What vaccines does my adopted 5-year-old dog need without records?
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.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025