How often should my pet get vaccinated and what's the schedule?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on November 28th, 2018

  Hello, thank you for your question. For core vaccines (Rabies and Distemper (DAPP, etc)) those vaccines should be given consistently throughout a dog's life. The frequency of the Distemper and Rabies vaccines are every 3 years; with some exceptions depending on where you live and the age of your pet. There are other non-core vaccines such as Bordatella, Influenza, Leptospirosis, etc. These vaccines are usually given once a year for the length of the pet's life depending on the need. For example, Bordatella (or Kennel Cough) is recommended for pets that go to the groomers or doggie daycare; if as Sofia get's older she stops going to these places, she probably doesn't need the vaccine anymore. One point to make is that if Sofia is not kept up to date or hasn't had any of the above mentioned vaccines, she will need more frequent vaccination in the initial stage. This ensures that her body builds appropriate immunity to the infectious organisms. For example, if you would like Sofia to be vaccinated for Leptospirosis (and she has never had these vaccines in the past) she will need an initial vaccine and then a booster in 3-4 weeks. To help ensure that Sofia is completely vaccinated and to help with your understanding I would definitely recommend reaching out to your veterinarian. Hope this helps, good luck!

  

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  Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on November 28th, 2017

  It depends on the vaccines she was given, the age that they were given and a few other environmental considerations. The core vaccines (Rabies, Distemper, Parvo, Adenovirus2, Parainfluenza) are normally given every three years after they are over a year old. The necessity for other vaccines (leptospirosis, Bordetella, etc.) will depend on the dog's environment and are given more frequently. To help answer this question and give you more information, I've put a link to the vaccination guidelines below. wsava.org/sites/default/files/WSAVA%20Owner%20Breeder%20Guidelines%2014%20October%202015%20FINAL.pdf As always, I recommend the vaccines be given as directed by your veterinarian. I hope that helps and all is well with Molly.

  

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  Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Published on August 26th, 2019

  Usually DHPPi (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and parainfluenza) and L (leptospira) and rabies (if needed in your area). These are done once a year (except for rabies which is done once every three years), but the protocol would depend on the risk and your local vet's suggestions.

  

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  Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on March 30th, 2018

  Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is a rather hot topic right now and you will find many opinions, but here are my thoughts. Rabies are every 3 years in almost all states. Bordatella (kennel cough) does need to be boostered at least every year but every 6 months may be recommended for dogs who board/groom/dog park frequently. Distemper/parvo vaccines are really where the debate is at. The AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) Canine Vaccination Guidelines are the standard for many hospitals. It states that this should be boostered 1 year after the puppy series, and then “every 3 years or longer”. That being said, we have seen a case or two of adult or older animals getting parvo somewhere in that 3 year time frame which suggests that some animals may need more frequent boostering. Thus, my clinic still recommends yearly boosters for most patients. I personally have decided to compromise and recommend yearly boosters until age 5, then every 3 years thereafter. Hope this helps and best of luck to you, Timber, and your family.

  

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