My 9-year-old dog's vaccines are due. Which ones does he need?

Hi there. If he hasn't had any vaccines since 2015, he would likely be due for DAPP (distemper, adenovirus, parvo, and parainfluenza) and rabies vaccines at minimum. Depending on his lifestyle and what diseases are prevalent in your area, he may also need to be vaccinated for leptospirosis, Bordetella (kennel cough), and/or Lyme disease. Your veterinarian should be able to advise you on what would be recommended for Polo based on these factors.

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

There are a variety of vaccines that are considered core vaccines (and some others that may be necessary depending on where you live and if Haley will be spending time at a boarding kennel or around other dogs). Core vaccines include the Rabies vaccine and Distemper/parvovirus vaccines. Depending on where you live Haley may also need a Lepto vaccine or Lyme vaccine. Finally, if she will be around other dogs frequently (like at a boarding kennel or groomers) she may need her Bordetella and Influenza vaccine. The best thing to do would be to have Haley checked out by a veterinarian. That way they can discuss the risk factors in your area and recommend the appropriate vaccines. At bare minimum Haley needs her Rabies and distemper/parvo vaccines. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and good luck with Haley!

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.

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.

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.