Dog Vaccination Guide: Schedule, Core Vaccines & Care

Why Dog Vaccines Matter

Vaccines help protect your dog from serious diseases by preparing the immune system before exposure happens.

Staying current with vaccines is one of the simplest ways to support your dog's long-term health.

Core Vaccines for Dogs

Core vaccines are usually recommended for most dogs because they protect against serious and widespread diseases.

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Your vet can help decide the safest schedule for your dog based on age, lifestyle and local risk.

Typical Puppy Vaccine Timeline

Exact timing can vary. Always follow your veterinarian's advice.

Core vaccines and lifestyle decisions

A U.S. vaccination plan begins with core protection, then adds vaccines based on the dog's actual exposure. The American Animal Hospital Association lists distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, leptospirosis and rabies among core considerations in its current canine guidance; Bordetella, Lyme disease and canine influenza decisions depend on factors such as boarding, travel, wildlife, ticks and regional disease activity.

Rabies requirements are set by state and local law, so an online calendar cannot replace the certificate and due date issued by your clinic. Puppies, adult dogs with unknown records and dogs that are overdue can require different series or booster decisions.

What to record and when to call

• Vaccine name and manufacturer, date given, clinic, certificate number when relevant and next due date.
• Any prior reaction, current medication, pregnancy, immune condition or upcoming boarding requirement.
• The difference between a legal due date and a reminder you created yourself.

Mild sleepiness or soreness can occur after vaccination. Facial swelling, trouble breathing, repeated vomiting, collapse or rapidly worsening symptoms require urgent veterinary advice.

Source checked: AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines.