What vaccinations are recommended for my 18-year-old senior dog?

That is a great question. Vaccinations and the benefits and risks should be discussed with your veterinarian. This is best because your veterinarian knows your pets medical history and whether all the vaccinations are still ok to do based on your pets immune system and current health. Another thing to take into account is your pets exposure to certain diseases. Most pets at least go outside to potty, so that scenario can expose your pet to certain diseases like leptospirosis (found in rainwater and the soil) and distemper (mimics rabies symptoms). And if your pet gets groomed periodically or goes to doggy daycamps or parks, then the Bordetella vaccination would be recommended to protect them from upper airway infections. Rabies however is the only legally required vaccination by law for pets to get. I hope that this information is helpful. Best of luck moving forward.

No, he isn't too old to be vaccinated. A rabies vaccine can be given and boosted in 1 year, then every 3 years. The distemper/parvovirus combination (DHPP) can be given, then boosted in 4 weeks. After that, it can be yearly or every 3 years depending on the vaccine. Other vaccines, given based on risk of exposure, include Bordatella, Leptospirosis, Lyme and Canine Influenza. Discuss these as well as monthly heartworm, parasite, flea and tick preventatives. Consider having Fatty neutered as well.

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

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.

It depends on what vaccines they have had. Rabies and Distemper do not likely need to be bolstered. Leptospirosis or Lyme likely need to be. It depends on the type of Bordetella vaccine being used if it will need a vaccine. Yes, absolutely get the dogs caught back up on vaccines and I recommend to have them on a flea and heartworm prevention (pick Interceptor or Heartgard as they have the best protect against intestinal worms) too as stuff like that (no heartworms but intestinal worms) are often found at dog parks. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

It is not too late for vaccines. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Discuss your dog's lifestyle. Together, you can determine which vaccine protocol is best for your dog. At the very least your dog should get a rabies vaccine and a distemper/parvovirus combo vaccine. He may require boosters 4 weeks after the initial vaccines. Consider a heartworm test and fecal as well. Monthly preventatives are also strongly recommended.

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