My 10-year-old dogs need vaccines for dog parks. Do they need shots?

Parker is cute! Most dogs get a vaccine core of Rabies, Distemper/Parvo and Bordetella. Depending on where you live, Leptospirosis and Lyme vaccines may also be indicated as well as Heartworm prevention. I would recommend to have the records from your old vet faxed over to your new vet and to discuss what is needed based on your location. I also see that Parker is marked as unspayed. Spaying female dogs has significant health benefits as she gets older. I would also recommend to discuss this with the doctor if you are not planning on breeding Parker. Take care.

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

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. 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.

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.

At Ozzy's age I recommend the rabies vaccine, distemper and bordetella. If you live in an area with high rates of lyme disease or leptospirosis then you would still want to continue those as well. If rates are low however, you may be able to discontinue these. Its best to discuss risk vs benefits with your veterinarian. Please post again if you have any further questions.

Vaccine recommendations to partially depend upon his lifestyle and where you live. Also, that second vaccine should have been given in a 2 to 4 week window from the initial vaccine. If it was given later than four weeks after the first vaccine, he will need booster vaccines within a 2 to 4 week window. Assuming he was given the vaccines at the appropriate time, Kai should get another DHLPP and a rabies vaccine. If he gets groomed, goes to the park or has contact with other dogs in general, you may consider getting a kennel cough vaccine. Other vaccines are for Lyme disease and Influenza (dog flu). Your local veterinarian can discuss if these diseases are present in your area and what potential risk factors exist. You may be able to find lower cost vaccinations at a low-cost vaccine clinic or a vaccine clinic in general. You can generally find information online. Please feel free to post any additional questions.