Dog Vaccination Requirements

There are certain vaccination protocols that veterinarians follow to vaccinate dogs through the course of their life. In general, these vaccinations are not required, but they are heavily recommended by veterinarians. If you ever plan to compete your dog in any kind of competition or enter your dog into an organization, these vaccinations will be required.

  1. DA2PP-C

    • DA2PP-C is a core vaccine for dogs that is required for the dog to compete in shows. It is administered as early as 8 weeks of age. When a dog is an adult, it receives the vaccine every three years. This vaccine protects against canine distemper, adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza, parvovirus and coronavirus.

    Rabies

    • The rabies vaccination is another core vaccine that is required for dogs to compete in shows. Puppies begin treatment for rabies at 12 to 16 weeks of age. As adults, the vaccine is administered once every three years. It is required to prevent the spread of the rabies virus, which dogs can contract from interacting with other infected animals.

    Leptospirosis

    • This vaccine is most commonly given to field and hunting dogs one month prior to hunting season. It helps dogs at risk for exposure to the leptospira organism, which lives in water. An infection of the leptospira organism can effect the immune system.

    Bordetella

    • Bordetella is a intranasal vaccine that is given to dogs that have been exposed to kennel cough.

    Canine Influenza

    • The canine influenza vaccine can help treat dogs that show clinical signs of cough, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis and fever. It is often required in dogs that are exposed to race tracks, greyhounds or in dogs that visit race tracks.