Dog Vaccination | Introduction to Dog Vaccination

Beagle with Cone Dog at vet's office Dog at veterinarian's office

Things to Consider

Almost all authorities believe that domestic dogs should be vaccinated against common or dangerous infectious diseases. These are called “core” vaccines. Other vaccines may be appropriate based on a particular dog’s risk of infection; these are called “non-core” vaccines. Vaccines don’t always completely protect a dog from getting sick. However, if prepared, stored and administered properly, they usually provide a great deal of protection and reduce the severity of symptoms if the dog does become infected. Veterinarians differ in their recommended vaccine protocols, depending on where they are located and the lifestyle and health of their patients. It is always best to consult with a local veterinarian to come up with the best vaccination schedule for your canine companions.

What Are Vaccines and How Do They Work in Dogs?

Vaccines are liquid suspensions of dead or weakened organisms – usually viruses or bacteria - that reduce the risk of infection by those organisms. Several types of vaccines are available for dogs: modified live (attenuated) vaccines, killed (inactivated) vaccines, and recombinant vaccines.To understand vaccines, it helps to have a basic understanding of how the immune system works. Basically, the immune system is in charge of protecting the body from things that it perceives as foreign

Canine Vaccine Administration, Effectiveness, Safety and Alternatives


Core Dog Vaccines

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) publishes guidelines that classify vaccines as core, non-core and not recommended. Core vaccines are those that the AAHA and most veterinarians believe that all dogs should receive. Core vaccines usually are given in a short series starting at 7 or 8 weeks of age, followed by boosters at varying intervals. This article highlights core canine vaccines that are widely accepted by the veterinary community as being important for domestic

Non-Core Dog Vaccines

Guidelines published by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) classify vaccines as core, non-core and not recommended. Non-core vaccines are those that only certain dogs should have, depending on where they live and travel, their lifestyle and whether they are likely to be exposed to unfamiliar dogs in close quarters. This article discusses non-core vaccines that are accepted by the veterinary community as being appropriate for some but not all companion dogs.Older vaccines protect against