Programs supporting regular vaccination of dogs have contributed both to the health of dogs and to the public health. In countries where routine rabies vaccination of dogs is practiced, rabies in humans is reduced to a very rare event.

Currently, there are geographically defined core vaccines and individually chosen non-core vaccine recommendations for dogs.


Most vaccination protocols recommend a series of vaccines for puppies, with vaccine boosters given at one year of age. Frequency of vaccination thereafter varies with the disease and vaccine type.

Most vaccines are given by subcutaneous (under the skin) or intramuscular (into the muscle) injection. Respiratory tract disease vaccination may be given intra-nasally (in the nose) in some cases.

Vaccine immunogens may consist of killed or inactivated pathogens, bio-engineered pathogen proteins or polypeptides, or, increasingly rarely, modifed-live virus. Most vaccines contain adjuvants designed to boost the immune response to the vaccines. Many adverse reactions are associated with reactions to these adjuvants.

Core vaccines for dogs

Government laws and local recommendations vary, but in countries where rabies occurs naturally and laws address licensing and vaccination of dogs, rabies vaccination of dogs is required by law.

Non-core vaccines for dogs

Non-core vaccines for dogs, which may be important to administer when exposure is predicted, include Bordatella (kennel cough), canine parainfluenza virus (another kennel cough agent), and Lyme disease. Generally not recommended owing to unproven efficacy are canine coronavirus, canine adenovirus-1 (which also causes significant reaction), Giardia vaccine and rattlesnake envenomation vaccine. The rattlesnake vaccine available from Red Rock Biologics is given to dogs in two doses with yearly boosters recommended for best results. It is marketed as a safer and more economical alternative to antivenom treatment but does not negate the need for immediate medical treatment for such a bite. Vaccines for other species of poisonous snakes are being developed by Red Rock

Controversies in dog vaccination

There are evolving theories about the necessity and frequency of vaccinations for domestic dogs. Many dog owners and now many academic veterinarians have expressed concern that dogs are being vaccinated too frequently. Specific adverse reactions and general consequences for long-term health are both being cited as reasons to reduce the frequency of vaccination of adult dogs. Manufacturers of vaccines for dogs have responded by developing more vaccines with at least three year efficacy proven. Many states and communities have changed ordinances to allow for longer intervals between rabies vaccinations when vaccines of proven efficacy are administered