Dog Vaccination & Preventive Care Schedule

Preventive care is the foundation of your dog's health. Vaccinations protect against deadly diseases, while parasite prevention and regular wellness exams catch problems early. This guide outlines recommended protocols for keeping your dog healthy.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Puppies receive maternal antibodies from their mother, but these fade over time. Vaccinations are given in a series to ensure protection as maternal immunity wanes.

Core Vaccines (Recommended for All Dogs)

Understanding Core Vaccines

• Distemper: Highly contagious, often fatal virus affecting respiratory, GI, and nervous systems
• Hepatitis (Adenovirus): Liver disease that can be fatal, especially in puppies
• Parvovirus: Highly contagious, deadly GI virus; puppies especially vulnerable
• Parainfluenza: Respiratory virus contributing to kennel cough
• Rabies: Fatal disease transmissible to humans; required by law

Non-Core Vaccines (Based on Lifestyle/Risk)

• Bordetella: Kennel cough; recommended for dogs in daycare, boarding, dog parks, groomers
• Leptospirosis: Bacterial disease from wildlife urine; recommended in endemic areas
• Lyme disease: Tick-borne; recommended in high-risk geographic areas
• Canine influenza: Respiratory virus; recommended for dogs with high exposure risk
• Rattlesnake vaccine: For dogs in snake-endemic areas; buys time, not complete protection

Adult Dog Vaccination Schedule

After the puppy series, dogs need regular boosters to maintain immunity.

Recommended Schedule

• DHPP: Every 1-3 years depending on product and vet recommendations
• Rabies: Every 1-3 years depending on state law and vaccine type
• Bordetella: Every 6-12 months if needed based on lifestyle
• Leptospirosis: Annually if in endemic area
• Lyme: Annually if in high-risk area
• Influenza: Annually if recommended

Titer Testing

Titers measure antibody levels in blood. Some owners choose titers for core vaccines (except rabies) to avoid over-vaccination while ensuring protection. Discuss with your vet.

Parasite Prevention

Parasites cause disease, discomfort, and in some cases death. Year-round prevention is recommended in most climates.

Heartworm Prevention

Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and is potentially fatal. Monthly prevention is essential.

• Start: Puppies at 8 weeks of age
• Year-round: Recommended in all climates; mosquitoes can survive indoors
• Options: Monthly oral, monthly topical, or 6-month or 12-month injectable
• Testing: Annual heartworm test; required before starting/restarting prevention

Flea Prevention

Fleas cause itching, allergic reactions, tapeworms, and anemia in severe infestations.

• Year-round: Recommended; fleas survive indoors year-round
• Options: Oral tablets, topical treatments, collars
• Treat all pets: All dogs and cats in household must be treated
• Environmental treatment: May need to treat home for infestations

Tick Prevention

Ticks transmit Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and other diseases.

• Year-round: Recommended in many areas; ticks active above freezing
• Check daily: Prevention doesn't stop ticks from attaching; check your dog
• Removal: Use fine-tipped tweezers, grasp close to skin, pull straight out
• Options: Oral preventives, topicals, collars (vary in effectiveness)

Intestinal Parasite Prevention

Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms are common intestinal parasites.

• Deworming: Puppies dewormed every 2 weeks until 8 weeks, then monthly until 6 months
• Adults: Many heartworm preventives also prevent common intestinal worms
• Fecal testing: Annual fecal exam to check for parasites
• Tapeworms: Transmitted by fleas; require separate treatment

Wellness Exam Schedule

Regular veterinary exams catch problems before they become serious.

Recommended Frequency

• Puppies: Every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks (often tied to vaccine appointments)
• Adults (1-7 years): Annual wellness exam (AAHA Preventive Healthcare Guidelines)
• Seniors (7+ years): Every 6 months

What Happens at a Wellness Exam

• Physical examination (heart, lungs, eyes, ears, teeth, skin, joints, abdomen)
• Weight check and body condition assessment
• Discussion of diet, behavior, and any concerns
• Vaccine updates as needed
• Parasite prevention prescription or refills
• Lab work recommendations (blood work, urinalysis, fecal)

Senior Dog Preventive Care

Older dogs benefit from more frequent monitoring.

Recommended Senior Screening

• Blood chemistry panel: Screens liver, kidney, glucose, protein levels
• Complete blood count: Evaluates red/white blood cells, platelets
• Urinalysis: Detects kidney disease, diabetes, infections
• Thyroid test: Hypothyroidism is common in older dogs
• Blood pressure: Hypertension is common and treatable

Dental Care

Dental disease affects most dogs over age 3 and impacts overall health.

Preventive Dental Care

• Daily brushing: Gold standard; use dog-specific toothpaste
• Dental chews: Look for VOHC-accepted products
• Dental diets: Prescription options for dental health
• Professional cleanings: Under anesthesia; recommended when needed
• Annual dental exam: Part of wellness exam

Spay/Neuter (consult AVMA guidelines on optimal timing) Considerations

The timing and decision to spay/neuter involves multiple factors.

Benefits of Spay/Neuter

• Eliminates risk of certain cancers (testicular, ovarian, uterine)
• Reduces risk of mammary cancer (if done before first heat)
• Eliminates risk of pyometra (life-threatening uterine infection)
• Prevents unwanted litters
• May reduce certain behaviors (roaming, marking, some aggression)

Timing Considerations

• Small dogs: Often 6 months or after first heat
• Large breeds: May benefit from waiting until 12-18+ months for joint/bone development
• Discuss with your vet: Individual factors affect ideal timing