🐾 AVMA Vaccination Schedule for Dogs: What Every Dog Owner Should Know
Keeping your dog healthy starts with vaccinations, and following the AVMA vaccination schedule ensures your pup is protected from serious, preventable diseases. Whether you have a playful puppy, an active adult, or a sweet senior dog, vaccines play a vital role in their long-term health.
This guide breaks down the official vaccination recommendations from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), explaining which vaccines your dog needs, when to give them, and why they matter.
📌 Why Vaccinations are Critical for Dogs
Vaccines protect your dog from deadly diseases like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. They also help control the spread of contagious illnesses in the pet population. The AVMA vaccination guidelines provide a clear schedule based on age, lifestyle, and risk factors, ensuring your dog gets exactly what they need at the right time.
🐶 Core Vaccines vs. Non-Core Vaccines: What the AVMA Vaccination Schedule Recommends
The AVMA vaccination schedule divides dog vaccines into two main categories: core and non-core.
Core Vaccines (Recommended for All Dogs)
These vaccines protect against widespread and severe diseases that all dogs are at risk for, regardless of their location or lifestyle.
- Rabies
- Canine Distemper Virus
- Canine Parvovirus
- Canine Adenovirus (Hepatitis)
Non-Core Vaccines (Given Based on Lifestyle and Risk)
These are optional vaccines that your veterinarian may recommend based on your dog’s environment, lifestyle, or local disease risk.
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
- Leptospirosis
- Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)
- Lyme Disease
📅 Puppy AVMA Vaccination Schedule (Birth to 16 Weeks)
Essential Puppy Vaccines Recommended by the AVMA
Puppies need a series of vaccines starting at 6-8 weeks old, with boosters every 2-4 weeks until about 16 weeks of age.
| Puppy Age | Recommended Vaccines |
|---|---|
| 6-8 Weeks | Distemper, Parvovirus, +/- Bordetella |
| 10-12 Weeks | DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza), +/- Leptospirosis, Lyme, Canine Influenza |
| 14-16 Weeks | DHPP, Rabies, +/- Leptospirosis, Lyme, Canine Influenza |
💉 Adult Dog AVMA Vaccination Schedule (1 Year and Older)
H3: Core and Optional Vaccines for Adult Dogs
Once your dog reaches adulthood, they’ll need booster vaccines to maintain their immunity.
| Vaccine | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Rabies | Every 1-3 years (per state law) |
| DHPP | Every 1-3 years |
| Bordetella | Every 6-12 months (if needed for boarding/grooming) |
| Leptospirosis | Annually (if at risk) |
| Lyme | Annually (if at risk) |
| Canine Influenza | Annually (if at risk) |
🐕 Senior Dog AVMA Vaccination Schedule (7 Years and Older)
Should Senior Dogs Still Get Vaccines?
Yes! Even though older dogs may have stronger immune memory, their immune system can weaken with age. Senior dogs still need core vaccines like rabies and DHPP, but your vet may adjust the schedule based on your dog’s health history.
Some vets recommend switching to titer tests to check antibody levels before giving certain vaccines to seniors, especially if they have chronic health conditions.
⚠️ Special Circumstances: Dogs with Medical Conditions or Unknown Vaccine History
What if My Dog’s Vaccination History is Unknown?
If you’ve adopted a dog with an uncertain vaccine history, the AVMA generally recommends treating them as unvaccinated. Your vet will start with:
- Core vaccines immediately (Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus, and Rabies)
- A booster in 3-4 weeks, followed by a regular schedule.
For dogs with chronic illness or immune system disorders, your vet may customize the vaccination plan to minimize risk while still providing protection.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions About AVMA Vaccination Schedule Guidelines
Are AVMA Vaccination Guidelines Mandatory?
The AVMA guidelines are not federal law, but they are widely adopted by veterinarians across the U.S. However, rabies vaccination is required by law in most states.
What Happens if I Skip My Dog’s Vaccines?
Skipping vaccines puts your dog at serious risk for preventable diseases, some of which are fatal. It can also limit your access to boarding facilities, dog parks, and groomers, many of which require proof of vaccinations.
Is the AVMA Vaccination Schedule Safe for All Dogs?
For most dogs, vaccines are extremely safe. Mild side effects like soreness at the injection site or low energy for a day are common. Serious side effects are very rare. Many dog owners break up the vaccines so they give them at different times. For example, they might give the Rabies shot on a different day than the other vaccines. If your dog has had a previous vaccine reaction, your vet can adjust the schedule or recommend pre-treatment medications.
🏥 How to Work with Your Vet on a Customized Vaccination Plan
While the AVMA provides general guidelines, your veterinarian knows your dog best. Factors like your location (urban vs. rural), travel habits, boarding needs, and health history all play a role in customizing the ideal vaccine schedule for your dog.
✅ Key Takeaways: Protect Your Dog with AVMA-Recommended Vaccines
- Follow the AVMA puppy schedule for early protection.
- Stay up to date with adult boosters.
- Consider lifestyle factors for non-core vaccines.
- Keep records of all vaccinations for boarding, travel, and emergency care.
- Work with your veterinarian to create a customized plan.
🐾 Dog Health and Vaccines
Read our pages for information on how to feed your dog a healthy diet.
American Veterinary Medical Association is the guideline about the latest veterinary recommendations.