Core and Non-Core Dog Vaccines: What Your Puppy Really Needs

What Vaccinations Do Puppies Need?

Vaccinations are designed to protect dogs from specific diseases. Typically, puppy vaccines come in multi-dose bundles like "DHPP," "DHLPP," or "DHLPPC." These letters represent the first letters of the diseases they protect against.

Vaccines for dogs are usually divided into two categories: "core vaccines" and "non-core vaccines."

Dog Vaccinations

Core Vaccines

Core vaccines are those strongly recommended or legally required to prevent pet diseases and promote health.

Canine Distemper (D): This highly contagious viral disease attacks a dog's respiratory, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems. It spreads through the air or by sharing food and water with other infected animals, such as raccoons and skunks. Symptoms include cough, fever, eye and nose discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological signs like seizures or paralysis. Vaccination usually starts at 6 to 8 weeks and is part of the combined vaccine.
Canine Hepatitis (H): A viral disease that targets a dog's liver and eyes, causing fever, lethargy, vomiting, and jaundice. It can lead to severe complications and death. Human hepatitis cannot be contracted from dogs.
Leptospirosis (L): A bacterial infection that affects a dog's liver and kidneys and can be transmitted to humans. Symptoms vary but can include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lethargy, and jaundice. The DHLPP vaccine protects against it and is typically administered at 12 weeks or older.
Parainfluenza (P): A highly contagious respiratory virus that can spread among dogs, often causing "kennel cough." Shelters and boarding facilities are at high risk.
Canine Parvovirus (P): Commonly called "parvo," this is a severe, highly contagious disease that can be fatal, especially for puppies. It leads to severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, loss of appetite, and lethargy.
Rabies Vaccine (RV): Almost everyone knows about rabies vaccination because it's legally required in many places. Rabies spreads through saliva via bites from infected animals and can be fatal to dogs. This vaccine is usually administered between 12 to 20 weeks.

Non-Core Vaccines

Non-core vaccines are recommended based on risk factors, like a dog's exposure to other dogs in boarding facilities or dog parks.

Canine Coronavirus: Not to be confused with the COVID-19 coronavirus. This causes gastrointestinal issues similar to parvo, with vomiting and diarrhea.
Bordetella (Kennel Cough): A bacterial infection causing kennel cough. Dogs in boarding facilities are at higher risk, but any dog can get it. There are injectable, oral, and nasal spray vaccines.
Lyme Disease: Caused by ticks, it affects various organ systems, leading to fever, lethargy, limping, and loss of appetite. It is common on the East Coast and Midwest.
Canine Influenza (CIV) or H3N8/H3N2: This virus leads to respiratory issues, fever, coughing, and even fatal pneumonia. Many boarding and grooming facilities require this vaccine.

It's essential to consult your vet to determine which vaccines your dog needs based on age, location, and risk factors. Always keep track of your dog's vaccinations to ensure they're up-to-date.

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