The Ultimate Dog Vaccination Guide: Core vs. Non-Core Shots

You walk into the vet clinic for your puppy’s checkup, and you leave with a receipt that looks like a CVS receipt. DHPP, Lepto, Bordetella, Lyme, Rabies… it’s an alphabet soup of needles.

Do they really need all of them? Are we over-vaccinating our pets? Or are we protecting them from deadly diseases?

The answer is: It depends on your lifestyle. Not all vaccines are created equal. Some are mandatory (by law or common sense), and some are “lifestyle” vaccines that only certain dogs need.

In this guide, we will decode the vaccine schedule so you can make informed decisions with your vet.

Core Vaccines (The Non-Negotiables)

These prevent diseases that are highly fatal, highly contagious, or dangerous to humans. Every dog, regardless of where they live, should have these.

1. Rabies

• What it is: A viral disease that attacks the central nervous system. It is 100% fatal and can spread to humans.
• The Schedule: First shot at 12-16 weeks. Booster at 1 year. Then every 3 years.
• Mandatory?: Yes. In almost every state/country, it is the law.

2. DHPP (or DAPP)

This is the “Distemper Combo” shot. It covers four diseases in one needle:

• D (Distemper): Attacks brain, lungs, and gut. Often fatal.

• H (Hepatitis / Adenovirus): Liver infection.

• P (Parvovirus): The puppy killer. A horrific GI virus that causes bloody vomiting/diarrhea. Extremely contagious and resilient in the environment.

• P (Parainfluenza): Respiratory virus.

• The Schedule: Series of 3-4 shots starting at 6-8 weeks, every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks old. Booster at 1 year. Then every 3 years.

Non-Core Vaccines (Lifestyle Choices)

These depend on where you live and what you do.

3. Bordetella (“Kennel Cough”)

• Who needs it?: Social dogs. If your dog goes to daycare, boarding, groomers, or dog parks.
• The Schedule: Every 6-12 months. (Oral, nasal, or injection).

4. Leptospirosis (“Lepto”)

• What it is: A bacteria found in the urine of wildlife (rats, raccoons, deer). Causes kidney/liver failure. Can spread to humans.
• Who needs it?: Dogs who go outside. Even city dogs (rats in alleys) are at risk.
• The Schedule: Two initial shots, then annually.

5. Lyme Disease

• Who needs it?: Dogs in tick-endemic areas (Northeast US, Upper Midwest).
• The Schedule: Two initial shots, then annually.

6. Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)

• Who needs it?: Dogs in high-density areas during outbreaks. Mandatory for many boarding facilities.

Titer Testing: An Alternative?

Worried about over-vaccination? You can ask for a Titer Test. This is a blood test that measures the level of antibodies in your dog’s system. If the antibodies for Parvo/Distemper are high enough, your dog is immune, and you can skip the booster shot.

• Note: Titer testing is not accepted for Rabies (by law) in most areas.

The Puppy Schedule Cheat Sheet

• 8 Weeks: DHPP #1, (Bordetella)
• 12 Weeks: DHPP #2, Lepto #1, Lyme #1
• 16 Weeks: DHPP #3, Lepto #2, Lyme #2, Rabies

Summary

Vaccines are a miracle of modern medicine. Parvo used to kill thousands of puppies a year; now it is preventable. Talk to your vet. Tell them: “We hike a lot” (Get Lyme/Lepto) or “He never leaves the yard” (Maybe skip Bordetella). Customize the plan to the dog.