My adult dog never had shots. Does she only need rabies vaccine?

There are a variety of vaccines that are considered core vaccines (and some others that may be necessary depending on where you live and if Haley will be spending time at a boarding kennel or around other dogs). Core vaccines include the Rabies vaccine and Distemper/parvovirus vaccines. Depending on where you live Haley may also need a Lepto vaccine or Lyme vaccine. Finally, if she will be around other dogs frequently (like at a boarding kennel or groomers) she may need her Bordetella and Influenza vaccine. The best thing to do would be to have Haley checked out by a veterinarian. That way they can discuss the risk factors in your area and recommend the appropriate vaccines. At bare minimum Haley needs her Rabies and distemper/parvo vaccines. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and good luck with Haley!

She is a pretty girl!!! The most important vaccination (and one required by law) is the Rabies vaccine. This is essential. The second most important vaccine is the Distemper vaccine, which is often a combo vaccine sometimes called a DHPP (protects against distemper, canine hepatitis, parvovirus and parainfluenza). These vaccines are considered the "core vaccines" for dogs. Every dog should have them. The rest will depend on her lifestyle. I also recommend the Leptosporosis vaccine for dogs if they spend time outdoors in areas with creeks/puddles/ponds because this disease is a bacteria transmitted to dogs by contaminated water (rodents who have the disease urinate and it contaminates the water and the dogs can acquire it this way). The Lepto vaccine requries a series of 2 booster 3 to 4 weeks apart if she has never had it before. Other vaccines you may consider would include Lyme if your dog is outdoors and exposed to ticks and you are in a lyme endemic area, Bordetella also known as Kennel Cough if you ever take her to the park/groomer/kennel/dog classes/out for walks in areas with other dogs. Canine Influenza is another vaccine I recommend for dogs that come into contact with many other dogs/areas with many other dogs such as kennels or dog shows/events. That vaccine will also require a series of 2 vaccines several weeks apart if she has never had it before.

Hello. Adult dogs should be kept current on their Rabies vaccination, Distemper/hepatitis/leptospirosis/parainfluenza/parvo vaccines. Depending on their lifestyle, Bordetella and Influenza may be recommended. These would be important for dogs that board at kennel facilities, go to groomers or frequent dog parks. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach

Your crew is adorable! Thanks for including a picture. The answer to which vaccinations your dogs need and how frequently depends on their ages and individual risk factors. I am attaching a link to the American Animal Hospital Association's vaccine guideline below. https://www.aaha.org/guidelines/canine_vaccination_guidelines/practice_vaccination.aspx In general, they recommend that all dogs receive DAPP and Rabies vaccinations. Those vaccines are considered Core vaccinations. Any other vaccinations are considered Non-Core and are only recommended for dogs that are at risk of contracting those diseases. The above website also includes a Lifestyle-Based Vaccine Calculator to help you determine which diseases your dogs may be at risk for, but be sure to discuss that with your veterinarian to make the best decision. DAPP vaccinations are generally given every 3 years in adult dogs. The Rabies vaccination is given every 1-3 years depending on your local requirements. The non-core vaccinations do not appear to last as long, so those vaccination need to be given more frequently, but it sounds like your dogs are not likely at risk for those diseases. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and answered your question. Thanks for using PetCoach.

That is a great question. Vaccinations and the benefits and risks should be discussed with your veterinarian. This is best because your veterinarian knows your pets medical history and whether all the vaccinations are still ok to do based on your pets immune system and current health. Another thing to take into account is your pets exposure to certain diseases. Most pets at least go outside to potty, so that scenario can expose your pet to certain diseases like leptospirosis (found in rainwater and the soil) and distemper (mimics rabies symptoms). And if your pet gets groomed periodically or goes to doggy daycamps or parks, then the Bordetella vaccination would be recommended to protect them from upper airway infections. Rabies however is the only legally required vaccination by law for pets to get. I hope that this information is helpful. Best of luck moving forward.

Congratulations! I have attached a link below to the American Animal Hospital Association's vaccine guidelines. https://www.aaha.org/guidelines/canine_vaccination_guidelines.aspx One the left side, there are links to discuss general vaccinations, FAQ and a life-style calculator. Those are important to decide which vaccines Maggie needs to keep her protected. All dogs need a Rabies vaccination and a DAPP (Distemper/Parvo) vaccination. The other vaccinations are given based on her risk factors, so speak with your vet about which vaccines are appropriate for her. I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

The answer to which vaccinations your dog needs depends on her age and her individual risk factors. I am attaching a link to the American Animal Hospital Association's vaccine guideline below. https://www.aaha.org/guidelines/canine_vaccination_guidelines/practice_vaccination.aspx They recommend that all dogs receive DAPP and Rabies vaccinations. Those vaccines are considered Core vaccinations. Any other vaccinations are considered Non-Core and are only recommended for dogs that are at risk of contracting those diseases. The above website also includes a Lifestyle-Based Vaccine Calculator to help you determine which diseases your dog may be at risk for, but be sure to discuss that with your veterinarian to make the best decision. The Healthy Dog Package at VetCo includes DAPP vaccination and 2 Non-Core vaccinations (Bordetella and Lepto), but does not include Rabies. https://www.vetcoclinics.com/services-and-clinics/vaccination-packages-and-prices/ Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.