Vaccines are essential for keeping your dog healthy, preventing dangerous diseases, and reducing risks for other pets and humans. Understanding which vaccines your dog needs, what they protect against, and when to administer them ensures long-term health and safety.

Why check out this article?

Understanding 10 dog vaccines

Rabies Vaccine – Protects against rabies, a deadly virus affecting the nervous system that can be transmitted to humans. Administered typically at 12 weeks, with annual or triennial boosters depending on local law.

Distemper Vaccine – Shields against canine distemper virus, which affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Puppies often receive multiple doses, starting at 6–8 weeks.

Parvovirus – Prevents canine parvovirus, a highly contagious and potentially fatal gastrointestinal disease causing vomiting and severe diarrhoea. Multiple doses are given early in puppyhood, followed by boosters.

Adenovirus – Protects against infectious canine hepatitis, which can damage the liver, kidneys, and eyes. Usually combined in a multivalent vaccine with distemper and parvovirus (DHPP). Administered starting at 6–8 weeks.

Parainfluenza Vaccine – Reduces risk of canine parainfluenza virus, a leading cause of kennel cough. Often included in DHPP combinations. Boosters help maintain protection, especially in dogs that travel or attend daycare.

Bordetella Vaccine – Targets Bordetella bronchiseptica, another major cause of kennel cough. Can be given as an intranasal, oral, or injectable vaccine. Essential for dogs in kennels or social environments.

Leptospiriosis Vaccine – Protects against Leptospira bacteria, which can cause kidney and liver failure and spread to humans. Given in combination or separately, with boosters, especially for dogs exposed to wildlife.

Lyme Disease Vaccine – Prevents Lyme disease caused by Borrelia bacteria, transmitted by ticks. Recommended for dogs in high-risk areas. Usually requires an initial two-dose series followed by annual boosters to ensure effective protection.

Coronavirus Vaccine – Protects against canine coronavirus, which causes mild gastrointestinal upset in puppies and can worsen other infections. Administered in certain regions or for dogs at high risk of exposure. Not always part of the standard schedule.

Influenza Vaccine – Protects against canine influenza virus, which can spread rapidly in social settings, causing coughing, fever, and lethargy. Recommended for dogs that attend daycare, boarding facilities, or interact frequently with other dogs to prevent outbreaks.

From the experts – Keep a vaccination record with dates and booster schedules. Discuss with your vet which vaccines are core versus optional based on your dog’s age, environment, and lifestyle. Watch for mild post-vaccination reactions like lethargy or soreness, and contact a vet if severe symptoms appear. If you're unsure about a certain vaccination, you can ask Max.

Got questions? Max is hanging out on the right of your display - give him a shout!

See More Articles →