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Just like for humans, there are vaccines for dogs, some of them are mandatory and others recommended. How many vaccinations a dog needs per year, what is the vaccination schedule for dogs or how many vaccinations a puppy needs are typical questions you will ask yourself with your first dog. So, to answer these questions and many other doubts about vaccines for dogs we have prepared a complete guide.
Next we are going to talk about the vaccines that most dogs get and the ones which are included in the vaccination schedule for dogs. You should not be afraid, as these vaccines are administered normally and do not cause side effects for dogs besides a slight swelling like humans experience too.
Rabies vaccine for dogs
The rabies vaccine is one of the most common and famous dog vaccines, first of all because it is one of the mandatory dog vaccines that your dog needs to get annually. This vaccine prevents our canine companion against the rabies virus thus avoiding a serious disease that causes spasms in the throat, an increase in the generation of saliva (hence the famous foam) and above all, a violent and uncontrolled mood.
Distemper vaccine for dogs
Commonly known as “distemper” this is actually Carré’s disease, the symptoms of which affect a large number of dogs per year. This is the reason why this is one of the vaccines for dogs that is first administered, since distemper is a very dangerous disease that affects the respiratory, intestinal, nervous, optic system… Leaving sequelae even in dogs that manage to survive it.
Parvovirus vaccine for dogs
The parvovirus vaccine is also part of the first vaccines that your dog will receive, it is included in the polyvalent vaccine, protecting it against this horrible disease that causes a deadly gastroenteritis in the animal. Luckily, as for the rest of diseases and viruses, once the dog is vaccinated and has assimilated the dose it becomes immune.
Polyvalent, pentavalent, hexavalent and octavalent dog vaccines
These types of vaccines for dogs are special as they contain multiple vaccines within them, including some that we have talked about before. The most common vaccine of all these polyvalent vaccines is the pentavalent vaccine for dogs, which is mandatory and protects them with a single dose for multiple diseases. The polyvalent vaccines for dogs that exist are:
Pentavalent vaccine: distemper, adenovirus 1 and 2, parvovirus and parainfluenza.
Hexavalent vaccine: distemper, adenovirus 1 and 2, leptospirosis 1 and 2, and parvovirus.
Octavalent vaccine: distemper, adenovirus 1 and 2, leptospirosis 1 and 2, parvovirus, parainfluenza and coronavirus.
Mandatory vaccinations for dogs
In Spain there are a number of vaccines that are mandatory for dogs as they are able to eliminate viruses and highly deadly and contagious diseases that could even infect humans. These are the polyvalent vaccines and the rabies vaccine. The control of these vaccines is done through your dog’s health card (a kind of identity card), which is updated by your veterinarian. To make sure that your dog receives the mandatory vaccines on time there is the official vaccination schedule. Your veterinarian will tell you exactly when your dog needs the mandatory vaccines.
It is important to know that not everywhere in Spain the same vaccines are mandatory. For example in Catalonia, Basque Country and Galicia, it is not mandatory for your dog to get the rabies vaccine annually, although it is recommended.
Vaccination schedule for dogs
In order for you to know how many vaccines a dog needs throughout its first year and annually, we provide you with a dog vaccine calendar , so you can easily check what your furry friend needs.
- First vaccination: 6-8 weeks – Polyvalent/DHP (also called DAP) – stands for Distemper, Hepatitis (or Adenovirus-2), and Parvo and are usually combined.
- Second vaccination: 9 to 11 weeks – DHP
- Third vaccination: 12-15 weeks – DHP
- Fourth vaccination: 16 to 20 weeks – DHP
- Rabies: 3 to 6 months of age
- Every year: Polyvalent/DHP 12 months after the last puppy shot, then as recommended (usually every 1-3 years).
- Every year: Rabies, booster 12 months later after the last puppy shot, then a booster every 1-3 years.
How many vaccinations does a dog need?
In addition to those vaccines mentioned in the vaccination schedule for dogs there are other optional vaccines that can also protect your dog from other types of infections and diseases, which are less common, but good to be aware about as a dog owner.
Diseases
- Kennel cough
- Lyme disease
- Canine babesiosis
- Fungal infections
- Leishmaniasis
Vaccinations
- Parainfluenza – often combined with DHP. (recommended for social dogs → day camp, dog parks, boarding, grooming, dog shows).
- Leptospirosis – can be given separately or combined with DHP or DHPP. 2-vaccine series needed initially, followed by an annual booster (may be recommended by your veterinarian if you live in or travel with your dog to an area where these are endemic).
- Bordetella – can be given intranasally, orally, or injectable. Route and interval to be determined by your veterinarian (recommended for social dogs → day camp, dog parks, boarding, grooming, dog shows).
- Canine Influenza – 2 strains (H3N2 and H3N8), 2-vaccine series needed initially, followed by an annual booster (recommended for social dogs → day camp, dog parks, boarding, grooming, dog shows).
- Lyme – 2-vaccine series needed initially, followed by an annual booster (may be recommended by your veterinarian if you live in or travel with your dog to an area where these are endemic).
There are free vaccines for dogs
If you have a dog but don’t have a lot of financial resources you will be happy to know that there are free dog vaccines that you can get at different times of the year. During the months when vaccinations are most needed, there are associations, dog shelters and even veterinarians that offer some of the basic and mandatory vaccinations for free.
Do you want to easily find these veterinarians, associations and shelters? Just download the Doggies in Town app (Android or iOS) for FREE. Besides these services you can discover dog friendly places nearby where you can go together with your canine friend, discover special offers, discounts & more.
