Dog Vaccinations 101: Common Canine Diseases, Recommended Vaccinations

Key Takeaway

• Core and risk-based vaccinations protect dogs from serious and often fatal diseases such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis, and Lyme disease.
• Puppies are especially vulnerable, which is why vaccination begins as early as 6 to 8 weeks of age and continues on a structured schedule through their first year.
• Rabies is a zoonotic disease that threatens both pets and people, making vaccination not only critical for health but also required by law in many areas.
• Risk-based vaccines, including Bordetella, Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and canine influenza, should be considered based on lifestyle, environmental, and exposure.
• Proper vaccine administration and timing, along with routine veterinary guidance, help ensure dogs build strong, lasting immunity for healthy life.

---

Your dog is part of your family. Are you ensuring his health and safety through puppy shots and dog vaccinations? Continue reading for a better understanding of common canine disease risks, recommended vaccinations and vaccine administration tips to help protect your pup!

Common Canine Diseases

Rabies

Of all animal diseases, rabies is the most feared. The rabies virus attacks the brain and is most always fatal. Pets are exposed to rabies through the saliva of infected animals, commonly bats, raccoons, foxes and skunks. As a zoonotic disease, rabies presents grave risk to not only your pets but also you and your family, as the disease can be transmitted to humans through the saliva of an infected animal. Rabies disease is preventable through vaccinations. Watch for symptoms, such as seizures, paralysis, aggression and lack of coordination.

Distemper

Distemper is the leading cause of infectious disease death in dogs, according to the American Kennel Club. There is no cure for this highly contagious viral disease, thus vaccination is critical. It affects the respiratory and nervous system. Primary vaccination should begin at 6 to 8 weeks old, as dogs often contract the disease at an early age.

Parvovirus

Transmitted by exposure to contaminated feces, this contagious viral disease can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting in dogs of all ages. The disease is especially deadly in puppies.

Coronavirus

Coronavirus is highly contagious and can weaken dogs by causing severe diarrhea and vomiting. The disease is sometimes confused with parvovirus. The two diseases may occur simultaneously, in which case symptoms are more severe.

Parainfluenza

This viral respiratory disease is often responsible for kennel cough in dogs. Infection can be severe in young puppies. Parainfluenza protection is often included in distemper-parvo vaccines. Should your dog contract Parainfluenza, look to an antibiotic treatment to help speed recovery.

Hepatitis (Adenovirus)

Found in feces and saliva, this virus causes fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Canine Adenovirus Type 1 infection causes infectious hepatitis and may lead to severe kidney damage. Type 2 can be a complicating factor in kennel cough. Vaccines are available that protect against both types of adenovirus.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease carried by wildlife. A dog can contract the disease from infected animals or by drinking contaminated water, putting them at risk for developing kidney and liver disease. Yearly vaccination limits your dog's chances of acquiring the disease.

Bordetella

Transmitted by nasal secretions, Bordetella causes coughing and sneezing. Frequently involved in kennel cough complex, this bacterial infection may occur simultaneously with distemper, adenovirus type 2 infection, parainfluenza and other respiratory infections.

Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease is an infection caused by a tick-transmitted bacteria. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, muscle stiffness, depression and lack of appetite. In more severe cases, lameness occurs as a result of severe musculoskeletal or arthritic type joint pain. Learn more about Lyme Disease in this article.

Giardia

Giardia in dogs, cats and humans is caused by the waterborne parasite, Giardia lamblia. The parasite is found in untreated water sources, like puddles, ponds and creeks. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, weight loss, fever, dehydration and nausea.

Suggested Puppy Shots, Dog Vaccinations and Timing 

Age	Vaccinate Against These Disease Risks	Risk-based Diseases
6 to 8 weeks	DHPP (Distemper, Adenovirus [Hepatitis], Parainfluenza and Parvovirus)	Bordetella, Canine Influenza
10 to 12 weeks	DHPP	Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme Disease
12 to 24 weeks	Rabies, DHPP or DHLPP (also includes Leptospirosis)	N/A
14 to 16 weeks	DHPP or DHLPP	Coronavirus, Lyme Disease, Leptospirosis
12 to 16 months	Rabies, DHPP	Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme Disease, Canine Influenza
Every one to two years	DHPP	Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme Disease, Canine Influenza
Every one to three years	Rabies (as required by law)	N/A

 

Vaccine Administration Tips

With background on how to administer dog vaccinations, administration can be simple! Tune into the video at the top of this page, and tips below, for a quick guide on how to vaccinate dogs.

To administer a vaccine subcutaneously: Simply pick up the skin, insert the needle, draw back on the plunger (aspirate), and inject. If blood appears, it means the tip of the needle is in a vessel. Just withdraw the needle and select another site. If air is drawn in freely, the tip of the needle is not under the skin; simply reposition the needle and aspirate again.

To administer a vaccine intramuscularly: Some vaccines must be given intramuscularly (IM). The best site to administer a vaccine intramuscularly is in the muscle of the rear leg, between the hip and knee. Aspirate as with the subcutaneous injection.

Mixing two-part vaccines: Some vaccines require mixing. They come in two vials, one containing the liquid portion and the other containing the dried portion. To mix two-part vaccines, first draw the liquid portion into the syringe. Inject the liquid into the dried portion and mix until dissolved. Then, draw the mixture back into the syringe.

Help your pet enjoy a healthy, happy life. 

Whether for horse, livestock, or pet, Valley Vet Supply is your one-stop shop for trusted care. Explore more of our dog category at ValleyVet.com