Dog Vaccinations

For canine pet parents, our veterinarians near you at Higgins Animal Clinic, serving Higgins, Wheeling, , is dedicated to keeping your furry friends current with their vaccinations. Staying up to date with these important vaccines helps your pet ward off harmful diseases.

Types of Vaccinations for Canines

There are two types of dog vaccinations: core vaccines and non-core vaccines.

Core Vaccines

Core vaccines prevent serious diseases and are considered essential for your puppy or adult dog. These vaccines are required and include:

- Rabies virus vaccine

- Canine distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus vaccine: This combination vaccine is referred to as DAPP, DA2PP, or DHPP.

Non-Core Vaccines

Non-core vaccines help lower the risk of your dog contracting and spreading certain diseases. While they do not provide the same level of protection as core vaccines, some non-core vaccines protect against life-threatening and highly contagious diseases. These include:

- Kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica) vaccine

- Lyme vaccine

- Canine influenza vaccines

- Leptospirosis vaccine

- Rattlesnake vaccine

Factors to Consider

When determining which non-core vaccines are most appropriate and beneficial for your puppy or dog, the veterinarian will consider several factors:

- Geographic location: Areas prone to specific diseases.

- Lifestyle factors: Whether your dog has access to grooming sessions, visits dog parks, is boarded, or stays in a doggy daycare facility.

- Exposure risks: If your dog frequents wilderness areas, hiking trails, or bodies of water, or if you travel frequently, exposing your dog to different environments.

When Are Vaccines Administered?

The veterinarian will provide vaccines based on your pet's age. The vaccination schedule generally follows:

- Pups aged 6 to 8 weeks: Receive the core DA2PP vaccine and non-core Bordetella and parainfluenza vaccines.

- Ages 10 to 12 weeks: Receive the DA2PP core vaccine, along with non-core leptospirosis, Lyme, and canine influenza vaccines.

- Canines aged 14 to 16 weeks: Receive the rabies and DA2PP vaccines, along with non-core leptospirosis, canine influenza, and Lyme vaccines.

- Older canines: Coming in for annual vaccinations receive core rabies and DA2PP vaccines, and non-core Lyme, leptospirosis, Bordetella, and canine influenza vaccines

Contact Our Veterinarians Near You

Dog vaccinations are a critical part of maintaining your dog's health. We are ready to provide both core and non-core vaccines at Higgins Animal Clinic. Our staff in Higgins, Wheeling, care for your pet as if they were their own. Keep your pet protected by scheduling an appointment with us Monday through Saturday.