Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) divides dog vaccines into two categories: core vaccines, recommended for every dog regardless of lifestyle, and non-core vaccines, recommended based on your dog's environment and risk of exposure.
Core Vaccines (Every Dog Needs These)
| Vaccine | What it protects against | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Rabies | Fatal viral disease, legally required in most states | First dose at 12–16 weeks, booster at 1 year, then every 1 or 3 years |
| DHPP | Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza | Series starting at 6–8 weeks, every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks, booster at 1 year, then every 3 years |
Non-Core Vaccines (Based on Lifestyle)
| Vaccine | Recommended for | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Bordetella | Dogs in boarding, grooming or dog parks | Every 6–12 months |
| Leptospirosis | Dogs exposed to wildlife or standing water | Annual, after initial 2-dose series |
| Lyme disease | Dogs in tick-endemic areas | Annual, after initial 2-dose series |
| Canine Influenza | Dogs frequently in social settings | Annual |
The Puppy Vaccine Schedule
Puppies require a series of vaccines during their first few months of life because maternal antibodies from their mother gradually fade. Here is what a typical puppy schedule looks like:
| Age | Vaccines |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | DHPP (first dose) |
| 10–12 weeks | DHPP (second dose), Bordetella, Leptospirosis |
| 14–16 weeks | DHPP (third dose), Rabies |
| 12–16 months | DHPP booster, Rabies booster, annual non-core vaccines |
Kinselo stores each vaccine with the date, next due date and your vet's name. You get a visual status (up to date, due soon, overdue) and automatic reminders so nothing falls through the cracks.
Adult Dog Booster Schedule
After the initial puppy series, adult dogs need regular boosters to maintain protection. The timing depends on the vaccine type and your dog's individual health history.
- Rabies: every 1 or 3 years depending on the vaccine used and your state's law
- DHPP: every 3 years after the first adult booster
- Bordetella: every 6–12 months if your dog goes to boarding or dog parks
- Leptospirosis and Lyme: annually in at-risk dogs
What Happens If You Miss a Vaccine?
Don't panic. Most vaccines can be restarted without repeating the full initial series. Your vet will advise the right catch-up schedule based on how long it's been and your dog's current health status. The most important thing is to call your vet and get back on track as soon as possible.
In most U.S. states, an up-to-date Rabies vaccine is required by law. A dog with an expired Rabies vaccine may be quarantined if it bites someone, even if no harm was intended. Check your state and county requirements.
Never miss a vaccine reminder again
Kinselo tracks every vaccine for your dog (and cat), shows you what's due and alerts you before it expires.
Get KinseloVaccine Side Effects: What's Normal?
Most dogs experience mild and short-lived side effects after vaccination: slight soreness at the injection site, low energy for 24–48 hours, mild fever or reduced appetite. These are normal immune responses and resolve on their own.
Contact your vet immediately if you notice facial swelling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, collapse or hives within a few hours of vaccination. These signs may indicate an allergic reaction and require prompt treatment.
Questions to Ask Your Vet
- Which non-core vaccines do you recommend for my dog's lifestyle?
- Is a 1-year or 3-year Rabies vaccine better for my dog?
- Does my dog need titers instead of boosters at this point?
- Are there any vaccines I should hold off on due to my dog's current health?
Useful products for vaccine day
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