My dog's annual vaccine is 4 months overdue. What should I do?

It is recommended to have a yearly physical examination with animals. Ideally they would be seen every 6 months. This is because animals age a lot faster then people and catching diseases and behavioral problems earlier is beneficial. Regarding vaccinations the first rabies vaccination is good for 1 year. After that it is good for 3 years. The Distemper vaccination after the first series should be repeated in a year. Depending on Kaya's lifestyle then I would recommend doing it every 1 or 3 years. If there are a lot of dogs or Kaya goes to a daycare/dogpark/kennel then I would give it every year. If she is a house dog that doesn't come in contact with any other animals then every 3 years is ok. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It depends on the vaccine, the age of the animal and a few other environmental considerations. The core vaccines (Rabies, Distemper, Parvo, Adenovirus2, Parainfluenza) are normally given every three years after they are over a year old. The necessity for other vaccines (leptospirosis, Bordetella, etc.) will depend on the dog's environment and are given more frequently. To help answer this question and give you more information, I've put a link to the vaccination guidelines below. http://www.wsava.org/sites/default/files/WSAVA%20Owner%20Breeder%20Guidelines%2014%20October%202015%20FINAL.pdf As always, I recommend the vaccines be given as directed by your veterinarian. I hope that helps and all is well with Katy.

Hello. A lot depends on what might be considered a problem in your area. For example, there have only been sporadic outbreaks across the country of Canine Influenza, & Lymes Disease is more of an issue east of the Mississippi. The AVMA considers the core or necessary vaccinations Rabies, Distemper, Adenovirus & Parvovirus, all of which can be given every 1, 2 or 3 years. You need to discuss this with your veterinarian as to what they see in their other patients, & also what you are comfortable with given your lifestyle with Cloud. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Yes, there are some distemper/parvo vaccines that can safely be given every 3 years. Puppies though need a series of vaccines to help build their immune system. Adults that have previously had vaccines can receive this vaccine every 3 years IF that is the type of vaccine that was given. I would contact the vet where he received the last vaccine and ask them whether they give the 1 or 3 year distemper/parvo vaccine to just make sure. I hope this helps!

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

Don't worry. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for an exam and vaccines. Or you can go to the next scheduled vaccine clinic at the nearby Petco. Khloe will likely need 2-3 boosters given 4 weeks apart. Afterwards, the vaccine will be given yearly. There is very little chance she will contract parvovirus from the vaccine itself. She will also need a rabies vaccine if she never had one. https://www.vetcoclinics.com/services-and-clinics/clinic-locations-and-schedules/

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.