Keeping your dog’s vaccines up to date is one of the simplest ways to prevent serious (and costly) diseases. In Canada, your exact vaccination schedule for dogs depends on age, lifestyle, and local risk—so your veterinarian will tailor a plan, but the framework is consistent across provinces.

Core vs. lifestyle vaccines (Canada)

Core vaccines are recommended for nearly all dogs because the diseases are widespread or severe:

DA2PP (or DHPP): distemper, adenovirus/hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza
Rabies: legally required in many municipalities and strongly recommended nationwide

Non-core (lifestyle) vaccines are based on exposure risk:

Bordetella (“kennel cough”) for daycare, grooming, training classes
Leptospirosis for dogs around wildlife, ponds, farms, urban raccoon areas
Lyme in tick-endemic regions (common in parts of Ontario, Quebec, Maritimes)
Canine influenza where outbreaks occur or for frequent travellers

Typical dog vaccination schedule

Puppies need a series because maternal antibodies can block early shots:

6–8 weeks: DA2PP (start)
10–12 weeks: DA2PP booster + consider Bordetella/Lepto based on risk
14–16 weeks: DA2PP booster + Rabies (timing varies by province/clinic)
12 months: booster visit (DA2PP + rabies; add lifestyle vaccines as needed)

Adults: many core vaccines move to every 3 years after the 1-year booster, while some lifestyle vaccines (like Bordetella/Lepto) are often annual. Follow your vet’s schedule and product label.

Actionable tips to stay on track

Book your next vaccine appointment before you leave the clinic.
Ask for a printed/email vaccine record—useful for boarding, travel, and dog parks.
Keep puppies away from high-traffic dog areas until the initial series is complete.
Tell your vet about travel (U.S. trips), wildlife exposure, daycare, and ticks—this drives the right add-ons.

Bottom line: A smart vaccination plan protects your dog and your community. Partner with your Canadian vet to match vaccines to your dog’s real-world risk—and keep boosters on schedule.