Dog Vaccinations Explained in Plain English

We've all been there - you take your best boy or girl to the veterinarian for an annual check-up, and find out they need all these shots with names that sound like they could belong to Italian pasta dishes or an obscure metal band. But what in the world do all these vaccines do and what do they mean?

Fear not, dog moms and dog dads! Let's break it down as simply as possible:

Core Vaccinations

Core vaccines are just like their name suggests - every dog and puppy needs them. 

DAPP

DAPP stands for Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus. Distemper is a highly contagious and fatal disease that affects unvaccinated dogs. Symptoms include pneumonia, fever, and neurological issues. Adenovirus is also known as canine hepatitis and can cause upper respiratory infections, fever, liver and kidney failure. Parainfluenza is associated with kennel cough, and Parvovirus causes dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, and an array of other serious and potentially fatal complications in puppies. Parainfluenza is technically not a required vaccine, but it is often given with the DAP vaccines. 

Puppies should get their first round at 6-8 weeks, their second at 10-12 weeks, and their final round at 14-16 weeks. Once your dog reaches adulthood, they'll only need DAPP every three years.

Canine Rabies

Rabies vaccines are typically not given to puppies before 14-16 weeks, though some state laws require it to be given earlier. Once your pup is a year old, they'll receive their rabies vaccine again and will only need it every three years after that. 

Noncore Vaccinations

Also known as "lifestyle vaccines," noncore vaccines are normally optional and are given based on where you and your pup live, whether your dog is outdoors often and based on how often your dog is around other dogs. 

Bordetella

Like Parainfluenza, Bordetella is also associated with kennel cough. Bordetella normally resolves itself, but it's still highly contagious and can lead to more serious complications. Even though Bordetella is treated as a noncore vaccine, your pup will need it regularly if they go to doggy daycare or are boarded often. Bordetella can be given to puppies at 6-8 weeks, and can be given every 6 months to a year to adult dogs. 

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease spread through an infected dog's urine. Both humans and dogs can get it; although it was once only recommended for dogs in rural settings, it's now recommended for dogs in cities too due to rat problems. If needed, leptospirosis can be given to puppies between 10-16 weeks, and adult dogs every year.

Lyme Vaccine

Lyme Disease is caused when an infected tick bites their dog-host. It can cause a decrease in appetite, fever, lethargy and other serious side effects. Lyme vaccines are recommended in specific, woodsy parts of the United States - your vet will be able to tell you if your dog needs it. Puppies as young as 10-12 weeks can receive the Lyme vaccine, and adult dogs receive it annually. 

Canine Influenza

Known as H3N2 or H3N8, canine influenza is highly contagious. Infected dogs experience runny noses, low-grade fevers and cough. These vaccines are typically recommended for dogs who go to day care and boarding regularly. Your pup will receive the canine influenza vaccine at 10-12 weeks and 14-16 weeks. After that, the vaccine is administered once a year. 

Keep in mind that your veterinarian is your best source for vaccine information, but we hope this guide will help simplify the names, causes and reasons for you! You may also find this puppy shot timeline helpful.