Yes, Your Dog Needs a Rabies Shot—Here’s the Deal

While most vaccines protect dogs from illnesses that only affect them, the rabies vaccine does more. It protects your dog and your household. Vaccinating against rabies isn’t just responsible — in many places, it’s the law. And for good reason. This is one disease we don’t take chances with. Here’s a breakdown of each major canine vaccine your dog needs. Keep this article as a guide, and use it as a reference for your next vet appointment. 

The basics of core canine shots

While some vaccines are optional, others are considered central to your dog’s wellbeing, as preventative care that impacts both their quality of life and lifespan. Early investments in vaccines can also spare your wallet in the long run. If you currently have concerns about the affordability of shots for your dog, the Humane Society recommends visiting Pet Help Finder, which will direct you towards affordable, local resources.

Here are the core shots for puppies and dogs that the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends, unless there is a clear medical reason they shouldn’t be vaccinated:

• Rabies vaccine (aka RV)

• Canine vaccine 4-in-1 Combination (aka DHPP)

  • Distemper (aka CDV)

  • Adenovirus 1 (aka CAV-1) + Adenovirus 2 (aka CAV-2)

  • Parvovirus (aka CPV)

  • Parainfluenza (aka CPIV)

Rabies shots for dogs

Rabies is a virus that can be deadly for both dogs and humans. It is zoonotic, which is a fancy way of saying it can spread from animals to their pet parents. But with the canine rabies shot, catching the virus is preventable. In most, but not all states, this vaccine is mandatory.  

What are the signs of rabies?

Signs of rabies in canines usually occur two weeks to four months after the time of infection. Some signs of rabies include:

• Aggression

• Depression

• Fever

• Difficulty swallowing

• Excessive drooling

• Staggering

• Seizures

• Paralysis 

How does the rabies vaccine work?

The virus is spread through a bite wound from an infected animal or any open wound exposed to the saliva of an infected animal. The rabies vaccine encourages a dog’s body to produce antibodies and is only effective if given to them before they get infected. That is why experts recommend that puppies get the shot.

Rabies is incurable, and there is no treatment for a dog that catches it. Additionally, some states require that you report an infected dog to the local health department or animal control — because all mammals, in addition to dogs and humans, can catch rabies.

What other shots do dogs need?

The 4-in-1 combination vaccine is commonly referred to as the distemper shot (or DHPP / DA2PP). But it actually protects against four sets of viruses: the distemper virus, parvovirus, adenovirus 1 and adenovirus 2 (which cause hepatitis and respiratory issues, respectively), as well as parainfluenza. 

All four of these diseases are easily transmitted — and will require quarantining — so it’s important to get your dog vaccinated. As a rule of thumb, if your dog is not vaccinated, they are highly susceptible to all of the below viruses.

Here’s a bit more about each of the diseases that the 4-in-1 shot, a core dog vaccine, will protect against. 

• Canine distemper: Distemper is an airborne virus that attacks a dog’s immune system, causing gastrointestinal and respiratory distress. While all dogs can contract this virus, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, puppies younger than four months old are particularly vulnerable. Expectant mothers can even pass distemper on to their unborn pups. The virus is frequently transmitted through sneezing, coughing, and barking. But it can also be spread through water bowls and other shared surfaces.

• Canine Parvovirus: Parvovirus, also simply called “parvo,” is a disease that attacks a dog’s immune and gastrointestinal system. All dogs can contract parvo, but puppies that are six to 20 weeks old are particularly at risk. Parvo spreads through infected dogs, specifically through contact with contaminated feces and virus-contaminated surfaces. This makes vaccinations and proper disinfection practices critical.

• Canine Adenovirus: Adenovirus is a virus that causes infectious diseases, notably, hepatitis, which leads to liver failure and can be fatal. Adenovirus can create respiratory problems, such as kennel cough (an umbrella term for a variety of contagious respiratory diseases in dogs).

• Canine parainfluenza: Parainfluenza is a virus related to distemper that causes respiratory issues such as kennel cough. Symptoms of parainfluenza include coughing, fever, and nasal discharge. The virus also suppresses the immune system, making dogs — especially toy dogs — more susceptible to developing pneumonia, too. Treatments may include a cough suppressant and antibiotics to treat accompanying infections. 

Dog vaccination schedule for core vaccines

Are certain shots for dogs optional?

Some shots for dogs are optional and only recommended for pups living in higher-risk environments. These include shelters, homes with an infected dog, or a multiple-dog household (with eight or more canines). 

Consult a veterinarian when weighing the benefits of these non-core vaccines. In some cases, the overall potential benefit to the dog — given their living situation, age, or health — is more important than the potential side effects of the shot.

Here are the afflictions some common non-core vaccines will protect against: 

• Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is an infection caused by bacteria found in soil or water, usually in warmer climates that get a lot of rain. It is the most common zoonotic disease, or one that can spread from animals to people.

• Lyme disease: Lyme disease (aka borrelia) is a bacterial infection that travels through the bloodstream and is difficult to detect. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick that carries the borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. Dogs that spend time outdoors in places where there are a lot of ticks will benefit from this vaccine. 

• Bordetella: Bordetella is a bacterial infection that causes canine respiratory inflammation. It is the leading cause of kennel cough. Kennel cough, which can only be treated with rest and hydration, is extremely common and highly contagious.

• Canine influenza: Canine influenza (aka the dog flu) is a respiratory disease caused by an influenza virus specific to dogs. It is not believed to infect humans. Canine influenza is spread through the air via sneezes or coughs from infected dogs. It causes symptoms such as a cough, runny nose, fever, and lethargy.

How much do dog vaccinations cost?

Canine shots typically cost anywhere from $20 to $50 each, with the price varying by vaccine type, how many shots you need, and where you live. For your dog’s core vaccines, expect to pay $30 to $40 for a rabies shot. And for the 4-in-1 vaccine, you’ll probably invest $35 to $40.

You should always consult with your veterinarian about which vaccines your dog requires, and how to space them out. Pet insurance can help cover those costs. But if you’re on a very tight budget, head to Pet Help Finder for more affordable options in your area.

Commonly asked questions

How long do rabies shots for dogs last?

The first rabies shot will last for one year. When you return a year later for the next shot, that one is considered effective for one to three years, depending on state-law requirements. 

What shots do puppies need?

If you get your dog as a puppy, it’s best to get the core vaccines out of the way sooner than later to protect your dog’s health. The American Kennel Club recommends that they get the 4-in-1 shot starting at six to eight weeks of age, and the rabies shot starting around 16 to 18 weeks of age.

What shots do adult dogs need?

If they didn’t get their core vaccines as a puppy, adult dogs will need the rabies vaccine and 4-in-1 shot. Depending on your location and living environment, they may also need some non-core shots, such as the lepto, lyme, bordetella, influenza, and/or rattlesnake vaccines. For more guidance about to your dog’s individual needs, consult your vet.

Does my older dog need vaccines?

Yes, older dogs need to stay current with their vaccines, many of which require boosters.  Because senior dogs have a weakened immune system, they are more susceptible to different illnesses. So it’s imperative you update their vaccine schedules.

References

AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines

Canine Vaccines

Guidelines for the Vaccination of Dogs and Cats

The Importance of Vaccinating Your Pet

Spring Vaccinations for Dogs

Vaccination Guidelines for Dogs and Cats

Vaccination Schedule for Dogs

Will the Rattlesnake Vaccine Protect My Dog?

Pet Vaccine Costs

Dog Vaccination Costs

Infectious Canine Hepatitis

Difference Analysis Between Canine Adenovirus Types 1 And 2

Canine Adenovirus 2