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What vaccines does my adopted 5-year-old dog need without records?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 4 years and 5 months old | 75 lbs

Hi, I just got a dog that will be 5 in September. I got no medical paperwork but the past owners told me that they weren't able to get his shots the past 2-3 years. What shots do I need to get him?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Bailey, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 22nd, 2018

Your dog will need several vaccines. Most veterinarians give a yearly combo vaccine that includes distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and Corona (DHPPC). He will also need his Rabies vaccine. Rabies can now be given every three years after the initial 1 year vaccine. Other vaccines that I recommend are Canine Bordetella vacine (kennel cough) that is given every 6 or 12 months, and a Leptospirosis vaccine (this vaccine can be added to the combo vaccine or given alone).
If your veterinarian offers a Lymes disease vaccine (probably means lymes is prevelant in your area), it would be a good idea to get that one as well.
I also recommend getting your dog tested for heartworm disease and putting him on a monthly heartworm pill.
Best of luck to you and your new dog and thank you for using pet coach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 11th, 2017
Congratulations on your new dog. It is so great when a mature dog gets a second chance. I would recommend that he receive a Rabies booster, a DHLPP booster and a heartworm test. If he has any soft stools, a fecal test can be done to check for any parasites. A Bordetella or kennel cough vaccine may be needed depending on his lifestyle. If he will go to doggy daycare, a groomer, visit a dog park regularly or go to a boarding kennel...this vaccine is needed. If he will just be a homebody, he probably does not need that vaccine.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lauren Jones VMD
Veterinarian
Published on April 12th, 2019
Congratulations on adopting Rico! Since he has not yet had vaccines, you can start from square one. Rico should be examined by a veterinarian to evaluate his overall health and can then begin his vaccine series. He will need two DAPP (distemper-adenovirus-parvovirus-parainfluenza) vaccines spaced 3-4 weeks apart, as well as a rabies vaccine. In most areas of the country, it is often recommended to being a series of leptospirosis vaccines as well. In Lyme disease endemic areas, Lyme vaccines are often given. If Rico will be going to kennels, doggy daycare or dog parks, you can also discuss canine influenza and bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines with his vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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