When your veterinarian sees your dog for a health checkup, he typically administers vaccinations that may include bordatella (kennel cough), rabies, and a combination vaccine for distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza and parvovirus (DHLPP).
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Significance
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Over time, the antibody levels in your dog's body decrease, and she'll need a booster shot to build her immunity back up. This period of time defines the frequency for dog vaccinations.
Frequency
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The Care Pets website recommends annual vaccinations for adult dogs that include yearly shots for bordetella and DHLPP, and one every three years for rabies.
Recommendations
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The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) publishes a detailed set of vaccine guidelines for dogs that identifies the recommended time for initial vaccinations for puppies as well as the variation in frequency of booster shots. The AAHA explains that puppies need inoculations in a series to "prime" their highly vulnerable immune systems.
Example
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The AAHA recommends a minimum of three doses of distemper vaccine between the ages of 6 and 16 weeks, given three to four weeks apart. This is followed by two more doses three to four weeks apart and a booster 12 months after the first three puppy doses are given. After that, your dog should have a distemper vaccination at intervals of three years or longer, typically as part of the DHLPP vaccine.
Expert Insight
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According to American Veterinary Medicine Association, dogs have varying risk profiles depending on their lifestyle, geographic location and exposure to other animals. Your dog's risk profile will influence the frequency of his vaccinations.
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