How often should my one-year-old dog get boosters and vet checkups?

Hi there! Some dog owners do opt to vaccinate on a more extended schedule, since there is evidence that the vaccines for distemper, parvo, etc. probably provide immunity for several years in most dogs after the initial series is finished. However, Tia may need vaccinations for other illnesses such as Bordetella (kennel cough), leptospirosis, etc. which do need to be given yearly. And of course, she needs a yearly wellness exam regardless to check for any problems :) I would recommend discussing this topic with your veterinarian to see what he/she suggests for Tia given her age and overall health status. You could also opt to have vaccine titers done to see if she has a protective level of antibody present, and make your decision based on that.

Bailey is adorable! Thanks for including a picture. Puppies require a series of DHPP vaccinations, but that series does not need to be repeated. In general, we booster DHPP 1 year after the puppy series ends (so that would be now since it ended on 6/7/17), then DHPP is generally boostered every 3 years. Rabies vaccination is again boostered 1 year after it is given the first time, then every 3 years after that (depending your local regulations). I am attaching a link to the American Animal Hospital Association's vaccine guideline below, but be sure to check with your veterinarian for their recommendations. https://www.aaha.org/guidelines/canine_vaccination_guidelines/practice_vaccination.aspx Good luck! I hope that was helpful and answered your question. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Here is a link that you may find helpful. https://www.aaha.org/guidelines/canine_vaccination_guidelines.aspx Typically we booster puppies, then they get a booster a year later, and then every 3 years. This is typically for rabies and distemper-parvo. But different counties/states may have their own rules regarding rabies as it is required by law. A titer for distemper-parvo can also be performed instead of just routine vaccination. Lepto and bordetella are based on the pets risk and not core vaccines. Dogs that are on heartworm prevention do not need to be dewormed unless they have tapeworms or another parasite is suspected. I hope this helps and thank you for using 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.

You are correct, the first rabies vaccine is only good for one year. After that, depending on where you live, the next rabies vaccine could be good for three years. Some cities/states still require the rabies vaccine to be given every year though so you need to check what the law is in your area. Your vet will know. All, that being said, with her rabies vaccine being overdue - you need to update it as soon as possible and it may only be marked good for one year because you are overdue. Again, you must check with your vet regarding your local laws. Regardless, you need to get her rabies vaccine booster as soon as you can. Hope this answers your question. Best wishes!

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.

Vaccination is not an exact science and for some diseases in particular long term immunity is not generated and pets become at risk as immunity wanes. There is a fine balance between likelihood of exposure, severity of disease and anticipated length of immunity from vaccines. Some vaccines are licensed for use every 3 years, others have only been proven to be protective for 12 months . I recommend discussing local and individual risk factors with your own vet for a tailored plan