Vaccines: the core schedule explained

Vaccines are the cheapest, most effective protection your dog will ever get. Here's the plain-English version — your vet tailors the specifics to your dog and where you live.

Core vaccines (for nearly all dogs)

• Rabies — legally required in most places, and fatal if contracted.
• DHPP / DAP — a combination shot covering distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Parvo in particular is deadly and common in unvaccinated puppies.

Puppies

Puppies get a series, usually starting around 6–8 weeks and repeating every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks, because their mother's immunity fades at different times. Until the series is complete, keep them away from unknown dogs and high-traffic dog areas.

Adults

Boosters follow, then core vaccines are typically repeated every 1–3 years depending on the vaccine and your vet's protocol.

Lifestyle (non-core) vaccines

Depending on your dog's life, your vet may recommend Bordetella (kennel cough — often required for boarding, daycare, and grooming), Leptospirosis, Lyme, or Canine influenza.

Do this now

Book a wellness visit, ask which vaccines your dog is due for, and put the next-due dates in your reminders.

General education — your veterinarian sets the right schedule for your dog.