Dog Vaccination

Dog vaccination is one of the most important steps in protecting your pet from life-threatening diseases. Vaccines not only keep your dog safe but also protect other pets and humans from infectious illnesses. From playful puppies to senior dogs, timely vaccinations ensure a long, healthy life.

Vaccination shields dogs from deadly diseases like rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and kennel cough.
Puppies need a series of shots to build immunity, followed by yearly boosters.
Some vaccines are core (essential for all dogs), while others are non-core (depending on lifestyle and exposure).
Skipping vaccination puts both your pet and other animals at serious risk.

Why Does My Dog Need Vaccination?

Dogs are exposed to viruses and bacteria daily through contact with other animals, contaminated surfaces, food bowls, or even on your shoes after a walk. Puppies are especially vulnerable because their immune systems are not yet strong. Vaccination works by preparing your dog’s immune system to recognize and fight these pathogens before they cause severe illness. Without vaccination, dogs risk developing serious, often fatal conditions that are preventable.

Types of Dog Vaccination

Core Vaccines:

Rabies

Protects against rabies virus, which is fatal and transmissible to humans. Legally required in most countries.

Canine Distemper

Prevents a contagious viral disease that affects the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems. Often fatal if untreated.

Parvovirus (CPV-2)

Protects against a highly contagious virus causing severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, especially deadly for puppies.

Adenovirus (Hepatitis)

Prevents infectious canine hepatitis, which damages the liver, kidneys, and eyes.

Non-Core Vaccines:

Bordetella bronchiseptica

Protects against kennel cough, common in dogs that attend boarding, grooming, or dog parks.

Leptospirosis

Prevents a bacterial infection spread by contaminated water or soil, which can also infect humans.

Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease – Recommended for dogs in tick-infested areas. Protects against Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes joint pain and kidney issues.

Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)

Protects against a contagious respiratory illness often spread in kennels or shelters.

Symptoms of Disease in Unvaccinated Dogs

Distemper

Fever, coughing, nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and paralysis.

Parvovirus

Severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and collapse. Often fatal in puppies.

Rabies

Sudden aggression, excessive drooling, paralysis, and death. Always fatal once symptoms appear.

Hepatitis

Fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, jaundice (yellow gums/eyes), and bleeding disorders.

Kennel Cough (Bordetella/Parainfluenza)

Persistent dry cough, sneezing, nasal discharge, and loss of appetite.

Leptospirosis

Fever, vomiting, jaundice, kidney failure, and muscle pain. Can spread to humans.

Lyme Disease

Lameness, swollen joints, fever, and loss of energy.

Canine Influenza

Coughing, sneezing, eye discharge, fever, and reduced appetite.

Prevention & Dog Care

Prevention of Health Risks

Follow the recommended vaccination schedule starting from puppyhood. Keep vaccines updated to avoid lapses in protection.

Post-Vaccination Monitoring

Watch for mild side effects like tiredness or swelling at the injection site. Rarely, allergic reactions may occur—seek immediate vet help if you see vomiting, facial swelling, or breathing problems.

Dietary Support

Feed your dog normally after vaccination. Fresh water and balanced meals keep their immune system strong.

Limit Stress & Activity

Let your dog rest for the day after vaccination. Avoid strenuous exercise or exposure to sick animals right after the shots.

Long-Term Care

Schedule annual health checks and boosters. Keep a record of your dog’s vaccinations for travel, boarding, or emergencies.

Dog Vaccination FAQ

Because it prevents life-threatening diseases like rabies, distemper, and parvo, many of which have no cure. Vaccination keeps your dog healthy and reduces vet costs from emergency treatments.

Puppies usually start between 6–8 weeks old and receive booster shots every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks. After that, yearly boosters keep them protected.

Yes. Side effects are rare and usually mild, such as slight swelling at the injection site or temporary tiredness. The benefits far outweigh the risks.

Yes. Rabies and leptospirosis are zoonotic, meaning they can spread to humans. Vaccinating your dog helps protect your family.

Mild side effects like sleepiness or a small lump are normal. Severe reactions are extremely rare and vets are trained to handle them.

Yes. You can explore more about dog problem and treatment on our dog page to stay informed and prepared.

Dog Vaccination

Why Does My Dog Need Vaccination?

Types of Dog Vaccination

Core Vaccines:

Rabies

Canine Distemper

Parvovirus (CPV-2)

Adenovirus (Hepatitis)

Non-Core Vaccines:

Bordetella bronchiseptica

Leptospirosis

Lyme Disease

Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)

Symptoms of Disease in Unvaccinated Dogs

Distemper

Parvovirus

Rabies

Hepatitis

Kennel Cough (Bordetella/Parainfluenza)

Leptospirosis

Lyme Disease

Canine Influenza

Prevention & Dog Care

Prevention of Health Risks

Post-Vaccination Monitoring

Dietary Support

Limit Stress & Activity

Long-Term Care

Dog Vaccination FAQ

Why is dog vaccination important?

When should puppies start vaccination?

Are vaccinations safe for dogs?

Can dog vaccines protect humans too?

Can my dog get sick from vaccination?

Is there any other problem I should be worried about for my dog?

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