Core vaccines: Every dog needs them, regardless of lifestyle
Rabies
Required by law for all domestic carnivores (dogs, cats, ferrets) and for horses in the state of Florida. Exposure comes from contact with saliva from a potential rabies carrier—usually a wild animal, but domestic animals also carry rabies. Raccoons and bats are the most common carriers in Florida. Bat bites are very small and may not be visible through fur. Rabies is zoonotic and can be spread to humans by domesticated animals.
Frequency
First vaccine at 16 weeks old, booster at 1 year, then once every 1 or 3 years (depending on product used) for life
Distemper
A respiratory virus that progresses to nerve problems; can lead to seizures and death. Exposure comes from contact with the respiratory secretions (e.g. mucus or a sneeze) from an infected animal. All canines, raccoons, and African lions can carry canine distemper.
Frequency
Series of three vaccines 4 weeks apart starting at 6-8 weeks of age. Booster at 1 year, then once every 1 or 3 years (depending on product used) for life
Parvo
A gastrointestinal disease that causes diarrhea, vomiting, and sloughing of the intestinal lining. Exposure comes from sniffing or licking the stool of an infected animal. All canines, wild and domestic, can carry parvo. Parvo is fatal in almost 90% of dogs if left untreated. Puppies are the most vulnerable, but any unvaccinated dog of any age can contract parvo.
Frequency
Series of three vaccines 4 weeks apart starting at 6-8 weeks of age. Booster at 1 year, then once every 1 or 3 years (depending on product used) for life.
*In puppies, distemper and parvo are administered in a combination vaccine, so one shot administers two vaccines
Important vaccines: Most dogs should have them if living on the Gulf Coast
Bordetella (kennel cough)
A bacterial respiratory disease in dogs and guinea pigs, causing coughing, lack of appetite, and lethargy. Infection comes from being exposed to other sick animals. Can lead to pneumonia. This vaccine is most important for dogs that are social—go to dogs parks, have play dates, greet other dogs on walks, etc.—and for puppies.
Frequency
First vaccine at 3 weeks or older, booster in 4 weeks, then once yearly for life
Leptospirosis
A bacterial disease that causes kidney and liver failure. Infection comes from exposure to the urine of infected animals, or to water contaminated with the urine of infected animals. Rats, raccoons, and skunks are frequent carriers of lepto. Leptospirosis is zoonotic and can be spread to humans by domesticated animals. All dogs in Florida should be vaccinated for leptospirosis, as wildlife frequently enters people’s yards, even when fences.
Frequency
First vaccine at 8 weeks or older, booster in 4 weeks, then once yearly for life
Vaccines of concern: Applicable to many dogs, depending on lifestyle
Lyme disease
Infection comes from being bitten by an infected deer tick. Lyme disease causes joint pain and inflammation, fever, lack of appetite, and lameness; it can cause kidney failure. Vaccination is recommended for dogs likely to be exposed (dogs that travel outside of Florida to certain areas of the country).
Frequency: First vaccine at 9 weeks or older, booster in 4 weeks, then once yearly for life or until no longer likely to be exposed to deer ticks (e.g., move to Arizona)
Influenza
Causes coughing, sneezing, respiratory congestion, and can lead to pneumonia. Infection comes from exposure to dogs carrying the virus. Influenza itself is not usually fatal; however, it is more likely to cause serious or fatal illness in brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs or dogs with underlying health issues. Illness can also lead to more serious secondary infections. Recommended for dogs that travel frequently (more than three times yearly) or are frequently exposed to large numbers of other dogs (e.g. show dogs, dogs that visit dog parks)
Frequency
Fist vaccine at 9 weeks or older, booster in 4 weeks, then once yearly for life or until lifestyle no longer leads to likely exposure (e.g., show dog retires and does not travel any more).