What Vaccinations Are Needed Yearly for Dogs?

The American Veterinary Medical Association divides vaccinations into two categories: core vaccines, traditionally recommended annually for every dog; and non-core vaccines, which some dogs may need annually, but others may not. The four core vaccinations include two injections at the dog's annual checkup. One injection is the rabies vaccination, and the second injection contains vaccinations for distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis. After a 2006 study focusing on "duration of immunity," the AVMA concluded that core vaccinations may not be necessary annually for every dog. This decision is one you should discuss with your veterinarian.

  1. Rabies

    • The rabies vaccination is required by law.

      States and local governments require every dog to have a rabies vaccination every year. In most areas, dog guardians are required to have proof that their dogs are up-to-date on rabies vaccinations. The rabies vaccination has a low-to-moderate risk of side effects. Rabies vaccinations are given when a puppy is 12 weeks old, and then a booster is given annually throughout the dog's life. However, a three-year rabies vaccine is now available following the dog's first annual booster.

    Distemper

    • Some veterinarians recommend that certain vaccinations be given every three years rather than annually.

      The distemper vaccination is given to puppies in a series of four injections, and then a booster is given every one to three years, depending upon your veterinarian's recommendation for frequency. Distemper is a disease which causes severe respiratory, gastrointestinal and neurological illness. The distemper vaccination has a low risk of side effects.

    Parvovirus

    • Parvovirus generally infecs dogs younger than 1 year.

      The parvovirus mainly infects puppies, causing severe vomiting, diarrhea and death in more than half of all infections. The vaccination has a low risk of side effects and is generally given in a series of four injections, and then a booster is given every one to three years, depending upon your veterinarian's recommendation.

    Hepatitis

    • The vaccination for hepatitis is included in a combination injection.

      The hepatitis vaccination protects against Canine Adenovirus Type 2 and Canine Adenovirus Type 1 and carries a low risk of side effects. Type 2 is a self-limiting respiratory illness, and Type 1 causes canine infectious hepatitis. The hepatitis vaccination is given in a series of four injections to puppies, followed by a booster every one to three years, depending upon your veterinarian's recommendation for frequency.

    Parainfluenza

    • The parainfluenza vaccine protects dogs against certain types of kennel cough.

      Though it is not considered a core vaccination, many pet guardians and veterinarians include parainfluenza vaccination in the annual vaccine schedule. Parainfluenza protects against some types of kennel cough, which can lead to pneumonia in severe cases. The parainfluenza vaccine is often included in the combination vaccine that is given in a series of four injections to puppies and repeated in annual boosters.

    Bordetella

    • The Bordetella vaccination protects against different strains of kennel cough than those covered by the parainfluenza vaccination. Not a core vaccination, the Bordetella vaccination is recommended if your dog will be boarded or if you take it to day care of dog parks. Most boarding facilities require proof of an up-to-date Bordetella vaccination. The Bordetella vaccination is most often administered intranasally.