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What vaccines does my adopted 5-year-old dog need without records?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 4 years and 5 months old | 75 lbs

Hi, I just got a dog that will be 5 in September. I got no medical paperwork but the past owners told me that they weren't able to get his shots the past 2-3 years. What shots do I need to get him?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Bailey, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 22nd, 2018

Your dog will need several vaccines. Most veterinarians give a yearly combo vaccine that includes distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and Corona (DHPPC). He will also need his Rabies vaccine. Rabies can now be given every three years after the initial 1 year vaccine. Other vaccines that I recommend are Canine Bordetella vacine (kennel cough) that is given every 6 or 12 months, and a Leptospirosis vaccine (this vaccine can be added to the combo vaccine or given alone). If your veterinarian offers a Lymes disease vaccine (probably means lymes is prevelant in your area), it would be a good idea to get that one as well. I also recommend getting your dog tested for heartworm disease and putting him on a monthly heartworm pill. Best of luck to you and your new dog and thank you for using pet coach.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 11th, 2017

    Congratulations on your new dog. It is so great when a mature dog gets a second chance. I would recommend that he receive a Rabies booster, a DHLPP booster and a heartworm test. If he has any soft stools, a fecal test can be done to check for any parasites. A Bordetella or kennel cough vaccine may be needed depending on his lifestyle. If he will go to doggy daycare, a groomer, visit a dog park regularly or go to a boarding kennel...this vaccine is needed. If he will just be a homebody, he probably does not need that vaccine.

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