Your Complete Guide to Shots for Dogs and Puppies

Over the past few years, we have been hearing a lot about vaccines. For pet parents, these discussions have made us wonder about the kind of vaccines our dogs are getting. Are those vaccines similar to the ones given to humans? Will our dogs get sick if we decide not to vaccinate them? Can they, in turn, make us sick?  

For starters, dog vaccines are not the same as human vaccines. Typically, a dog needs protection from different viruses and bacteria than we do. But a dog can indeed pass some illnesses to human adults and children. So getting vaccines for your dog can actually protect the whole family. 

It’s important to understand what each vaccine does, and to determine (with your veterinarian) which ones your dog needs. Maybe they need more shots than they are currently getting. Maybe they need less. 

Here’s a breakdown of each major canine vaccine. Keep this article as a guide, and use it as a reference for your next vet appointment. 

The basics of core canine shots

While some vaccines are optional, others are considered central to your dog’s wellbeing, as preventative care that impacts both their quality of life and lifespan. Early investments in vaccines can also spare your wallet in the long run. If you currently have concerns about the affordability of shots for your dog, the Human Society recommends visiting Pet Help Finder, which will direct you towards affordable, local resources.

Here are the core shots for puppies and dogs that the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends, unless there is a clear medical reason they shouldn’t be vaccinated:

• Rabies vaccine (aka RV)

• Canine vaccine 4-in-1 Combination (aka DHPP)

  • Distemper (aka CDV)

  • Adenovirus 1 (aka CAV-1) + Adenovirus 2 (aka CAV-2)

  • Parvovirus (aka CPV)

  • Parainfluenza (aka CPIV)

Rabies shots for dogs

Rabies is a virus that can be deadly for both dogs and humans. It is zoonotic, which is a fancy way of saying it can spread from animals to their pet parents. But with the canine rabies shot, catching the virus is preventable. In most, but not all states, this vaccine is mandatory.  

The virus is spread through a bite wound from an infected animal, or any open wound exposed to the saliva of an infected animal. Signs of rabies in canines usually occur two weeks to four months from the time of infection. In addition to aggression and/or depression, symptoms include fever, difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, staggering, seizures, and even paralysis. 

The shot encourages a dog’s body to produce antibodies and is only effective if given to them before they get infected. That is why experts recommend that puppies get the shot. (See the “Vaccination schedule for core vaccines” chart, below, for more specifics on when, and how often, to visit the vet for this shot). Rabies is incurable, and there is no treatment for a dog that catches it. Additionally, some states require that you report an infected dog to the local health department or animal control — because all mammals, in addition to dogs and humans, can catch rabies.

The canine 4-in-1 combination shot

The 4-in-1 combination vaccine is commonly referred to as the distemper shot (or DHPP / DA2PP). But it actually protects against four sets of viruses: the distemper virus, parvovirus, adenovirus 1 and adenovirus 2 (which cause hepatitis and respiratory issues, respectively), as well as parainfluenza. 

All four of these diseases are easily transmitted — and will require quarantining — so it’s important to get your dog vaccinated. As a rule of thumb, if your dog is not vaccinated, they are highly susceptible to all of the below viruses. (The “Vaccination schedule for core vaccines” chart, below, explains when your canine companion will need this shot.)

Here’s a bit more about each of the diseases that the 4-in-1 shot, a core dog vaccine, will protect against. 

Canine distemper

Distemper (aka CDV) is an airborne virus that attacks a dog’s immune system, causing gastrointestinal and respiratory distress. While all dogs can contract this virus, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, puppies younger than four months old are particularly vulnerable. Expectant mothers can even pass distemper on to their unborn pups.

The virus is frequently transmitted through sneezing, coughing, and barking. But it can also be spread through water bowls and other shared surfaces. Respiratory symptoms may come in the form of eye and nose discharge, alongside fever and coughing. Gastrointestinal symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea — followed by neurological complications such as seizures, twitching, paralysis, and even death. 

Because there is no cure for distemper and no antiviral drugs to treat it, vaccinating your dog against the virus is critical. Treatment consists of supportive care and efforts to prevent secondary infections (which can be medicated with antibiotics). If your dog survives the symptoms, there is hope that their immune system can fight the virus. Still, infected dogs can remain contagious for months.

Canine Parvovirus 

Parvovirus (aka CPV), also simply called “parvo,” is a disease that attacks a dog’s immune and gastrointestinal system. All dogs can contract parvo, but puppies that are six to 20 weeks old are particularly at risk.

The virus’ symptoms are quite disturbing: severe, bloody diarrhea that quickly escalates to serious levels of dehydration. It also frequently leads to death, which tends to occur within two to three days of symptoms. 

Parvo, which emerged in the late 1970s, spreads through infected dogs, specifically through contact with contaminated feces and virus-contaminated surfaces. The latter include kennels, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who have handled infected dogs. The virus is resistant to heat, cold, humidity, and drying, and can survive in the environment for long periods of time. Even trace amounts of feces from an infected dog can spread the virus to other dogs. This makes vaccinations and proper disinfection practices critical.

Many veterinarians will recommend keeping puppies isolated until they are vaccinated, due to the high risk of transmission. 

Canine Adenovirus 1 and Adenovirus 2

Adenovirus 1 (aka CAV-1) is a virus that causes infectious diseases, notably, hepatitis, which leads to liver failure and can be fatal. In contrast, adenovirus 2 (aka CAV-2) can create respiratory problems, such as tracheobronchitis which is also known as kennel cough (an umbrella term for a variety of contagious respiratory diseases in dogs). For the above reasons, CAV-1 is considered to be the more severe of the two.

These two adenoviruses spread similarly: through feces, urine, blood, saliva, and nasal discharge of infected dogs. Dogs with CAV-1 tend to experience decreased appetite, lethargy, and a mild fever. Some dogs develop cloudiness in one or both corneas of their eyes (so-called blue eye) one-to-two weeks after infection. Symptoms of CAV-2 include coughing, mild fever, discharge in the eyes and nose, coughing, and low weight. 

Because CAV-1 is a virus, there is no treatment for it, save antibiotics to fight any accompanying bacterial infections. Even after the initial CAV-1 infection clears, dogs may suffer long-term, irreversible damage to the liver, kidneys, and eyes. In contrast, a dog with CAV-2 only requires supportive care, such as rest and hydration. A vaccination to prevent CAV-2 actually doubles as a preventative for the more dangerous CAV-1 — which is why it’s considered a core vaccine.

Canine parainfluenza 

Parainfluenza (aka CPIV) is a virus related to distemper that causes respiratory issues. Like adenovirus 2, it can also lead to kennel cough. Canine parainfluenza is not related to canine influenza (aka CIV, see “Are certain shots for dogs optional?” below). The two viruses cause different illnesses and require separate vaccines for protection. 

Symptoms of parainfluenza include coughing, fever, and nasal discharge. The virus also suppresses the immune system making dogs — especially toy dogs — more susceptible to developing pneumonia, too. Treatments may include a cough suppressant and antibiotics to treat accompanying infections. 

Any shot to mitigate parainfluenza is considered a core vaccine, because the virus moves through the air and spreads rapidly in areas where multiple dogs are kept together. Even after infection, the virus can stay airborne for up to two weeks. 

Vaccination schedule for core vaccines

Puppies (under one year of age)

Adult dogs (over the age of one, or an unknown age)

Are certain shots for dogs optional?

Some shots for dogs are optional and only recommended for pups living in higher-risk environments. These include shelters, homes with an infected dog, or a multiple-dog household (with eight or more canines). 

Consult a veterinarian when weighing the benefits of these non-core vaccines. In some cases, the overall potential benefit to the dog — given their living situation, age, or health — is more important than the potential side effects of the shot.

Here are the afflictions some common non-core vaccines will protect against: 

• Leptospirosis 

• Lyme disease

• Bordetella

• Canine influenza

• Rattlesnake toxoid

Leptospirosis 

Leptospirosis is an infection caused by bacteria found in soil or water, usually in warmer climates that get a lot of rain. It is the most common zoonotic disease, or one that can spread from animals to people.

Dogs can contract leptospirosis from the urine of wild animals and rodents, through exposure to stagnant water, to contaminated soil, and to other animals — in cities, suburbs, and rural areas alike. Most dogs in North America should be considered at risk of leptospirosis, especially pups that spend a lot of time outdoors, in kennels, or in doggy daycare. 

When symptoms do appear, they can include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, severe weakness and lethargy, stiffness, jaundice, muscle pain, infertility, and kidney failure (with or without liver failure). Some dogs may develop lung disease and heart damage. 

Treatments include antibiotics, dialysis (if needed), and hydration. If untreated, leptospirosis can be fatal. Some dogs that do survive may be left with long-term kidney or liver problems.

Lyme disease   

Lyme disease (aka borrelia) is a bacterial infection that travels through the bloodstream and is difficult to detect. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick that carries the borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. Dogs that spend time outdoors in places where there are a lot of ticks will benefit from this vaccine. 

Signs of infection often start with limping, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, and lack of appetite. If left untreated, the bacteria can affect the heart, kidney, and joints. If diagnosed quickly, a course of antibiotics is extremely helpful, though relapses can occur months or even years later.

The vaccine has been debated heavily in the veterinary world, because the effectiveness of the vaccine ranges from 50 to 100 percent. Keeping dogs on trails and away from grassy or wooded areas can mitigate their risk of being bitten by an infected tick. But vets advise you to consider getting the vaccine if you live in areas with high rates of lyme disease.  

Bordetella 

Bordetella is a bacterial infection that causes canine respiratory inflammation. It is the leading cause of kennel cough. 

Kennel cough, which can only be treated with rest and hydration, is extremely common and highly contagious. It causes a harsh, dry coughing and is sometimes severe enough to spur retching and gagging, along with a loss of appetite. It spreads easily between dogs, which is why it passes quickly through kennels.

Pet parents are strongly advised to invest in the bordetella vaccine if their dog attends daycare, a pet boarding facility, dog training, or any space with multiple dogs. Although vaccinated pups can still get kennel cough, the shot will reduce the severity of the symptoms. However, unvaccinated dogs that get bordetella will likely require veterinary attention, as symptoms can be much worse. 

Canine influenza virus  

Canine influenza (aka CIV, or the dog flu) is a respiratory disease caused by an influenza virus specific to dogs. It is not believed to infect humans. 

Canine influenza is spread through the air via sneezes or coughs from infected dogs. It causes symptoms such as a cough, runny nose, fever, and lethargy. In severe cases, it may result in pneumonia and even death. Most dogs, however, will recover from this dog flu within 2 to 3 weeks.

The canine influenza vaccine is recommended for any dog that goes to daycare, dog parks, dog shows, grooming businesses, dog-boarding facilities, and any other location where multiple dogs are present. 

The vaccine for rattlesnake bites

Venomous snake bites have the potential to kill dogs. Experts recommend that pet parents seriously consider getting a rattlesnake vaccine (aka crotalus atrox toxoid) for their dogs if they live in areas with a notable rattlesnake population, like southern California and the southwest region of the United States.  

Rattlesnake venom causes swelling at the bite location (often on the face or paws), bleeding, a dangerous drop in blood pressure, shock, and eventual breathing paralysis. This vaccine may lessen the severity of the symptoms seen in dogs after a rattlesnake bite.

It’s impossible to know how severe a bite is when it happens, because rattlesnakes can control the release of venom. They may release no venom (referred to as a “dry bite”) to a significant amount of venom. Because of this, a bite must be treated as promptly as possible, whether or not a dog is vaccinated. However, the vaccine can delay the venom’s effect and save your dog’s life. 

How much do dog vaccinations cost?

Canine shots typically cost anywhere from $20 to $50 each, with the price varying by vaccine type, how many shots you need, and where you live. For your dog’s core vaccines, expect to pay $30 to $40 for a rabies shot. And for the 4-in-1 vaccine, you’ll probably invest $35 to $40.

You should always consult with your veterinarian about which vaccines your dog requires, and how to space them out. Pet insurance can help cover those costs. But if you’re on a very tight budget, head to Pet Help Finder for more affordable options in your area.

Commonly asked questions

How long do rabies shots for dogs last?

The first rabies shot will last for one year. When you return a year later for the next shot, that one is considered effective for one to three years, depending on state-law requirements. 

What shots do puppies need?

If you get your dog as a puppy, it’s best to get the core vaccines out of the way sooner than later to protect your dog’s health. The American Kennel Club recommends that they get the 4-in-1 shot starting at six to eight weeks of age, and the rabies shot starting around 16 to 18 weeks of age.

What shots do adult dogs need?

If they didn’t get their core vaccines as a puppy, adult dogs will need the rabies vaccine and 4-in-1 shot. Depending on your location and living environment, they may also need some non-core shots, such as the lepto, lyme, bordetella, influenza, and/or rattlesnake vaccines. For more guidance about to your dog’s individual needs, consult your vet.

Does my older dog need vaccines?

Yes, older dogs need to stay current with their vaccines, many of which require boosters.  Because senior dogs have a weakened immune system, they are more susceptible to different illnesses. So it’s imperative you update their vaccine schedules.

References

AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines

Canine Vaccines

Guidelines for the Vaccination of Dogs and Cats

The Importance of Vaccinating Your Pet

Spring Vaccinations for Dogs

Vaccination Guidelines for Dogs and Cats

Vaccination Schedule for Dogs

Will the Rattlesnake Vaccine Protect My Dog?

Pet Vaccine Costs

Dog Vaccination Costs

Infectious Canine Hepatitis

Difference Analysis Between Canine Adenovirus Types 1 And 2

Canine Adenovirus 2