What shots do dogs need?

Vaccinations are one of the clearest, most practical things you can do to keep a dog healthy and the people and animals around them safer. Below I walk through why shots matter, which ones are considered essential, how they work, when to schedule them, what to watch for afterward, and a realistic plan for owners who want to feel confident about protecting their dog.

How dog vaccinations protect your pet — and your household

Vaccines directly reduce the chance your dog will suffer from several serious, sometimes fatal infections. For a new puppy, a timely series of shots often means avoiding prolonged illness that can set growth and behavior back; for an older dog, routine boosters can keep immune memory high so infections are milder or prevented altogether. I typically see how quickly a protected dog recovers from exposure compared with an unvaccinated one — the difference is often striking.

Rabies vaccination is also legally important. Many states and municipalities require dogs to be vaccinated against rabies and to have a current license; failing to comply can lead to fines, quarantine, or, in the worst cases, forced confinement. If you travel with your dog domestically or internationally, boarding them, or placing them in a shelter or rescue, proof of specific vaccinations is commonly required.

On a community level, vaccinating dogs reduces the pool of animals that can transmit contagious diseases. In shelters and rescue groups, higher vaccine coverage can mean fewer outbreaks and lower euthanasia rates during disease events. Because some diseases spread between animals and people, like rabies and leptospirosis, vaccination can also lower public health risk.

Core shots every dog needs: distemper, parvo, rabies and more

The core set of vaccines every dog is recommended to have includes protection against canine distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus (hepatitis), and rabies. Beyond those, several non-core options are commonly used depending on your dog’s environment, age, and activities. The choices should be individualized; I often discuss lifestyle details before recommending non-core shots.

• Core vaccines: Distemper, Parvovirus (CPV), Canine Adenovirus type 2 (often combined as DAP or DHPP), and Rabies.
• Common non-core vaccines by exposure: Bordetella (kennel cough) for dogs that board or attend daycare; Leptospira for dogs near wildlife, standing water, or livestock; Lyme vaccine for dogs in tick-heavy regions; Canine influenza for dogs involved in shows, kennels, or areas with flu outbreaks.

Puppies typically receive a series of core shots spaced several weeks apart to work around maternal antibodies; the series commonly finishes around 14–16 weeks of age and rabies is often given at or after 12–16 weeks per local law. Adult dogs usually receive booster doses—some core components are given every 1–3 years depending on the vaccine and the clinic’s protocol. Some owners choose titer testing to check antibody levels before deciding on a booster; titers can be useful for certain vaccines but are not always a direct substitute for every vaccine in every situation.

What happens inside your dog’s immune system after a vaccine

Vaccines work by prompting a dog’s immune system to create a memory response without the dog having to experience the disease itself. After vaccination, B cells may produce antibodies specific to the pathogen and T cells may be primed to respond faster on exposure. This immune memory is what reduces the chance of illness or blunts its severity.

Very young puppies receive some protection through antibodies passed from their mother in colostrum. Those maternal antibodies can interfere with vaccination, which is why a series of shots spaced over weeks is used — each dose has a higher chance of taking effect as maternal antibodies wane. This staggered approach aims to leave little window unprotected while maximizing the chance the puppy develops its own immunity.

Vaccine types differ in how they stimulate immunity. Modified-live vaccines contain weakened organisms that tend to provoke a strong, broad immune response and often require fewer doses. Killed (inactivated) vaccines are generally safer in certain scenarios but may need adjuvants and booster doses. Recombinant vaccines deliver genetic material or only a component of the pathogen, which can reduce certain risks and concentrate the immune response. Each type has trade-offs, and the choice for an individual dog is best made with a veterinarian.

There is also a population benefit: when a large portion of dogs in a community are immune to a highly contagious disease, transmission slows. That herd effect reduces outbreaks and can protect animals that cannot be vaccinated for health reasons. For zoonotic infections like rabies, vaccinating dogs is one of the most effective ways to prevent human cases.

Vaccination timeline: when puppies and adult dogs need their shots

For most puppies, a commonly recommended schedule begins around 6–8 weeks with the first core vaccine, followed by doses at roughly 10–12 weeks and 14–16 weeks. The first rabies vaccine is typically given at 12–16 weeks depending on local rules, and many jurisdictions require proof before licensing. That schedule aims to ensure protection once maternal antibodies decline.

Adult dogs normally receive boosters at intervals guided by vaccine type, individual risk, and current guidelines. For some vaccines, a three-year interval is common after the initial series; others may still be recommended annually. Titer testing can help inform whether an adult dog maintains protective antibodies, particularly for distemper and parvovirus, but not every vaccine has a validated titer test that neatly replaces a booster.

Timing can shift if you need short-term protection for activities like boarding, shows, or air travel. Some facilities insist on recent bordetella or influenza vaccines, often within the past six to twelve months. Also watch for regional alerts: a local outbreak of canine influenza or leptospirosis may prompt earlier or additional vaccination. Always check both your veterinarian’s advice and any destination or facility rules.

Recognizing vaccine reactions — which signs are expected and which need urgent care

Most dogs have only mild reactions after vaccines, but you should know the signs of serious problems. Anaphylaxis usually occurs within minutes to a few hours and may present as facial swelling, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, pale gums, collapse, or sudden weakness. An immediate veterinary exam is warranted if any of these appear.

Mild, short-lived responses are more common and may include decreased energy, a slight fever, reduced appetite, or soreness at the injection site for 24–48 hours. These signs often resolve without treatment, but it’s useful to monitor and record them so future vaccine choices can be adjusted.

Some dogs develop firm injection-site lumps that persist for weeks; many are benign granulomas linked to the immune response, but persistent, growing, or painful masses should be examined and possibly biopsied. If you notice prolonged swelling, discharge, or signs of infection, contact your veterinarian promptly.

If your dog has had a previous vaccine reaction, discuss alternatives: different vaccine formulations, splitting vaccines across visits, pre-treatment strategies, or titer testing may be reasonable. I have seen teams safely manage dogs with prior reactions by taking these precautions.

An age-based vaccination checklist you can follow

1. Gather existing veterinary records and vaccination certificates before the first clinic visit so the team can build on prior protection and avoid unnecessary repeats.
2. Book a dedicated appointment to talk through core versus non-core choices, focusing on your dog’s living environment, travel plans, and exposure risks.
3. Follow the recommended puppy series or adult booster schedule; if considering titers, decide on which vaccines to test and at what intervals with your veterinarian.
4. Keep a log of vaccine dates, manufacturer or lot numbers if available, and any immediate or delayed reactions to inform future decisions.

Preparing for the visit: behavior tips and appointment logistics to reduce stress

Socialization is important and should be balanced with immune protection. Puppies benefit from gentle, controlled exposure to people and safe surfaces before they are fully protected, but avoid prolonged contact with large groups of unknown dogs until core vaccines are complete. Short outdoor encounters and handling exercises at home can build confidence without excessive risk.

To make vet visits low-stress, use desensitization: take your dog to the clinic for positive experiences that don’t always involve procedures, give favorite treats during handling practice, and gradually accustom them to the exam table and restraint. Calm handling techniques—slow movements, soft voice, food rewards—reduce fear and make injections safer for everyone.

Minimize exposure risks shortly before and after vaccinations. A dog’s immune response begins quickly but full protection may take days to weeks; avoid boarding or dog parks during that window if possible. For fearful or aggressive dogs, plan with the clinic to use low-stimulation rooms, trained staff, and possibly mild anxiolytics or behavior strategies rather than forceful restraint.

Gear and supplies that make vaccination appointments safer and smoother

• Secure transport: a well-fitting harness for walks and a sturdy carrier for small dogs to limit escape or injury during travel.
• Calming aids: pheromone sprays or diffusers, a snug wrap like a pressure vest, and high-value rewards familiar to the dog can ease handling.
• Record keeping: a physical vaccination card plus a vaccine-tracking app or photo backup of certificates so you have proof when boarding or traveling.
• Muzzles only when strictly needed and only after training; a properly introduced muzzle can keep everyone safe without adding fear.

Who to consult — veterinarians, specialists and when to seek extra advice

Your primary care veterinarian is the best starting point for individualized vaccine plans. They know local disease patterns, your dog’s health history, and any previous reactions. If you adopted a dog from a shelter, the shelter’s veterinary team can often provide initial records and guidance about what was already given and what’s still needed.

For questions that intersect with public health—most commonly rabies regulations—your local public health department or animal control office can clarify legal requirements for your area. For complex medical histories or uncertainty about reactions, a veterinary internal medicine specialist or dermatology/exotics specialist may offer additional input. National guidelines from professional organizations can also be useful when compared with local advice.

Research and references: the sources behind this guidance

• CDC: Rabies in the United States — National Rabies Surveillance and Prevention Recommendations, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2023 guidance.
• AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines: American Animal Hospital Association Canine Vaccination Guidelines, 2020/2023 updates.
• WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines: World Small Animal Veterinary Association Global Canine and Feline Vaccination Guidance, 2016 and 2020 updates.
• Merck Veterinary Manual: Canine Vaccination and Immunology sections, Merck Veterinary Manual online.
• AVMA: Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, American Veterinary Medical Association, most recent edition.