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Is my senior dog who's never had shots too old to get vaccinated?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 8 years and 11 months old

I have a 9 year old dog who has never had any shots. Is it too late or is he too old to get vaccinated?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on October 9th, 2018

No, he isn't too old to be vaccinated. A rabies vaccine can be given and boosted in 1 year, then every 3 years. The distemper/parvovirus combination (DHPP) can be given, then boosted in 4 weeks. After that, it can be yearly or every 3 years depending on the vaccine. Other vaccines, given based on risk of exposure, include Bordatella, Leptospirosis, Lyme and Canine Influenza. Discuss these as well as monthly heartworm, parasite, flea and tick preventatives. Consider having Fatty neutered as well.

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53Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 25th, 2017

    It is never too late to start vaccines! Since Brutus has never had vaccines before he will need an initial vaccine and then a booster vaccine in 3-4 weeks. The only vaccine that does not need a booster is Rabies. The following year Brutus will need to be vaccinated again and then, depending on the laws where you live and the type of vaccine your vet uses, his vaccines will need to be boostered every 1 or 3 years. The recommended core vaccines are the distemper/parvo combo and rabies. Based on Brutus's risk factors your vet may also recommend kennel cough, lepto, Lyme, and/or influenza vaccines. These are all a 2 shot series (initial and a booster). I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

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