Dog Vaccinations: What Every Pet Parent Should Know
At Willowbrook Veterinary Hospital, we believe that vaccinating your dog is one of the most important things you can do to protect their health. Vaccines prevent serious, sometimes deadly diseases and keep our entire community safe. Here’s what you need to know:
What vaccinations does my dog need, and why are they important?
We recommend all dogs receive core vaccines, which protect against the most dangerous and widespread diseases. These include:
- Rabies
- Distemper
- Parvovirus
- Adenovirus (Hepatitis)
- Bordetella
- Leptospirosis
Other vaccines may be recommended based on your dog’s lifestyle, environment, and risk factors. For example, dogs that visit dog parks, boarding facilities, or groomers may benefit from canine influenza vaccines. Dogs that do a lot of hiking should consider vaccination for Lyme disease.
Are vaccines for dogs really safe?
Yes! Vaccines are extensively tested for safety and effectiveness. While no medical treatment is 100% risk-free, serious side effects from vaccines are very rare, and the benefits of protection far outweigh the risks for most dogs.
Are there any risks or side effects associated with dog vaccinations?
Some dogs may experience mild, short-lived reactions like soreness at the injection site, low energy, or mild fever. Serious reactions (such as facial swelling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or collapse) are very rare but require immediate veterinary care.
At what age should my puppy receive its first vaccinations?
Puppies should start their vaccinations by 8 weeks of age, with booster shots every 2-3 weeks until they are at least 16 weeks old at the time of their last vaccination. This schedule helps build strong immunity as their mother’s antibodies wear off.
How often will my dog need booster shots?
After the initial puppy series, adult dogs need booster shots every 1–3 years, depending on the vaccine and your dog’s needs. We’ll work with you to set a schedule that keeps your dog protected.
What is the difference between core and non-core vaccines?
- Core vaccines: Recommended for all dogs, regardless of lifestyle (rabies, distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, leptospirosis, and bordetella).
- Non-core vaccines: Recommended based on your dog’s exposure risk (Lyme disease and canine influenza).
Why is the rabies vaccine important for my dog?
Rabies is fatal and can be transmitted to humans. Oregon law requires all dogs to be vaccinated against rabies by 6 months of age. It’s crucial for your dog’s safety and legal compliance.
What is the distemper vaccine, and what does it protect against?
The distemper vaccine protects against canine distemper virus, a serious disease affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It’s highly contagious and often fatal without vaccination. The distemper vaccine is in combination with parvovirus and adenovirus.
Should my dog get vaccinated for Lyme disease?
If your dog spends time in tick-infested areas such as tall grasses or wooded areas, or travels to regions where Lyme disease is common, we may recommend the Lyme vaccine. We’ll discuss your dog’s lifestyle to determine if it’s necessary.
What are the symptoms of an adverse reaction to a vaccine?
Call us right away if you notice:
- Swelling of the face or muzzle
- Hives or itchy skin
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapse or extreme lethargy
Will my dog be sick after their vaccination?
Most dogs are completely normal after vaccinations, but some may be a little tired or sore for a day or two. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact us.
Can my dog be vaccinated if they are sick or on medication?
We generally avoid vaccinating dogs who are acutely ill or running a fever. If your dog is on long-term medication or has a chronic condition, we’ll evaluate their health and may adjust their vaccination plan.
What is kennel cough, and should my dog be vaccinated against it?
Kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica) is a highly contagious respiratory infection spread in places where dogs congregate. Bordetella vaccine is considered a core vaccine for all dogs, but is particularly important for those who visit boarding facilities, dog daycare, grooming salons, or dog parks.
Is the canine influenza vaccine necessary for my dog?
The canine influenza vaccine is considered a core vaccine by the state veterinarian of Oregon. If your dog is frequently exposed to other dogs in group settings, including dog parks, daycare, grooming, or boarding the canine flu vaccine may help protect them from outbreaks. We’ll help you decide based on your dog’s exposure risk.
Can vaccinations be harmful if my dog is pregnant?
Vaccinating pregnant dogs is not routinely recommended unless absolutely necessary, as some vaccines may affect pregnancy. Let us know if your dog may be pregnant so we can plan accordingly.
Are there any dogs that shouldn’t be vaccinated?
Dogs with certain immune system diseases, severe vaccine allergies, or undergoing chemotherapy may need alternative approaches. We’ll tailor a plan to balance safety and protection for your pet.
How much do dog vaccines cost?
Vaccine costs vary depending on which vaccines your dog needs. At Willowbrook, we’re committed to providing transparent, affordable pricing—call us for a personalized estimate based on your dog’s vaccination plan.
How can I keep track of my dog’s vaccination schedule?
We provide vaccination records and reminders to keep your pet up-to-date. We’ll email, text, or call you when boosters are due, so you never miss an important vaccine.
What should I do if I miss my dog’s vaccination appointment?
If you miss a vaccine appointment, contact us as soon as possible. We may need to adjust your dog’s schedule or restart a vaccine series to ensure full protection.
What should I do if I notice my dog’s behavior change after vaccination?
If your dog seems unusually lethargic, uncomfortable, or shows other behavior changes after vaccination, call us. Most reactions are mild, but we’re here to help if anything concerns you.
Have questions or ready to schedule your dog’s vaccines?
Call Willowbrook Veterinary Hospital at (503) 968-2911 or book online today.
Your dog’s health and happiness are our top priority!