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What vaccines and heartworm meds does my rescue dog need and when?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 7 months old | 60 lbs

I have a rescue 11 month old dog (Kobi), that has only had his rabies shot. What vaccine shots does he need and when, and should he be taking monthly heartworm meds?

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1 Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 15th, 2018

He should indeed take monthly heartworm prevention. Your veterinarian will need to do a heartworm test to make sure that Kobi does not have heartworm before he can prescribe the medication. He will need his core vaccinations (at least two courses approx. 3 weeks apart) against Canine parvovirus, distemper, and canine hepatitis. Your vet may think it necessary that Kobi also gets a Leptospirosis vaccination, depending on the area where you live (lots of access to water/river/lake/pond).

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