The 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines (2024 Update) classify five antigens as core vaccines — canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus type 2, canine parvovirus type 2, leptospirosis, and rabies — recommended for all dogs regardless of lifestyle unless a specific medical contraindication exists.AAHA Clinical G…+1 Leptospirosis was reclassified from noncore to core following the 2023 ACVIM consensus statement recommending vaccination for all dogs over 12 weeks of age regardless of breed, geography, or lifestyle, based on its zoonotic potential and risk of fatal disease even with treatment.AAHA Clinical G…
Noncore vaccines are indicated based on lifestyle, geographic location, and risk of exposure. Canine Bordetella vaccine, canine Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi) vaccine, canine influenza virus vaccine, and the Western diamondback rattlesnake toxoid are classified as noncore.AAHA Clinical G… The WSAVA additionally lists canine parainfluenza virus and Leishmania infantum vaccines as noncore, with geographic availability varying by region.WSAVA Global Gu…
For core vaccines in dogs ≤16 weeks of age, the initial series is completed by 16–20 weeks, with a booster administered within 1 year of the last puppy dose. For the distemper/adenovirus-2/parvovirus combination (with or without parainfluenza), subsequent revaccination intervals are every 3 years or longer.AAHA Clinical G… Rabies revaccination interval is determined by the product label of the last vaccine administered — either 1-year or 3-year labeled products are available, and most states and provinces allow veterinarian discretion in product selection.AAHA Clinical G…
For noncore vaccines, annual administration is required to maintain reliable protection. If protection has lapsed following a previously complete series, restarting with two doses given 2–4 weeks apart is recommended rather than administering a single booster.WSAVA Global Gu…
When an adult dog's vaccination history is unknown, the initial vaccination series should be treated as starting from scratch. Dogs >16 weeks of age follow the same core vaccine schedule as adults, with revaccination at 3-year or longer intervals for the distemper/adenovirus-2/parvovirus combination after the initial series is completed.AAHA Clinical G…+1
| Vaccine | Classification | Initial Series | Revaccination Interval | Key Caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canine distemper virus | Core | Series complete by 16–20 wk; booster within 1 yr of last puppy dose | ≥3 yr | — |
| Canine adenovirus type 2 | Core | Series complete by 16–20 wk; booster within 1 yr of last puppy dose | ≥3 yr | — |
| Canine parvovirus type 2 | Core | Series complete by 16–20 wk; booster within 1 yr of last puppy dose | ≥3 yr | — |
| Leptospirosis | Core (2024 update) | All dogs >12 wk regardless of lifestyle | Annual | Reclassified from noncore per 2023 ACVIM consensus |
| Rabies | Core | Per product label | 1 yr or 3 yr per product label | State/provincial law governs interval |
| Bordetella bronchiseptica | Noncore | Risk-based | Annual | — |
| Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi) | Noncore | Risk-based | Annual | Geographic availability varies |
| Canine influenza virus | Noncore | Risk-based | Annual | — |
| Rattlesnake toxoid | Noncore | Risk-based | Annual | — |
| Lapsed noncore series | Noncore | Restart with 2 doses 2–4 wk apart | Annual | Do not give single booster after lapse |
Would you like guidance on how to handle vaccination of immunocompromised dogs or dogs with a history of vaccine reactions?