Dog Vaccine Guide: Complete Schedule, Costs & What Every Owner Needs to Know

Understand which vaccines your dog needs, when to get them, how much they cost, and what side effects to watch for. Covers puppies through senior dogs.

Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines: What's the Difference?

Core Vaccines (Required)

Recommended for every dog by the AAHA and AVMA, regardless of breed, age, or lifestyle.

  • Rabies
  • Distemper
  • Parvovirus
  • Adenovirus (Hepatitis)
  • Parainfluenza

Non-Core Vaccines (Lifestyle-Based)

Given based on your dog's exposure risk, geographic location, and daily activities.

  • Bordetella (kennel cough)
  • Lyme disease
  • Leptospirosis
  • Canine influenza (H3N2 / H3N8)
  • Rattlesnake vaccine

🛡️ Core Vaccines

Required for all dogs regardless of lifestyle. These protect against the most dangerous and widespread canine diseases.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Week-by-week timeline for all essential puppy shots from 6 weeks through 16 weeks.

Rabies Vaccine for Dogs

Required by law in all 50 states. Learn about timing, boosters, and what to expect.

Distemper Vaccine (DHPP)

The combination shot that protects against distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus.

Parvo in Dogs: Symptoms & Prevention

Parvovirus is deadly for puppies. Understand the signs, treatment, and vaccination timeline.

🔬 Non-Core Vaccines

Recommended based on your dog's lifestyle, location, and risk of exposure. Talk to your vet about which ones your dog needs.

Bordetella (Kennel Cough) Vaccine

Essential for dogs that visit groomers, dog parks, boarding facilities, or daycare.

Lyme Disease Vaccine

Recommended for dogs in tick-heavy regions of the Northeast, Upper Midwest, and Pacific coast.

Leptospirosis Vaccine

Protects against a bacterial infection spread through contaminated water and wildlife urine.

Dog Flu Vaccine

Covers H3N2 and H3N8 strains. Recommended for social dogs and those in outbreak areas.

⚕️ Safety & Side Effects

What to expect after vaccination, how to handle reactions, and age-specific schedules for puppies and adult dogs.

Dog Vaccine Side Effects

Common and rare reactions, what's normal vs. what needs emergency care.

Puppy Vaccine Side Effects

What to watch for after your puppy's first shots and when to call the vet.

What Vaccines at 8 Weeks?

The critical first round of shots and why timing matters for immunity.

Parvo Shot Schedule

Exact timing for the parvo vaccine series to ensure full protection.

Adult Dog Vaccine Schedule

Annual vs. 3-year boosters and which vaccines your adult dog still needs.

Dog Vaccine Costs at a Glance

Prices vary by clinic, location, and whether your vet uses combination vaccines. Low-cost vaccine clinics can reduce costs significantly.

VaccineCost RangeFrequency
Rabies$15 - $25Every 1-3 years
DHPP (Distemper combo)$25 - $50Every 1-3 years
Bordetella$20 - $45Every 6-12 months
Lyme Disease$25 - $40Annually
Leptospirosis$15 - $35Annually
Canine Influenza$25 - $50Annually
Puppy Series (all core)$75 - $2003-4 visits (6-16 weeks)

Costs are approximate 2024-2025 U.S. averages. Always confirm pricing with your veterinary clinic.

Find a Groomer That Requires Up-to-Date Vaccinations

Reputable groomers require proof of current vaccinations to keep every dog in their care safe. Find a trusted groomer near you.

Find a Groomer Near You