Dog Vaccination Schedule: Core and Non-Core Shots Explained

Core vaccines

Keeping your dog up to date on vaccinations is one of the easiest ways to protect their health. Core vaccines are recommended for every dog, regardless of age, breed, or lifestyle, because they guard against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.

The four core vaccines protect against:

Distemper: A highly contagious virus that affects the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems.

Adenovirus: Protects against infectious canine hepatitis, which can damage the liver and other organs.

Parvovirus: A severe virus that causes vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and can be fatal, especially in puppies.

Rabies: A deadly virus that affects the nervous system and can be transmitted to humans. Rabies vaccination is also required by law in many areas.

Talk with your veterinarian about the right vaccination schedule for your dog. Staying current on these core vaccines helps keep your pet healthy and protects other animals in your community.