Vaccinations play a crucial role in protecting dogs from serious and potentially life-threatening infectious diseases. Each dog’s disease risk is unique and depends on where they live, their lifestyle, and their age, which means not all dogs will need every available vaccine. The Southern Crossing Animal Hospital team knows vaccinations can confuse pet owners, so we’re breaking down the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) canine vaccine guidelines to help dog owners better understand our recommendations.

How dog vaccines work

Vaccines introduce tiny amounts of inactive viruses or bacteria into a pet’s body to solicit an immune system response. When the body recognizes the material as foreign, it creates antibodies against the organism, which then circulate in the bloodstream. When the body sees the organism again, as in a booster vaccine, the antibody response becomes stronger and faster. After a vaccine series, the body is prepared to fight off a future invader with a strong response, if necessary.

Dog vaccine risks

Vaccine risks are low compared with the risks associated with the infectious diseases we vaccinate dogs against. Common and arguably normal side effects after a vaccine include mild soreness at the injection site and short-lived fever or lethargy, which occurs because the immune system is responding to stimulation, as it should. Serious reactions, which are rare, can range from facial swelling and hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis. We recommend monitoring your dog closely after they are vaccinated and calling with any concerns or questions about the expected effects.

Core canine vaccines

Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs, beginning in young puppyhood and continuing through their senior years. The core vaccines for dogs target widespread, serious diseases, including:

  • Distemper virus — Canine distemper affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI), and nervous systems, and is often fatal in affected puppies. Those who survive commonly suffer from chronic neurologic dysfunction.
  • Parvovirus — Canine parvovirus attacks the GI tract and immune system of young and unvaccinated dogs. Parvovirus requires intensive care and isolation and is often fatal without treatment.
  • Adenovirus type 2 — Canine adenovirus type 2 causes infectious respiratory disease in dogs, but the vaccine also protects against adenovirus type 1, an infectious cause of liver inflammation (i.e., hepatitis).
  • Rabies virus — Rabies, which affects the central nervous system of mammals, including dogs and humans, is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal and is always fatal. Because the disease can impact human health, rabies vaccination is required by law.

Canine lifestyle vaccines

Lifestyle vaccines are considered optional for all dogs but may be considered as core for your particular dog based on their individual risk factors, which may change throughout their lifetime. Lifestyle vaccines for dogs include:

  • Bordetella — Bordetella causes infectious tracheobronchitis, commonly known as kennel cough. Dogs who visit boarding facilities, dog parks, or grooming salons may benefit from Bordetella vaccination.
  • Leptospirosis — Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects dogs and other mammals, including humans. Lepto is transmitted through contact with water or surfaces that have been contaminated with urine from infected wildlife. Lepto was previously recommended only for dogs who spent time swimming or in wooded areas, but the disease is now more prevalent in urban areas and vaccination should be considered for all dogs.
  • Influenza — Canine influenza is a contagious respiratory disease that causes acute coughing and fever, and sometimes leads to pneumonia. Dogs who socialize frequently or board in large facilities may benefit from this vaccination.
  • Lyme disease — Lyme disease is a bacterial illness spread by infected deer ticks that has become commonplace in recent decades. The disease can result in acute lameness and general lethargy and may progress to kidney failure in the chronic form. Vaccination is recommended for all dogs with potential tick exposure.

Vaccination is a cornerstone of preventive healthcare for dogs. Ensuring your dog receives the core and lifestyle vaccines recommended by our veterinary team can help you safeguard their health and well-being for years to come.

Reach out to our Southern Crossing Animal Hospital team to learn more about your pup’s personalized vaccine recommendations, or to schedule your next routine wellness and preventive care visit.