DOG VACCINATIONS
Vaccination helps protect dogs from serious infectious diseases and is an important part of preventive care. This is particularly important in rescue because newly arriving dogs may have unknown medical histories and may have been exposed to other animals.
Current veterinary recommendations divide canine vaccines into core vaccines and vaccines selected according to individual risk. AAHA updated its canine guidelines in 2024 to identify leptospirosis as a core vaccine for dogs.
CORE VACCINES
Core vaccines are generally recommended for all dogs unless the veterinarian identifies a specific medical reason not to vaccinate.
CANINE DISTEMPER VIRUS — CDV
What it protects against:
Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that can affect multiple body systems, including the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Severe cases can result in permanent neurologic problems or death.
When vaccination begins:
Puppies can generally begin their primary distemper vaccination series at approximately 6–8 weeks of age.
Initial series:
Additional doses are generally given every 2–4 weeks during puppyhood, with the series continuing until the puppy is old enough for reliable protection after maternal antibodies have declined. The exact schedule is determined by the veterinarian and vaccine protocol.
Booster and ongoing protection:
After the puppy series is completed, a booster is given according to the veterinarian's protocol, followed by revaccination at intervals appropriate for the vaccine and the dog's risk.
CANINE PARVOVIRUS — CPV
What it protects against:
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily attacks rapidly dividing cells, especially in the intestinal tract and immune system. It can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, weakness, and death.
When vaccination begins:
Puppies generally begin their parvovirus-containing vaccine series at approximately 6–8 weeks of age.
Initial series:
Puppies receive repeated doses at approximately 2–4 week intervals until they reach the age at which the veterinarian considers the primary series complete. Rescue and shelter protocols may use more frequent vaccination because of the increased exposure risk.
Booster and ongoing protection:
A booster is administered according to current veterinary recommendations following completion of the puppy series.
Rescue note:
Parvovirus is especially important in rescue because it is extremely contagious and can persist in contaminated environments. Suspected parvovirus requires immediate notification of Belly Rub N Grub.
CANINE ADENOVIRUS — CAV
What it protects against:
Canine adenovirus type 2 is included in combination vaccines to provide protection against canine infectious hepatitis caused by adenovirus type 1 and to help reduce respiratory disease associated with adenovirus type 2.
When vaccination begins:
Protection is normally provided as part of the puppy combination vaccine beginning at approximately 6–8 weeks of age.
Initial series and boosters:
It is generally administered as part of the combination puppy series at 2–4 week intervals, followed by booster vaccination according to current veterinary recommendations.
LEPTOSPIROSIS
What it protects against:
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can cause serious damage to the kidneys, liver, and other organs. It can also infect people, making it an important zoonotic disease.
Current status:
The current AAHA canine guidelines were updated in 2024, and leptospirosis is now classified as a core vaccine for dogs. Current guidance recommends vaccination for dogs exposed to outdoor environments, including urban, suburban, and rural settings.
When vaccination begins:
The initial series generally begins at approximately 12 weeks of age.
Initial series:
Two doses are generally given approximately 2–4 weeks apart, followed by regular boosters.
Booster and ongoing protection:
Leptospirosis vaccination is generally repeated annually.
Rescue note:
Because leptospirosis can affect both animals and people, appropriate prevention is particularly important for dogs that may encounter standing water, wildlife, rodents, contaminated soil, or other outdoor exposures.
RABIES
What it protects against:
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that attacks the nervous system and can infect virtually all mammals, including people.
When vaccination begins:
The minimum age and schedule depend on the vaccine product and applicable law. In California, rabies vaccination requirements must be followed where applicable.
Booster and ongoing protection:
The booster interval depends on the vaccine used and applicable law. Some products are licensed for one year and others for three years.
Important:
Rabies vaccination has legal requirements that may differ from other vaccines. Belly Rub N Grub follows applicable law and veterinary direction.
RISK-BASED / NON-CORE VACCINES
Some vaccines are recommended when a dog's lifestyle, geographic location, travel, housing situation, or exposure to other dogs creates additional risk.
BORDETELLA
What it protects against:
Bordetella bronchiseptica is one of several organisms associated with canine infectious respiratory disease, commonly called kennel cough.
When it may be recommended:
Dogs that are frequently around other dogs, including those attending boarding facilities, daycare, grooming facilities, training classes, shelters, or rescue environments, may have increased exposure.
Schedule:
The veterinarian determines the appropriate product and schedule. Some products are administered annually, while others may have different recommended intervals.
CANINE INFLUENZA
What it protects against:
Canine influenza is a contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses that infect dogs.
When it may be recommended:
Vaccination may be considered for dogs with increased exposure to other dogs or in areas where canine influenza is circulating.
Schedule:
The veterinarian determines whether vaccination is appropriate and establishes the initial series and booster schedule.
LYME DISEASE
What it protects against:
Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted by infected ticks.
When it may be recommended:
Vaccination may be considered for dogs living in or traveling to areas where Lyme disease is a significant risk or for dogs with substantial tick exposure.
Schedule:
When recommended, the initial series generally consists of two doses separated by approximately 2–4 weeks, followed by boosters according to veterinary recommendations.
RATTLESNAKE TOXOID
What it is:
Rattlesnake toxoid is intended to reduce the severity of certain effects following rattlesnake envenomation. It does not make a dog immune to snakebite and does not replace emergency veterinary treatment.
When it may be considered:
A veterinarian may consider it for dogs with significant exposure to rattlesnakes.
Important:
Any dog bitten by a venomous snake requires immediate veterinary attention, regardless of vaccination history.
Core Dog Vaccines
Recommended for all dogs unless there is a specific medical reason not to vaccinate:
Distemper
Adenovirus
Parvovirus
Parainfluenza — commonly included in combination vaccines
Leptospirosis
Rabies — according to applicable law and vaccine requirements
Non-Core Dog Vaccines
Recommended for some dogs based on lifestyle, geographic location, and risk of exposure:
Lyme disease
Bordetella
Canine influenza
Rattlesnake toxoid