Core Vaccines - Essential for all dogs
Non-Core Vaccines - Risk-based recommendations
Not Recommended - Insufficient evidence
Key Recommendations: Complete puppy series by 16 weeks minimum. Consider revaccination at 26+ weeks instead of waiting for 1-year booster. Core vaccines can be given every 3 years after initial series completion.
Core Vaccines (Essential for All Dogs)
| Vaccine | Puppies ≤16 weeks | Dogs >16 weeks | Revaccination | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canine Parvovirus-2 + Distemper + Adenovirus-2 (MLV) |
Start at 6+ weeks
Every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks
High risk: continue to 20 weeks
|
Two doses 2-4 weeks apart
Single MLV dose may protect most dogs
|
Consider at 6 months instead of 12-16 months
Then every 3 years maximum
|
Most important vaccines. Aim for population-wide coverage. Careful socialization can begin before series completion. |
| Canine Parvovirus-2 + Distemper (Recombinant) |
Single dose from 4 weeks
Before routine primary vaccinations
|
- | - | For very young puppies with interfering maternal antibodies. Not for older dog revaccination. |
| Rabies (Inactivated) |
Follow local laws
Usually not before 12 weeks
|
Follow local laws and product leaflets
|
Follow local laws
1-year booster required
Then 1 or 3-year intervals
|
Core wherever endemic or legally required. Follow local regulations as priority. |
| Leptospira spp. (Killed bacterin) |
Initial: 8+ weeks
Second: 2-4 weeks later
|
Two doses 2-4 weeks apart
|
Annually
|
Core in endemic regions where implicated serogroups are known and suitable vaccines available. |
Non-Core Vaccines (Risk-Based)
| Vaccine | Puppies ≤16 weeks | Dogs >16 weeks | Revaccination | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canine Parainfluenza Virus (CPiV) |
From 6+ weeks
Every 2-4 weeks until 16 weeks
|
Two doses 2-4 weeks apart
|
Annually
|
Duration of immunity uncertain. Combined CPiV + Bordetella intranasal may be preferable. |
| Bordetella bronchiseptica (Intranasal/Oral) |
Single dose from 3-8 weeks (varies by product)
|
Single dose
|
Annually
|
Live vaccines MUST NOT be injected. Various combinations available with CPiV and CAV-2. |
| Bordetella bronchiseptica (Parenteral) |
Two doses 2-4 weeks apart
|
Two doses (follow product leaflet)
|
Annually (varies by product)
|
Killed bacterin/subunit vaccines. Do not give intranasally or orally. |
| Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme) |
From 8+ weeks
Two doses 2-4 weeks apart
|
Two doses 2-4 weeks apart
|
Annually before tick season
|
Only for high-risk dogs in endemic areas. Tick control is primary prevention method. |
| Canine Influenza (H3N8/H3N2) |
From 6+ weeks
Two doses 2-4 weeks apart
|
Two doses 2-4 weeks apart
|
Annually
|
Licensed only in USA. For at-risk groups (kennels, shows, day care). |
| Canine Leishmaniosis |
A2 protein: 3 doses, 3 weeks apart, >4 months age
LiESP: 3 doses, 3 weeks apart, >6 months
Protein Q: single dose >6 months
|
Same as puppies
|
Annually
|
Supplementary to tick control, not a substitute. Multiple vaccine types available. |
| Canine Herpesvirus-1 | - |
Pregnant bitches only
1st dose: during estrus or 7-10 days after mating
2nd dose: 1-2 weeks before whelping
|
Repeat protocol each pregnancy
|
Protects newborn puppies. Fatal in puppies <3 weeks old not kept warm. |
Vaccines Not Recommended
| Vaccine | Reason Not Recommended |
|---|---|
| Canine Parvovirus-2 (Killed) | MLV vaccines are more potent and provide longer immunity. Use only where MLV unavailable. |
| Canine Coronavirus | Weak evidence as primary pathogen. Mild disease, usually before first vaccination. No protection against mutant pathogenic forms. |
| Giardia spp. | Insufficient scientific evidence. Non-life threatening, responds to therapy, rarely transmitted to humans. Cannot prevent oocyst shedding. |
| Microsporum canis | Insufficient scientific evidence to justify use. |