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Do active dogs need yearly vaccines? What's the best schedule?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Siberian Husky | Male | neutered | 3 years and 8 months old | 61 lbs

Is it necessary to vaccine dogs every year? It’s not like the antibodies just decide oh it’s been a year we must die. I was reading an article that the the dtap 4 or whatever it is called can be safely vaccinated three years and bordtella once a year. He goes to dog parks once a week or so. He is due at the end of the month. We can afford vaccines but vets charge exam fees on top of it so it’s very time consuming and expensive. My mom just spilt up with my step father my mom is a nurse but still

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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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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Other Answers

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 21st, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! How long the Rabies vaccine is good for depends on the manufacturer as some companies make 1 year and 3 year Rabies vaccines. In some countries Rabies is a severe problem and it is easier for people to remember the vaccines if it is yearly then every 3 years. People die from Rabies so it is very important to not allow that one to lapse. In the US we give the DHPP (5 in 1) every 3 years after the puppy shots (so at 1 year 4 months). The Bordatella (kennel cough) and Leptospirosis (in the 9 in 1) are yearly. Giving the 5 in 1 yearly doesn't make animal immune to the vaccine it is likely just not necessary as studies have shown that the animal likely has immunity for Distemper and Parvo for 3-7 years. Leptospirosis (part of the 9 in 1) and the Bordatella are yearly vaccines and if you want to continue protecting your dog against these disease it should be yearly. If your Vet only offers the 9 in 1 then you will get the Distemper and parvo annually. You'd have to get a Leptospirosis as an individual vaccine. The rabies depends on the company used in your country. In the US we can give 3 year Rabies vaccine because we have one labeled to be so. You would need to contact your Vet to see what is allowed. The distemper and parvo are up to you but I would highly recommend following your Vet's protocols. I wish you the best!

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