Vaccination Schedule for Dogs: Core and Non-core Vaccines
What Do Dog Vaccinations Do?
Like people, dogs need vaccines. And dog vaccinations, like those for humans, may sometimes require a booster to keep them effective.
Going to the vet repeatedly over several months for vaccinations, and then for boosters or titers throughout your dog’s life may seem like an inconvenience, but the diseases that vaccinations will shield your dog from are dangerous, potentially deadly, and, thankfully, mostly preventable.
Core dog vaccinations are those recommended for every dog, while non-core vaccines may be advised based on your dog’s lifestyle. For example, your vet may suggest certain non-core vaccinations if your dog is outdoors only or boarded often. We’ll help you learn the core dog vaccinations and the non-core ones.
Dog Vaccine
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Initial Puppy Vaccination (at or under 16 weeks)
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Initial Adult Dog Vaccination (over 16 weeks)
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Booster Recommendation
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Rabies 1-year
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Can be administered in one dose, as early as 3 months of age.
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Single dose |
Annual boosters are required.
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Core dog vaccine. Rabies is common in Kenya and 100% fatal to dogs and humans, with no treatment available. Prevention is key. |
Rabies 3-year |
Can be administered as one dose, as early as 3 months of age.
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Single dose |
A second vaccination is recommended after 1 year, then boosters every 3 years.
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Core dog vaccine. |
Distemper
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At least 3 doses, given between 6 and 16 weeks of age
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2 doses, given 3-4 weeks apart |
Puppies need a booster 1 year after completing their initial series, then all dogs need a booster every 3 years or more often.
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Core dog vaccine. Caused by an airborne virus, distemper is a severe disease that, among other problems, may cause permanent brain damage. |
Parvovirus
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At least 3 doses, given between 6 and 16 weeks of age
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2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart
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Puppies need a booster 1 year after completing the initial series, then all dogs need a booster every 3 years or more often.
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Core dog vaccine. Canine “parvo” is contagious, and can cause severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Parvo is usually fatal if untreated.
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Adenovirus, type 1 (CAV-1, canine hepatitis)
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At least 3 doses, between 6 and 16 weeks of age
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2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart
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Puppies need a booster 1 year after completing the initial series, then all dogs need a booster every 3 years or more often.
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Core dog vaccine. Spread via infected urine and feces; canine hepatitis can lead to severe liver damage, and death.
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Adenovirus, type 2 (CAV-2, kennel cough) | At least 3 doses, between 6 and 16 weeks of age | 2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart | Puppies need a booster 1 year after completing the initial series, then all dogs need a booster every 3 years or more often. | Core dog vaccine. Spread via coughs and sneezes. |
Parainfluenza
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Administered at 6-8 weeks of age, then every 3-4 weeks until 12-14 weeks old
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1 dose
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A booster may be necessary after 1 year, depending on manufacturer recommendations; revaccination every 3 years is considered protective.
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Non-core dog vaccine. Parainfluenza infection (not the same as canine influenza) results in cough, fever. It may be associated with Bordetella infection.
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Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough)
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Depends on the vaccine type; 2 doses are usually needed for protection
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1 dose of the intranasal or oral product, or 2 doses of the injected product
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Annual or 6-month boosters may be recommended for dogs in high-risk environments.
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Non-core dog vaccine. Not usually a serious condition, although it can be dangerous in young puppies. It is usually seen after activities like boarding or showing.
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Lyme disease
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1 dose, administered as early as 9 weeks, with a second dose 2-4 weeks later
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2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart
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May be needed annually, prior to the start of tick season
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Non-core dog vaccine. Generally recommended only for dogs with a high risk for exposure to Lyme disease-carrying ticks.
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Leptospirosis
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First dose as early as 8 weeks, with a second dose 2-4 weeks later
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2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart
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At least once yearly for dogs in high-risk areas
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Non-core dog vaccine. Vaccination is generally restricted to established risk areas. Exposure to rodents and standing water can lead to a leptospirosis infection.
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Canine influenza
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First dose as early as 6-8 weeks; second dose 2-4 weeks later
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2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart
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Yearly
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Non-core dog vaccine. Similar to bordetella. |
The best way to stay on schedule with vaccinations for your dog is to follow the recommendations of a veterinarian you trust. If you do not have a veterinarian, here is a guide on how to find a trusted veterinarian.
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4 comments
The Control of Stray Dogs Bill 2019 | PawSpace
Fredrick Awuor
4 years agoI have a 6 month old German shepherd dog in Siaya. Looking for a local but trusted veterinarian to give her antirabies vaccine.
PawSpace
4 years agoDr. Nyamwaya Cell 0711447193 recommended by vet Lang’at see https://twitter.com/nickklangat/status/1289535033372364802?s=20
Joyceline
4 years agoMy two puppies aged 4½ months were given antirabies vaccination..2 weeks later one of them showed lack of appetite,,vomiting ,stool with blood which progressed later to bloody diorrheo.3days latter ir died.The second one has developed similar signs..Am worried it might die like his Brother..what could be the problem?