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Do indoor adult dogs need yearly vaccines and deworming often?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | unneutered | 3 years and 6 months old | 13 lbs

Are yearly shots bad for adult dogs? Max is already up to date on his shots. But I read that the booster yearly shots aren’t necessary? Is this true? (including the rabies shot ) also how often I’m I supposed to dewormed my dog? Is it every 6 months or every year? He is an inside dog. Doesn’t go outside really rare when he does. And only eats dog food or sometimes boiled chicken but it’s like really rare.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. B. DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)

Answered By Dr. B. DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)

Veterinarian

Published on March 16th, 2019

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!
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