Vaccinations are one of the highest-leverage interventions you'll do for your OEB. They prevent diseases that have killed millions of dogs. They are also more customizable than the old "annual everything" routine that was standard a generation ago.
Modern WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) and AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) guidelines distinguish core vaccines (every dog) from non-core (lifestyle-dependent) and update recommended intervals based on duration-of- immunity research.
Talk to your vet. This page is the framework. Your specific schedule depends on your puppy's age at first visit, regional disease prevalence, your dog's lifestyle, and any individual health considerations.
Core vaccines (every OEB)
- Distemper-Adenovirus-Parvovirus (DA2P or DHPP). Combined vaccine covering distemper virus, adenovirus (hepatitis), and parvovirus. Parvo alone kills unvaccinated puppies regularly.
- Rabies. Required by law in most jurisdictions. Single vaccine.
Non-core (lifestyle-dependent)
- Bordetella ("kennel cough"). Required for boarding, daycare, and most training classes. Skip if your dog never goes to those.
- Leptospirosis. Bacterial disease from rodent urine in standing water. Recommended for any dog with rural, hiking, or natural-water exposure. More important in some regions than others.
- Lyme. Tick-borne. Recommended in tick-endemic regions (northeast US, upper midwest, certain parts of Canada). Less important in dry western climates.
- Canine influenza. Sometimes recommended for boarding/daycare in outbreak regions. Ask your vet about local prevalence.
- Rattlesnake. Available in some western US regions. Limited evidence of efficacy. Discuss with vet if you live in serious rattler country.
Puppy schedule (typical)
A typical OEB puppy from a reputable breeder will have already had the first round of DA2P at 6-8 weeks before going home. The continuing schedule:
- 8 weeks: DA2P (#1)
- 12 weeks: DA2P (#2), bordetella if needed for puppy class
- 16 weeks: DA2P (#3), rabies (#1), lepto (#1) and lyme (#1) if recommended for area
- 20 weeks: Lepto (#2), lyme (#2)
- 1 year: DA2P booster, rabies booster, lepto/lyme boosters
Adult schedule
Modern duration-of-immunity research shows that DA2P provides at least 3 years of protection in most dogs, often longer. Rabies vaccines are typically labeled and regulated for 3 years.
Reasonable adult schedule:
- DA2P every 3 years (or titer test if your vet supports it)
- Rabies every 3 years (or per law in your jurisdiction)
- Lepto annually if at risk
- Lyme annually if in tick-endemic region
- Bordetella every 6-12 months if boarding/daycare
Titer testing
A titer test measures the dog's antibody level for distemper and parvo. If protective titer is present, the dog doesn't need a booster yet. Useful for minimizing unnecessary vaccinations, especially in older dogs.
Cost: $80-$150 per test. Some vets are titer-friendly; some aren't (some jurisdictions don't accept titers in lieu of rabies vaccination). Worth asking.
Vaccine reactions
Most OEBs handle vaccinations without issue. Mild reactions (lethargy, soreness at injection site, mild fever) for 24-48 hours are common and self-resolving.
Call the vet immediately if you see:
- Facial swelling, hives, or generalized itching
- Vomiting or diarrhea within hours of vaccination
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapse
Dogs with a history of vaccine reactions can usually still be vaccinated safely using pre-medication (Benadryl) and splitting vaccines across visits instead of giving them all at once.
Senior OEBs
Senior dogs (7+) need vaccinations no more than younger adults - and arguably less, if their immune system has been primed by years of consistent vaccination. Annual titer testing instead of routine boostering becomes increasingly reasonable.Senior care guide.