Dog Vaccinations
Dogs require vaccinations to protect themselves and the humans who adore them from diseases that can result in severe illness or, in the case of distemper and rabies, even death. Vaccines contain weakened elements of infectious diseases that stimulate the immune system to recognize these diseases, enabling the immune system to combat them quickly and effectively in the future. Vaccinated dogs either avoid these diseases or experience milder cases than their unvaccinated counterparts.
Maintaining a regular vaccination schedule is crucial to keeping dogs healthy, as many kennels, boarding facilities, and training services mandate up-to-date vaccinations. For all these reasons, our team at Hillview Veterinary Clinic / Bed & Biscuit in Reynoldsburg is here to ensure your dog receives the necessary vaccinations.
Vaccination Schedule
Puppies receive some immunity from diseases through their mothers. However, this immunity diminishes over time, making it essential for puppies to receive their vaccines on schedule as part of their preventive care regimen. Some puppy vaccines are administered once, while others require booster shots. Certain vaccines lose their effectiveness over time, which is why adult dogs should also adhere to a regular vaccination schedule, typically on an annual or triennial basis.
Ohio law mandates rabies vaccinations for dogs. Rabies and some other vaccinations are considered core vaccines, meaning that all dogs should receive them. Non-core vaccines are administered based on a dog's lifestyle, location, and other factors that we will discuss with you to determine whether your dog needs them.
Puppy Vaccine Schedule
The puppy vaccine schedule begins at 6 to 8 weeks and continues every two to four weeks until the series is completed. Some vaccines, like DA2PP, are given in combination to reduce the number of injections your dog receives, making it more convenient for you.
Here is the typical core and non-core vaccination schedule for puppies:
6–8 weeks
Core: DAP2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus I & II, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza)
Non-core: Bordetella (kennel cough)
10–12 Weeks
Core: DAP2PP
Non-core: Leptospirosis, Lyme, Canine Influenza
14–16 Weeks
Core: DAP2PP, rabies
Non-core: Leptospirosis, Lyme, Canine Influenza
Adult Dog Vaccine Schedule
Adult dogs have their vaccination needs assessed by your veterinarian as part of their annual preventive care examination and treatment. The core vaccines may be required only once every three years.
Annual or Every Three Years
Core: DAP2PP, rabies (as needed by law or risk)
Non-core: Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Lyme, Canine Influenza
Find Care at Hillview Veterinary Clinic / Bed & Biscuit
Are you looking for a veterinarian near you? If you reside in or near Reynoldsburg, our dedicated team at Hillview Veterinary Clinic / Bed & Biscuit, led by Dr. Joshua M. Halper, our veterinarian, is here to meet your pet care needs. Call us at (614) 866-2290 or visit us today to schedule an appointment.