Vaccination Schedule for Dogs: What You Need to Know

A smart dog vaccination schedule protects your pup from preventable, sometimes fatal diseases—and helps you meet boarding, daycare, and training requirements. In Canada, core vaccines are strongly recommended for nearly all dogs, while non-core vaccines depend on lifestyle and local risk. Always confirm timing and products with your veterinarian, especially for rescues with unknown history.

Core Dog Vaccines (Most Dogs in Canada)

Puppy series: maternal antibodies fade at different rates, so puppies need multiple doses to build reliable immunity.

6–8 weeks: DHPP (distemper, hepatitis/adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza)
10–12 weeks: DHPP booster
14–16 weeks: DHPP booster (critical for parvo protection)
12–16 weeks (per province/law): Rabies
~12 months: DHPP + rabies boosters
Adults: boosters every 1–3 years based on vaccine label, local rules, and your vet’s advice

Actionable tip: If your puppy starts the series late or misses a dose, don’t restart—ask your vet for a catch-up plan.

Non-Core Vaccines (Lifestyle-Based)

These are recommended when exposure risk is meaningful:

Bordetella (“kennel cough”): often required for boarding/daycare; given intranasal/oral or injection
Leptospirosis: common where wildlife and standing water are present; important in many Canadian regions
Lyme: consider in tick-endemic areas (e.g., parts of ON, QC, MB, NS, NB); pair with tick prevention
Canine influenza: for dogs who travel or frequent high-density dog settings (availability varies)

Actionable tip: Tell your vet if your dog hikes, swims, hunts, visits dog parks, or travels between provinces—this directly changes vaccine recommendations.

Quick Checklist for Dog Owners

Keep a digital photo of your dog’s vaccine record for kennels and emergencies.
Schedule boosters before busy seasons (summer travel, holidays).
After vaccines, monitor for vomiting, facial swelling, hives, or collapse and seek urgent care if seen.

With the right schedule and a vet-guided risk assessment, your dog stays protected, compliant, and ready for life’s adventures.