Dog vaccinations: Which ones are recommended?

When it comes to infectious diseases, vaccinations are the best way to ensure adequate protection for dogs. Each vaccination should be administered at the time agreed upon with your veterinarian, whether it is a required or optional vaccine.  

Because remember, adopting a dog means taking full responsibility for its well-being. 

In this article, we’ll look at which vaccines are recommended for dogs, which ones are optional, and why they’re important for protecting your dog’s health. 

Dog Vaccinations: Why Are They So Important? 

When it comes to the care and well-being of our pets, vaccinations are essential. They protect dogs from potentially serious or fatal infectious diseases, such as distemper, parvovirus, and rabies, which can seriously compromise their health. In addition, vaccines help reduce the spread of pathogens within the community, creating a sort of protective barrier for everyone.

Following a vaccination schedule developed in consultation with your veterinarian is essential to ensure effective immunization, especially for puppies, who are particularly vulnerable to infections during their first few months of life. 

What vaccinations are recommended for dogs?

Italian law does not require any specific set of vaccines for dogs. However, given their importance to a dog’s health and well-being, certain specific guidelines have been established.

In accordance with international guidelines, vaccines are divided into two categories: 

• core;
• not core.

Core vaccines (recommended): which ones are they?

These are considered essential for all dogs, regardless of their lifestyle, whether they are adults or puppies, and their geographic location. These vaccines protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, which are often highly contagious. There are essentially three: 

• canine distemper (Canine Distemper Virus, CDV);
• canine adenovirus (CAV);
• Canine parvovirus type 2 and its variants ( Canine Parvovirus 2, CPV-2).

Non-core vaccines: what are they?

Non-core vaccines are recommended based on specific factors, such as the environment, lifestyle, and risk of exposure. 

• Leptospirosis: protects against a bacterial infection that can also be transmitted to humans, often associated with contact with contaminated water;
• Bordetella bronchiseptica: prevents “kennel cough,” a common respiratory disease in environments with many dogs;
• Parainfluenza virus: protects against another pathogen responsible for kennel cough;
• Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi): recommended for dogs living in areas with a high tick population.

When to choose non-core vaccines: 

• if the dog goes to boarding facilities, training areas, or kennels;
• in areas at high risk for specific infections (e.g., leptospirosis in rural areas);
• for dogs frequently exposed to ticks or bodies of water.

Vaccinations for Adult Dogs: What Are the Annual Vaccinations for Dogs?

Some dog vaccines (e.g., leptospirosis or kennel cough) require annual boosters. According to the latest guidelines, adult dogs can be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus once every three years.

During the vaccination visit, the veterinarian will assess your dog’s overall health and recommend the necessary vaccinations based on your dog’s lifestyle and environment.

You might also be interested in the article "Cat Vaccinations: Tips and Information." 

Vaccinations for Puppies 

In general, we recommend starting to vaccinate your puppy when it is 6–8 weeks old. This is because, once weaning is complete, the protection provided by maternal antibodies—which are passed on through milk during the first few weeks—also comes to an end.

The vaccine introduces live, attenuated, or inactivated bacteria or viruses into the dog’s body, stimulating the immune system to produce the antibodies needed to fight the pathogens responsible for potential infections.

Full immunity is generally achieved after the second or third booster shot, since the first vaccine, administered between 6 and 8 weeks of age, is primarily intended to activate the immune system. Skipping subsequent booster shots would compromise the effectiveness of the protection, leaving the animal vulnerable to disease.

Vaccination after the 3rd or 4th booster shot

The primary immunization series is completed after the third booster shot ( usually at 16 weeks, depending on the type of vaccine). However, over time, the strength of the body’s immune response tends to wane. To ensure long-lasting protection against infectious diseases, booster shots must be administered at regular intervals.

In the past, annual booster shots were given for all vaccines, but today many veterinarians have moved away from this practice. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) recommends booster shots every 3 years for most vaccines, such as the rabies vaccine. For certain specific diseases, such as kennel cough and leptospirosis, however, annual boosters are essential for effective protection.

Can the puppy go outside if it hasn't completed its vaccination schedule?

Taking a puppy outside before it has completed its vaccination schedule is a delicate matter, as it may be exposed to serious diseases such as parvovirus, distemper, and leptospirosis, but it is also important for its socialization.

Here are 3 tips to help keep your puppy healthy and happy until the vaccination schedule is complete: 

• Interactions with vaccinated and healthy dogs: It’s important to start socializing your puppy, but do so only with dogs you know well and that are fully vaccinated;
• Walk in safe areas: Take your puppy to clean, controlled environments, such as your private yard or quiet areas;
• Controlled exposure to the outside world: even without putting the puppy down on the ground, you can carry it in your arms to help it get used to noises, people, and environmental stimuli.

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The post "Dog Vaccinations: Which Ones Are Recommended? " first appeared on Dog and Cat Food | Alleva .