Everything You Must Know About Vaccinating Your Dog

Vaccinations are one of the most important ways to protect your dog from serious and preventable diseases. At Lombard Veterinary Hospital, we believe every pet deserves a vaccination plan tailored to their individual needs. Our veterinarians consider your dog's age, lifestyle, environment, medical history, and risk of exposure when recommending vaccines. 

Our vaccination and wellness care protocols are designed to support pets at every stage of life, ensuring they receive appropriate preventive care as they grow and age.

Whether you are welcoming a new puppy into your family or maintaining the health of an adult dog, our team will help you create a vaccination schedule designed to provide the protection your dogs needs throughout every stage of life.

What Are Dog Vaccines And Why Are They Important?

Vaccines help prepare a dog's immune system to defend itself from any invasion of disease-causing organisms. Vaccines contain antigens, which mimic disease-causing organisms in a dog's immune system, but don't actually cause disease. The purpose of puppy vaccines and dog vaccines is to mildly stimulate the immune system by having it recognize the antigens present. This way, if a dog becomes exposed to the real disease, it's immune system will recognize it, and therefore be prepared to fight it off, or at the least reduce its effects.

What Are The Core Dog Vaccinations?

Core vaccines are recommended for every dog because they protect against diseases that are widespread, highly contagious, or pose a significant health risk. At Lombard Veterinary Hospital, we follow the vaccine protocol that the American Animal Hospital Association provides. We will additionally explain what each vaccine does, when to start it, and what to do after the initial vaccination series.

DAPP Vaccine

Distemper. Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, & Parvovirus

The DAPP vaccine protects against four serious viral diseases

  • Canine Distemper
  • Adenovirus
  • Parainfluenza
  • Parvovirus

The DAPP vaccine series begins as early as 6 weeks of age and is administered every 4 weeks until the puppy reaches at least 16 weeks of age.

After completing the initial vaccination series:

  • Revaccination should occur within 1 year
  • Booster vaccines are then administered every 3 years

If a pet is overdue for the vaccination, restarting the vaccine series depends on the individual patient's risk level, vaccination history, and overall health.

Rabies Vaccine

Rabies vaccination is required by law and protects both pets and people from this fatal viral disease.

Lombard Veterinary Hospital offers both 1-year and 3-year killed rabies vaccines.

The initial rabies vaccination:

  • Must be administered as a 1-year vaccine
  • Is typically given at 16 weeks of age
  • Must be administered by a licensed veterinarian

After the initial rabies vaccination:

  • A booster should be given within 1 year
  • Future vaccinations  may be administered every 1 or 3 years depending on the vaccine used and owner preference

If a pet is overdue for a rabies vaccine, either a 1-year or 3-year vaccine may be administered as long as it is not the first rabies vaccination the pet has ever received.

Leptospirosis Vaccine

The Leptospirosis (lepto) vaccine protects against a bacterial infection that can be spread through wildlife, contaminated water, and soil.

The initial vaccination series includes:

  • First dose typically given at 12 weeks of age
    • Can begin as early as 8 weeks
  • Booster 2-4 weeks later
  • Annual vaccination thereafter

During the initial series:

  • If more than 6 weeks pass between the first dose and booster, the series must be restarted
  • If a pet is more than 3 months overdue for a booster, the series should be restarted

Lifestyle Vaccines

Lifestyle vaccines are recommended based on your dog's individual risk of exposure, including interactions with other animals, travel, boarding, daycare, grooming, and outdoor activities.

Bordetella Vaccine

Kennel Cough

The Bordetella vaccine helps protect against a highly contagious respiratory infection commonly spread in places where dogs gather. 

The intranasal vaccine is recommended because it provides better protection compared with the injectable form.

Vaccination guidelines:

  • A single intranasal dose is recommended for puppies 8-12 weeks of age
  • High-risk puppies may receive the vaccine as early as 3-4 weeks of age
  • Annual vaccination is recommended for most dogs

Canine Influenza Vaccine

CIV Bivalent - H3N8 and H3N2

The canine influenza vaccine is recommended for dogs with increased exposure risk.

The initial vaccine series includes:

  • First dose at approximately 8 weeks of age
  • Booster 2-4 weeks later
  • Annual vaccination thereafter

If a dog is more than 3 months overdue for a booster, the vaccine series should be restarted.

Lyme Vaccine

The Lyme vaccine is recommended for dogs at the highest risk of tick exposure. 

The initial Lyme vaccine series includes:

  • First dose as early as 8 weeks of age
  • Booster 2-4 weeks later
  • Annual vaccination thereafter for dogs at continued risk

If more than 6 weeks pass between initial doses or a booster is more than 3 months overdue, the vaccine series should be restarted. 

Dogs that test positive for Lyme, Ehrlichia, or Anaplasma on a blood test may also benefit from the Lyme vaccination due to increased exposure risk.

Vaccination alone will not cause a dog to test positive for Lyme on their bloodwork.

Understanding Vaccine Boosters

Vaccines work by preparing your dog's immune system to recognize and respond to specific diseases.

The first vaccine dose helps prime the immune system, while the booster creates a stronger immune response and provide protection.

For vaccines requiring a series:

  • Boosters should be administered 2-4 weeks after the previous vaccination
  • Immunity may decrease if a booster is delayed more than 4 weeks
  • If more than 6 weeks pass after the initial vaccine, the series may need to be restarted

Side Effects And Risks Associated With Dog Vaccinations

The benefits of vaccinations far outweigh any risks. Adverse reactions to dog vaccines are rare. However, As with any medication or immunization protocol, puppy vaccinations and dog vaccinations can cause some side effects. We do recommend that you have your puppy or dog vaccinated at time when when you can monitor them after the vaccination.

If your dog does experience any reaction to vaccinations, symptoms may include:

  • Fever
  • Sluggishness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Facial or paw swelling and/or hives
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Pain or swelling around the injection site
  • Collapse, difficulty breathing, and seizures (anaphylactic shock)

Just as with human vaccines, mild symptoms can be ignored. The majority of reactions are mild and short lived. If you suspect a more severe reaction to puppy vaccines or dog vaccines, such as facial swelling, vomiting or lethargy, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

Creating the Right Vaccine Plan for Your Dog

Every dog is unique, and their vaccination needs may change throughout their life. Our veterinarians will work with you to determine which vaccines are appropriate based on your dog's age, lifestyle, and risk factors.

At Lombard Veterinary Hospital, our goal is to to provide personalized vaccination care that helps your dog stay protected, healthy, and happy throughout every staff of their life. 

Staying up to date on vaccinations is an important part of keeping your dog healthy and protected from preventable diseases. Whether is your new puppy or an adult dog due for boosters, even questions about which vaccines are right for your pet, our team is here to help. 

Schedule your dog's vaccination appointment with Lombard Veterinary Hospital today and let us create a personalized vaccination plan based on your dog's age, lifestyle, and individual needs.