What are core vaccines for dogs?

Core vaccines are recommended for every dog and puppy. They are considered vital because they protect your dog from harmful diseases and illnesses that have a high risk of exposure or are highly contagious to other dogs or humans. Staying up to date on your dog’s core vaccines protects not only them, but your whole family and community.

What vaccines are considered core, and what is the plan of action for your dog if it is not yet vaccinated?

The following vaccines are considered core:

  • DAPP vaccine prevents canine distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), parvovirus, and parainfluenza; all deadly viruses or diseases when left untreated.
  • Rabies is a deadly viral infection of the nervous system causes sudden, progressive inflammation in the brain and spinal cord. Most cases of humans getting rabies is from an infected dog biting them. Rabies is untreatable and is highly contagious to humans.
  • Bordetella (Kennel Cough) is the most common bacterial infectious agent to cause kennel cough. Kennel cough is a highly contagious upper respiratory disease that causes inflammation in dogs’ throats and lungs. We consider this vaccine to be core because the potential health problems are high risk and preventable; all dogs should receive it.
  • Leptospirosis dogs can get this potentially deadly bacterial infection through puddles or bodies of water that have urine from infected animals in them. The bacteria goes in through the skin and spreads through their bloodstream. Causing liver and kidney failure.

How often does my dog need these core vaccines?

  • DAPP All puppies should receive at least 3 doses between the ages of 8 to 16 weeks, given 3-4 weeks apart. They should also receive a 1 year booster. If you have an adult dog that has not had its vaccines yet, they require 2 doses at 3-4 week intervals. Annual vaccination is not recommended for adults, so we use a 3 year vaccination interval after the 1 year booster.
  • Rabies State statutes dictate rabies vaccine protocols. In Iowa puppies should receive one dose as early as 4 months, then receive a 1 year booster. After that, they should receive a vaccine every 3 years. If your dog is unvaccinated, they receive a single dose, a booster at 1 year, and then every 3 years after that. 
  • Bordetella (Kennel Cough)  Both puppies and unvaccinated adults receive a single dose. Annual boosters are recommended for pets that are high risk.
  • Leptospira Puppies should receive 2 doses between the ages of 12 to 16, administered 3 – 4 weeks apart. All puppies should receive a one-year booster. If you have an adult dog that is not yet vaccinated, they should receive 2 doses 3 – 4 weeks apart. After that, annual vaccinations are recommended. We consider Leptospirosis a core vaccine because we see clinical cases every year.

Why are core vaccines so important?

Core vaccines protect your loved ones from preventable high-risk health problems. It’s a crucial part of the preventative care that should be provided to all of our pets. 

Is your pet up to date on their core vaccines? Make an appointment today.

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Animal Family Veterinary Care offers an extensive range of services all in one place, so we can meet your pet’s needs in almost every situation. Our veterinarians in Davenport treat dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and a variety of other exotic species, because every pet is unique and important.