Dog Vaccinations

Vaccinations can prevent certain infectious diseases that can cause severe illness or death. Vaccinations work by introducing disabled versions of diseases into the body, so the immune system learns to recognize and fight them. Some vaccines prevent diseases, and others ensure your dog experiences only minor symptoms. It is best to keep your dog on its vaccine schedule to ensure good health, and because many pet care service providers require up-to-date vaccinations. At Wheeling Animal Hospital and Pet Resort in Arlington Heights, our team will help ensure your dog is properly vaccinated.

Vaccination Schedule

Although puppies receive some immunity from their mothers, this immunity fades quickly, so puppies should receive vaccines starting at 6 to 8 weeks old. Vaccines are part of your dog's regular preventive care routine from puppyhood through adulthood. Most vaccines fade over time and require boosters every year or three years to ensure your dog's immune system can fight these diseases.

Rabies and some other vaccinations are core vaccines, meaning all dogs should receive them. (Illinois law requires the rabies vaccination for all dogs and cats over 16 weeks old.) Besides core vaccines, many dogs need non-core vaccines. The need for non-core vaccines depends on the dog's lifestyle, including outdoor activities, frequency of visits to dog parks and kennels, and location. Your vet will discuss the need for non-core vaccines as part of your dog's annual well-care exam.

Other non-core vaccines are administered to dogs based on their lifestyle, location, and other factors we will review with you to determine whether your dog needs them.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Puppies receive their first vaccine at 6 to 8 weeks, followed by other vaccines every two to four weeks. Your vet administers some vaccines in combination for your convenience and to minimize the number of injections. For example, the DA2PP combines four vaccines in one shot.

The following shows the typical puppy vaccine schedule:

6–8 weeks

- Core: DAP2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus I & II, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza)

- Non-core: Bordetella (kennel cough)

10–12 Weeks

- Core: DAP2PP

- Non-core: Leptospirosis, Lyme, Canine Influenza

14–16 Weeks

- Core: DAP2PP, rabies

- Non-core: Leptospirosis, Lyme, Canine Influenza

Adult Dog Vaccination Schedule

Your veterinarian will discuss your dog's lifestyle during the annual exam and may recommend non-core vaccines yearly or every three years.

Annual or Three Years

- Core: DAP2PP, rabies (per law or risk)

- Non-core: Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Lyme, Canine Influenza

Get High-Quality Pet Care in the Chicago Area

If you live in or near Arlington Heights, our veterinarian, Dr. Roberts, and the dedicated team at Wheeling Animal Hospital and Pet Resort are here to help. Call us at (847) 520-7387 or stop by one of our Chicago-area locations to schedule an appointment.