Vaccinations prevent certain infectious diseases that can cause severe illness or death in dogs. They work by introducing disabled versions of diseases, so the immune system recognizes and fights them. If you live in the Annapolis area and are seeking a vet near you, consider our team at Annapolis Veterinary & Wellness. We tailor the administration of non-core vaccines based on your dog's lifestyle and past adverse reactions to vaccines.
Core and Non-Core Vaccines
Today's vaccines are improved and safer than those of the past. Despite those improvements, dogs should receive only the non-core vaccines needed based on their location and lifestyle. Also, dogs that previously had significant adverse reactions to vaccines can adjust their administration by giving only one vaccine at a time, avoiding live vaccines, or supplementing the administration with certain pre- or post-treatments.
Rabies, distemper, and other vaccinations are core vaccines, meaning all dogs should receive them. (Maryland law requires rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats, and ferrets that are four months and older.)
The need for non-core vaccines depends on where the dog lives throughout the year, its outdoor activities, and how frequently it associates with other dogs. Your veterinarian may ask you to complete a questionnaire about your dog's lifestyle before discussing non-core vaccines as part of your dog's preventative care routine.
Dog Vaccination Schedule
Puppies receive some immunity from their mother's milk, but that immunity fades quickly, so we start vaccinations at 6 to 8 weeks old. The initial set of vaccines often includes the following:
- Core: DAP2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus I & II, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza)
- Non-core: Bordetella (kennel cough)
Puppies receive other vaccines every two to four weeks, depending on how they tolerate multiple vaccines versus the desire to minimize the number of injections they receive. At 10 to 12 weeks, puppies generally receive the following vaccines:
- Core: DAP2PP (Distemper and others noted above)
- Non-core: Leptospirosis, Lyme, Canine Influenza
The same set of vaccines and a rabies booster are administered at 14 to 16 weeks.
As your dog transitions to adulthood, your veterinarian will recommend non-core vaccines yearly or every three years as part of the annual preventative care routine. Those vaccines often include:
- Core: DAP2PP, rabies (based on law or risk)
- Non-core: Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Lyme, Canine Influenza
The secret is to administer only the necessary vaccines and sequence to avoid discomfort while remaining convenient for you.
Preventative Care in Annapolis, MD
If you live in or near Annapolis and would like to work with a veterinarian near you, consider the dedicated team at Annapolis Veterinary & Wellness. Call us at (410) 224-6624 or stop by today to schedule an appointment or tour our friendly facility.