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My 2-year-old dog is unvaccinated. What vaccines does he need?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Hi my 2 year old dog hasn't has his vaccinations. . Is it to late? What should I do?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on July 21st, 2015

It is not too late for vaccines. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Discuss your dog's lifestyle. Together, you can determine which vaccine protocol is best for your dog. At the very least your dog should get a rabies vaccine and a distemper/parvovirus combo vaccine. He may require boosters 4 weeks after the initial vaccines. Consider a heartworm test and fecal as well. Monthly preventatives are also strongly recommended.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on June 7th, 2017

    At her age, she can definitely begin vaccinations. Core vaccines include a distemper/parvovirus combination given at 8, 12 and 16 weeks. Rabies vaccine can be given after 12 weeks of age. She should also be dewormed and placed on a monthly preventative against fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites and heartworm disease. Lifestyle vaccines include Lyme, Leptospirosis, Bordetella and Canine flu. These are given based on risk of exposure.

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    Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 24th, 2018

    Hello! For starters, she should have "core" vaccines - DAPP and Rabies. DAPP (distemper/parvo) - Since she is an adult, a single DAPP vaccine will be sufficient for at least 1 year. After 1 year, your vet may recommend checking titers ( a blood test to check for immunity) rather than re-vaccinating after only 1 year. Or, your vet may feel comfortable with considering that single vaccine a 3 year vaccine, or may recommend a booster after 1 year. Rabies- a 1 year Rabies should be given. Another rabies vaccine needs to be given after 1 year..... that 2nd rabies vaccine can be a 3 year vaccine. Beyond that, talk to your vet. Further vaccination recommendations are based on what is of greatest concern in your area, and on what her lifestyle is like. Here is a great summary of the current recommendations: https://www.aaha.org/public_documents/guidelines/vaccination_recommendation_for_general_practice_table.pdf I hope that helps you! Thanks for asking PetCoach!

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 18th, 2017

    She will need to have the Distemper/parvo combination vaccine every 3-4 weeks until she is 15 weeks of age. She will need a Rabies vaccine between 12-16 weeks of age. If she is going to board at a kennel, attend puppy classes, go to dog parks, etc. then she may need a kennel cough vaccine and an influenza vaccine. She might also need a leptospirosis vaccine depending on her risk of being exposed as well as a Lyme vaccine. The best thing would be to talk to your vet about which vaccines are necessary for her depending on your location and lifestyle of your dog.

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