.