How often do dogs have to have shots?

Question

My dog just turned 1 year old. Am I suppose to take her for another set of shots like children do? Or is it just the rabies that have to be done every year?

Answer 1

yes all dogs get their shots updated once a year (parvo, distemper, etc) except rabies you can get the vaccine that lasts 3 years

Answer 2

From puppy stage: at 6 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks. They cannot have the rabies vaccine until they are at least 16 weeks old. Then annually for the distemper combination. The first rabies shot should be good for 1 year, then you can request to have the three year rabies shot. Hope this helped.

Answer 3

They really need boosters yearly. Not just of rabies, but the normal DHPPC.There has been some controversy on this, some people saying it isn't needed,or that it causes allergies, etc. but I won't take the chance. I used to work as a tech, and I give my own shots. (Other than the rabies of course, because you cannot buy these other than a vets office). I NEVER miss my dogs and cats boosters, just as I keep up on my children's. :-)

Answer 4

IF the dog had the puppy series of vaccines, you usually repeat them the next year, then talk to your vet about waiting three years before doing it again.
Follow the law in your state for rabies.

The AVMA and AAHA are not even recommending yearly vaccines anymore. And they do not recommend the Lepto or Corona except in certain situations either.

http://www.aahanet.org/About_aaha/vaccine_guidelines06.pdf

The following is from the AVMA...............................................

Dr. Ron Schultz

In response to the explosion, AAHA has proposed guidelines to offer direction on a vaccine protocol for veterinarians.

"It's an attempt to provide recommendations, and I use the word 'recommendations' - these are not national standards," says Ford. "We are not dictating how veterinarians should actually vaccinate."

What AAHA recommends For many vaccines the recommendation is still to
vaccinate adult dogs annually. Other vaccines have proven safe and effective
following a triennial administration.

Puppies are a different story. Appropriate vaccine administration is considered "absolutely the most important," says Ford. As a result,
AAHA recommends veterinarians follow all prior vaccine protocols for puppies.

For example, the committee universally stipulates that canine parvovirus vaccines should be given initially at six to eight weeks, the second
dose at nine to 11 weeks and a third dose at 12-14 weeks.
"The guidance provided by the vaccine manufacturers, the ones that
have been in place for years and years are still being advocated (for puppies)," says Ford.

Booster vaccines The previous rules don't apply when the puppy reaches adult stage, according to the AAHA guidelines.

"It's recommended, not required, that veterinarians place vaccines in one of two categories when developing a vaccine protocol for their practice: core or non-core," says Ford.

The new categories are an attempt to segregate the vital vaccines
from the more discretionary, according to the taskforce. The core vaccines, of which there are four, are to be administered triennially. These are vaccines to prevent against high-risk, highly contagious and potentially fatal diseases. Noncore vaccines, to be administered under the discretion of the veterinarian, would follow an annual schedule.

"We're trying to encourage veterinarians to look at the science behind
the vaccines and to develop a vaccination protocol that is rational as well as
effective," says Ford.

Of the core vaccines, the taskforce recommends that the adult dog receive rabies; canine parvovirus vaccine; canine adenovirus-2 (hepatitis vaccine); and distemper vaccines every three years.

The caveat to the recommendation, says Ford, is that there is good evidence that the protection conferred in adult dogs by both canine distemper and canine parvovirus exceeds five years.

Three years seemed a conservative, happy medium for all parties involved, according to the taskforce.

Answer 5

Our dogs are 11, 10, and 7 years of age. They have not had their shots since they were 2 or 3. They do not socialize with other dogs/go to dog parks/pet stores and are not at risk of catching anything. Our cats are indoor cats and do not get shots either. All of our pets are healthy and happy. The vet doesn't push for the shots because the animals simply aren't at risk. It depends on your dog's lifestyle

Answer 6

my dog usually has to get his rabies done every three years. but the rest of the shots are need regularly

Answer 7

you will get all kinds of answers here, so to try and give you the right answer I will direct you to a site that will give you the right information.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1648&articleid=950