|

Ask a Vet: What Vaccines do Dogs Need?

Female vet using a green stethoscope to listen to the heat of a brown and white husky.

When you bring your dog to the vet, you are presented with an often overwhelming amount of vaccine recommendations making it hard to determine exactly what vaccines your specific dog needs. Unfortunately, with the limited time available during your pet’s appointment it can be difficult to discuss every recommendation and available options at length. Well, this article will go over dog vaccines in hope to answer any questions you may have, clarify any confusion, and hopefully give you the knowledge to determine what vaccines are needed for your specific dog. Let’s get started!

What vaccines are available for dogs? 

The vaccines available for dogs include: rabies, distemper, bordetella, leptospirosis, lyme disease, and influenza. Below I will go over what each vaccine is for. 

The rabies vaccine is considered a “core” vaccine meaning that vets recommend the the vaccine for all dogs. It is important to note that rabies vaccination is typically required by law.

  • Vaccination timeline: 
    • 1st vaccine: given at 16 weeks old
    • Vaccine boosted: 1 year after initial vaccination 
    • All remaining vaccine boosters: given every 3 years 
  • Cause: Rabies virus
  • Spread: Bite from an infected animal (ie racoon, bat, skunk, fox)
  • Symptoms
    • Behavior changes
    • Drooling
    • Muscle spasms
    • Progressive paralysis (unable to walk)
    • Death
  • Testing/Diagnosis: testing of brain tissue from the infected animal
  • Treatment: no specific treatment exists at this time

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and can infect all mammals, including humans. Most commonly, rabies is transmitted through a bite of an infected animal; such as racoons, bats, skunks, and foxes. The nearer the bite is to the brain and spinal cord, the quicker the virus can reach the central nervous system. However, symptoms can start anywhere from 10 days to 4 months or even longer after exposure. When symptoms start can also depend on the severity of the bite and how much virus was transmitted. Therefore, if a potentially rabid animal bites a dog or if a dog bites a human it is required by law to quarantine the dog for a set number of days to monitor for rabies symptoms. This is for public safety purposes to prevent the spread of rabies. 

Distemper is another”core” vaccine that vets recommend for all dogs. 

  • Vaccination timeline: 
    • 1st vaccine: given at 6-8 weeks of age
    • Vaccine boosted: every 2-4 weeks until >16 weeks old
    • Final puppy booster (once >16 weeks) is good for 1 year
    • All remaining vaccine boosters: given every 3 years 

**NOTE: The distemper vaccine typically covers not only distemper, but also parvovirus, adenovirus type 2, and sometimes parainfluenza. 


  • Cause: Distemper virus
  • Spread
    • Direct contact of respiratory secretions of an infected animal (ie saliva, snot, etc.)
    • Direct contact with urine of an infected animal  
    • In utero (an infected pregnant dog can pass the virus to unborn puppies)
  • Symptoms: (variable depending on organ system affected) 
    • Vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • Decreased appetite
    • Decreased energy
    • Cough
    • Eye and nose discharge
    • Stumbling
    • Muscle twitches
    • Seizures
    • Hardening/thickening of foot pads and/or nose
  • Testing/Diagnosis: Testing from a nasal swab sample and/or spinal fluid 
  • Treatment: No specific treatment exists at this time. Dogs are treated with supportive care to help decrease symptoms 

Distemper is a severe and contagious viral disease that affects the respiratory tract (lungs), gastrointestinal tract (guts), and nervous system (brain) of dogs. It is typically spread through direct contact with an infected dog, and can be spread via coughing/sneezing over short distances. Because the distemper virus can infect multiple organ systems, symptoms can vary. The virus can cause GI signs, such as vomiting and diarrhea; respiratory signs, such as discharge from the eyes and nose; and neurological signs, such as stumbling and seizures. It can also cause thickening and hardening of footpads and the nose. 

Unfortunately there is no specific treatment/cure. Instead, dogs are treated with supportive care to help control their symptoms. Possible treatments may include antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections, fluids to correct dehydration, anti-nausea and/or anti-diarrhea medication, seizure medication, etc


  • Cause: Adenovirus-2 (CAV-2), Parainfluenza, (and Bordetella but that’s a separate vaccine) 
  • Spread: Direct contact of respiratory secretions from an infected animal (i.e. saliva, snot, etc.)
  • Symptoms
    • Dry hacking cough
    • Retching (the dogs seems like it is going to vomit but nothing comes up, some owners describe retching as the dog “trying to clear its throat”)
    • Sneezing
    • Discharge from the nose
    • Decreased appetite
    • Deceased energy
  • Testing/Diagnosis: Testing from a nasal swab sample
  • Treatment: Supportive care if needed (infections often mild and resolve on their own)

Adenovirus and parainfluenza are considered causative agents of canine infectious respiratory disease (a.k.a infectious tracheobronchitis or kennel cough). They are very contagious between dogs, and can quickly become problematic in places where a large number of dogs are housed, such as shelters and boarding facilities. As a virus, there is no specific treatment available. Antibiotics can be used to address any secondary bacterial infections, but an infected dog is usually able to clear the virus on their own without any treatment. 

Although parainfluenza can cause similar symptoms as influenza, the similarity ends there. It is also important to note that not all distemper vaccines include parainfluenza, so be sure to ask your veterinarian if the vaccine they carry covers parainfluenza as well. 

Adenovirus-2 only affects the respiratory system (lungs). However, there is also an adenovirus-1 that effects other parts of the body (see below). Adenovirus-1 is not directly included in the distemper vaccine, but the adenovirus-2 vaccine component provides complete protection against adenovirus-1 as well. 


  • Cause: Adenovirus-1 (CAV-1)
  • Spread: Direct contact with respiratory secretions (ie saliva, snot, etc.) and/or urine from an infected dog
  • Symptoms
    • Decreased energy
    • Decreased appetite
    • Clouding of the eyes (a.k.a blue eye)
    • Eye and nose discharge
    • Coughing 
    • Vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • Yellow discoloration of the skin/gums/eyes (a.k.a jaundice)
    • Bleeding
  • Testing/Diagnosis
    • Testing on saliva, nasal discharge, and/or urine
    • Blood testing for detect virus antibodies
  • Treatment: No specific treatment exists, hospitalization is typically needed to stabilize an infected dog and control symptoms

Infectious canine hepatitis is a contagious viral disease that affects not only the liver, but also the lungs, kidneys, blood vessels, spleen, and sometimes other organs as well. Due to widespread vaccination, infectious canine hepatitis is rarely seen nowadays. However, puppies and adult unvaccinated dogs are at higher risk of catching the potentially deadly virus.

Dogs that receive immediate vet care may recover, but extensive supportive care is typically needed for stabilization. This may include: IV fluids, blood transfusions, antibiotics for secondary infections, pain relievers, anti-nausea medications, anti-inflammatory medications, eye medications, and more. Although dogs can recover from the virus, they often have lifelong kidney and/or eye problems


  • Cause: Parvovirus-2 (CPV-2)
  • Spread
    • Direct contact with poop of an infected dog 
    • Contact with a virus-contaminated surface (ie. kennel, blankets, clothing, feet, hair, etc.) 
  • Symptoms:
    • Decreased energy
    • Decreased appetite
    • Vomiting
    • Bloody diarrhea
    • Bloated-appearing belly
    • Abdominal pain
  • Testing/Diagnosis: fecal testing
  • Treatment: Supportive care to help with symptoms and correct dehydration, hospitalization recommended 

Parvovirus is a very contagious viral disease that commonly causes sudden and severe gastrointestinal (gut) issues in puppies. Unlike most viruses, parvo can survive in the environment outside of an animal. In addition, heat and many disinfectants are unable to kill the virus. This means that infected fecal material on clothing/shoes/objects as well as kennels and the hair of infected dogs can spread the virus. Unlike many other viruses, direct contact is therefore not needed to spread the disease. 

Historically there has been no specific treatment, but dogs can make a full recovery with intense supportive care. This typically includes a few days of hospitalization for IV fluids, antibiotics to control secondary bacterial infection, anti-nausea medications, etc. More recently, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved a new treatment for canine parvovirus that can decrease the amount of supportive care needed and speed recovery of parvo-infected dogs. The vet administers the treatment IV (in the vein). Ultimately, the treatment works by blocking the virus from entering and destroying intestinal cells.

Bordetella is a “lifestyle” vaccine. Dogs that are around other dogs (ie. dogs that go to boarding/daycare, dogs that go to dog parks, dogs that go to grooming, etc.) need this vaccine.

  • Vaccination timeline: 
    • 1st vaccine: anytime >6 weeks of age
    • Vaccine then boosted yearly 
  • Cause: Bordetella bronchiseptica (bacteria)
  • Spread: Direct contact with respiratory secretions (saliva, snot, etc.) from an infected dog
  • Symptoms
    • Dry hacking cough
    • Retching (as discussed earlier)
    • Sneezing
    • Discharge from the nose
    • Decreased appetite
    • Decreased energy
  • Testing/Diagnosis: Testing from a nasal swab
  • Treatment: supportive care if needed (infections are often mild and infected dogs are able to clear the bacteria on their)

Bordetella, like parainfluenza and adenovirus-2, is a cause of canine infectious respiratory disease. It is more commonly known as “kennel cough”. Bordetella is very contagious between dogs, and can quickly become problematic in places where a large number of dogs are housed, such as shelters and boarding facilities. Thankfully, the symptoms are typically mild and dogs can often recover from the bacteria on their own. However, antibiotics are sometimes needed if symptoms are more severe. 

Bordetella is often not diagnosed via testing. Instead the vet will likely make a presumptive (possible) diagnosis based on a dog’s history and physical exam. The gold standard would be to get a diagnosis by testing the nasal discharge of an infected animal. However, diagnosis typically does not change the recommended treatment. 

Lepto is a “lifestyle” vaccine. Dogs that are around standing/slow-moving water (ie, streams and ponds) need this vaccine. However, I recommend the vaccine for ALL dogs no matter their geographical location, breed, age, lifestyle, etc. because all dogs are at risk of acquiring the disease. The virus can be found in soil and even large cities due to rodents.

  • Vaccination timeline: 
    • 1st vaccine: anytime >10 weeks of age
    • Vaccine boosted: 2-4 weeks after initial vaccine
    • Vaccine then boosted yearly
  • Cause: Leptospira (bacteria)
  • Spread: contact with urine of an infected animal (wildlife, rodents, livestock, dog, etc.) 
  • Symptoms
    • Decreased energy
    • Deceased appetite
    • Vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • Increased thirst and/or urination
    • Weight loss
    • Yellow discoloration of the skin (a.k.a. jaundice)
    • Kidney failure 
    • Liver failure
    • Bleeding 
    • Death
  • Testing/Diagnosis: Testing on blood and urine to look for the bacteria itself and/or antibodies against the bacteria
  • Treatment: Antibiotics and supportive care 

In some dogs, lepto does not cause symptoms and the dog can clear the infection on their own. However, these dogs can still spread the disease to others, including humans. Therefore, vaccinating a dog against lepto not only protects the dog, but also benefits public health by decreasing possible spread to humans.

Although some dogs may show little clinical signs of disease, others may develop life-threatening kidney and/or liver failure and even bleeding disorders. However, the good news is that since Leptospira is a bacteria, it can be treated with antibiotics. Depending on the severity of the infection and symptoms, an infected dog will likely need additional care. This can range from oral medications given at home to hospitalization. When lepto is treated early the possibility for recovery is overall good, but the dog may have permanent kidney and/or liver damage from the disease. 

The Lyme vaccine is a “lifestyle” vaccine. Dogs that live near wooded areas, dogs that go camping and/or hiking, etc. need this vaccine. Any dog exposed to areas with a high tick population would benefit from the vaccine. 

  • Vaccination timeline: 
    • 1st vaccine: anytime >10 weeks of age
    • Vaccine boosted: 2-4 weeks after initial vaccine
    • Vaccine then boosted yearly
  • Cause: Borrelia burgdorferi (bacteria) 
  • Spread: Bite from an infected deer tick (a.k.a. black-legged tick) 
  • Symptoms:
    • Decreased energy 
    • Decreased appetite
    • General pain
    • Shifting leg lameness
    • Fever
    • Vomiting
  • Testing/Diagnosis: Blood testing to look for and quantify (count) antibodies to determine if treatment is indicated
  • Treatment: Antibiotics (typically doxycycline) and supportive care 

Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, which is spread through the bite of an infected deer tick. The majority of exposed dogs never develop symptoms. However, when pets do become ill, symptoms typically do not occur for weeks to months following exposure. Unfortunately, some dogs will get a very concerning and sometimes fatal kidney condition called Lyme nephritis, which is why routine testing is recommended to screen for Lyme disease even in healthy dogs.

The most common test for Lyme disease is called a 4DX test, which is a blood test that not only detects antibodies for Lyme, but also heartworm and two other tick borne diseases. A positive test result means that a dog has been exposed to the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, but it does not mean that the dog has an active infection. A dog’s own immune system may have already cleared the infection by the time it was detected, which can make treatment recommendations a bit difficult. 

Based on the most up-to-date research, vets recommend that dogs that have a positive 4DX test for Lyme get additional diagnostics to help determine if treatment is needed. If indicated, the vet will start the infected dog on an appropriate antibiotic (typically one month of doxycycline).

The Influenza vaccine is another “lifestyle” vaccine. Like Bordetella, many vets recommend this vaccine for dogs that are around other dogs (ie. dogs that go to boarding/daycare, dogs that go to dog parks, dogs that go to grooming, etc.).

  • Vaccination timeline: 
    • 1st vaccine: anytime >10 weeks of age
    • Vaccine boosted: 2-4 weeks after initial vaccine
    • Vaccine then boosted yearly
  • Cause: An H3N8 virus and an H3N2 virus
  • Spread
    • Direct contact with respiratory secretions (saliva, snot, etc.) from an infected dog
    • Aerosolized respiratory droplets (from barking, coughing, etc.)
    • Contaminated objects (ie. toys, food bowls, etc.)
    • Clothing and skin of people who contacted an infected dog
  • Symptoms
    • Decreased energy
    • Decreased appetite
    • Coughing
    • Eye and nose discharge
    • Fever
    • Lethargy
  • Testing/Diagnosis: Testing on a nasal/oral/eye swab 
  • Treatment: Supportive care to help with symptoms (ie. fluids, nebulization, appetite stimulant, etc.) 

Canine influenza, also known as the dog flu, is caused by two type A influenza viruses and results in symptoms similar to that of kennel cough. The most common symptom is coughing, which typically lasts for 1-3 weeks. However, about 20% of infected dogs never develop symptoms. It is important to note that dogs without any symptoms can still spread the virus for up to 4 weeks after exposure.

To diagnose a dog with influenza, the vet tests a swab from the dog’s mouth, nose, and/or eye. Although a diagnosis is important to help prevent spread of the virus, it likely will not change the treatment recommendations. Since influenza is caused by a virus, antibiotics are ineffective. Instead, treatment is focused on supportive care to help control the dog’s symptoms.

Female vet smiling at a brown and white husky.

References

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *