Keeping your dog up to date on vaccinations is one of the most important ways to protect their health. Whether you have a playful puppy or a senior dog, routine vaccinations help protect against potentially serious and contagious diseases.

But what yearly shots does a dog actually need? Do all dogs need the same vaccines? And how do you know when your dog is due for their next booster?

At Big Lick Veterinary Services in Roanoke, Virginia, we understand that navigating your dog’s vaccination schedule can feel overwhelming. Here’s what you need to know about essential dog vaccines, annual boosters, and how your dog’s lifestyle may influence their vaccination needs.

Do Dogs Need Vaccinations Every Year?

While dogs should receive regular wellness examinations, not every vaccine needs to be administered annually.

Some vaccines, such as certain distemper and rabies vaccines, may provide protection for several years. Others, including leptospirosis and Bordetella, may require more frequent boosters depending on the vaccine used and your dog’s individual needs.

Your dog’s vaccination schedule will depend on several factors, including their age, medical history, previous vaccinations, lifestyle, and risk of exposure to infectious diseases.

During your dog’s annual wellness exam, your veterinarian will review their vaccination history and recommend which vaccines or boosters are due.

What Vaccines Do Dogs Need?

Dog vaccines are generally categorized as core or non-core vaccines.

Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs because they protect against serious diseases or diseases that pose a significant public health risk.

Non-core vaccines are recommended based on a dog’s lifestyle, geographic location, and potential exposure to certain infectious diseases.

1. Rabies Vaccine

Rabies is a serious viral disease that affects the nervous system and can be transmitted to humans and other animals through the saliva of an infected animal, typically through a bite.

Once symptoms develop, rabies is almost always fatal, making vaccination essential for protecting both pets and people.

Is the rabies vaccine required for dogs in Virginia?

Yes. Virginia law requires dogs four months of age and older to be vaccinated against rabies.

Puppies typically receive their first rabies vaccination between 12 and 16 weeks of age, depending on the vaccine used and their veterinarian’s recommendations.

After the initial vaccination, dogs generally receive a booster one year later. Subsequent boosters may be administered every one or three years, depending on the vaccine and applicable requirements.

Your veterinarian will help ensure your dog remains current on their rabies vaccination.

2. DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus & Parainfluenza)

The DHPP vaccine, sometimes called DAPP, is a combination vaccine that protects dogs against several contagious diseases.

These include:

• Canine Distemper: A serious viral disease that can affect a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Distemper can cause coughing, fever, vomiting, seizures, and other potentially life-threatening complications.
• Canine Adenovirus: This virus can cause infectious canine hepatitis, a disease that affects the liver and other organs. The vaccine also provides protection against certain respiratory infections caused by canine adenovirus.
• Canine Parvovirus: A highly contagious virus that can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and potentially fatal illness, particularly in puppies and unvaccinated dogs.
• Canine Parainfluenza: A respiratory virus that can contribute to canine infectious respiratory disease, commonly known as kennel cough.

How often does my dog need the DHPP vaccine?

Puppies typically begin receiving their DHPP vaccinations between 6 and 8 weeks of age, with additional doses administered every 2–4 weeks until they are at least 16 weeks old.

After completing their initial vaccination series and receiving a booster within one year, adult dogs generally receive DHPP boosters every three years.

Your veterinarian may recommend a different schedule depending on your dog’s vaccination history and individual needs.

3. Leptospirosis Vaccine

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can cause serious kidney and liver damage in dogs. It can also be transmitted to humans.

Dogs can become infected through contact with water, soil, or other environments contaminated with urine from infected animals.

For dogs living in Roanoke and the surrounding communities, potential exposure may occur during outdoor activities, including hiking, swimming, or exploring areas frequented by wildlife.

However, dogs do not need to spend significant time outdoors to be at risk. Exposure can also occur in residential environments.

How often does my dog need the leptospirosis vaccine?

Dogs typically receive an initial series of two vaccinations administered several weeks apart, followed by annual boosters.

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) classifies leptospirosis vaccination as a core vaccine for dogs.

Your veterinarian can help determine the appropriate vaccination schedule based on your dog’s age, vaccination history, and health.

What Additional Vaccines Might My Dog Need?

Beyond core vaccinations, your veterinarian may recommend additional vaccines based on your dog’s lifestyle and potential exposure to infectious diseases.

Bordetella (Kennel Cough) Vaccine

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium associated with canine infectious respiratory disease, commonly known as kennel cough.

Dogs that regularly interact with other dogs may have an increased risk of exposure.

Your veterinarian may recommend Bordetella vaccination if your dog frequently visits:

• Dog parks
• Boarding facilities
• Grooming salons
• Doggy daycare
• Training classes

Some facilities require dogs to be vaccinated against Bordetella before participating in their services.

Depending on the vaccine used and your dog’s risk of exposure, boosters may be recommended annually or more frequently.

Lyme Disease Vaccine

Lyme disease is a tick-borne bacterial infection that can affect dogs and cause symptoms such as fever, joint pain, lameness, and lethargy.

Dogs living in Virginia may encounter ticks during outdoor activities, including hiking, walking through wooded areas, or spending time in grassy environments.

For dog owners in Roanoke, regular outdoor activities in the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding areas may increase opportunities for tick exposure.

Your veterinarian may recommend Lyme disease vaccination based on your dog’s lifestyle and geographic risk.

Dogs receiving the vaccine for the first time typically require an initial series of two doses, followed by annual boosters.

Important: Lyme disease vaccination does not replace routine flea and tick prevention. Your dog should remain on veterinarian-recommended parasite prevention to help reduce their risk of tick-borne illnesses.

Canine Influenza Vaccine

Canine influenza, sometimes called dog flu, is a contagious respiratory infection that can cause coughing, fever, nasal discharge, and lethargy.

Dogs that frequently interact with other dogs, particularly in boarding facilities, daycare environments, or other group settings, may have an increased risk of exposure.

Your veterinarian can help determine whether canine influenza vaccination is appropriate for your dog.

Dogs receiving the vaccine for the first time generally require two initial doses, followed by annual boosters when continued vaccination is recommended.

Dog Vaccination Schedule: What Shots Does My Dog Need Every Year?

Your dog’s vaccination schedule will depend on their age, vaccination history, lifestyle, and the specific vaccines they receive.

The following table provides a general overview of common dog vaccinations and their typical booster schedules.

These recommendations are general guidelines. Your veterinarian will establish an individualized vaccination schedule based on your dog’s needs.

What Vaccines Does My Dog Need in Roanoke, Virginia?

Living in the Roanoke Valley offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with your dog. From neighborhood walks to hiking adventures along the Blue Ridge Parkway, your dog’s daily activities can influence their exposure to certain infectious diseases.

For example, dogs that regularly explore wooded areas, visit dog parks, or spend time around other animals may benefit from additional vaccinations based on their individual risk factors.

When determining your dog’s vaccination needs, your veterinarian may consider:

• Outdoor activities: Dogs that frequently hike, swim, or explore wooded environments may encounter ticks, wildlife, and contaminated water sources.
• Social interactions: Dogs that regularly visit boarding facilities, dog parks, grooming salons, or daycare may have an increased risk of exposure to contagious respiratory illnesses.
• Travel: Dogs that travel with their owners may encounter infectious diseases that are more prevalent in other geographic regions.
• Age and health: Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with certain underlying medical conditions may have different vaccination considerations.

At Big Lick Veterinary Services, our veterinary team can help you determine which vaccinations are appropriate for your dog based on their individual lifestyle and health needs.

What Happens If My Dog Misses a Vaccination?

If your dog is overdue for a vaccination, contact your veterinarian to determine when they should receive their next dose.

Depending on the vaccine, your dog’s previous vaccination history, and how much time has passed since their last dose, your veterinarian may recommend administering a booster or adjusting their vaccination schedule.

Some vaccines may require an additional dose if your dog has not completed the initial vaccination series.

Until your dog is appropriately vaccinated, your veterinarian may recommend limiting certain activities that could increase their exposure to infectious diseases.

Keeping track of your dog’s vaccination records and scheduling routine wellness appointments can help ensure they remain protected.

Schedule Your Dog’s Vaccinations in Roanoke, VA

Whether your dog is due for their annual vaccinations or you’re unsure which shots they need, Big Lick Veterinary Services is here to help.

Our veterinary team provides preventive care for dogs throughout Roanoke, Virginia, and the surrounding communities. During your dog’s wellness visit, we’ll review their vaccination history, discuss their lifestyle, and recommend an individualized vaccination schedule to help protect their long-term health.

Routine wellness visits also provide an opportunity to evaluate your dog’s overall health, discuss parasite prevention, and address any questions you may have about their care.

Keep Your Dog Up to Date on Vaccinations

Protecting your dog’s health starts with regular preventive veterinary care.

At Big Lick Veterinary Services, we’re committed to helping dogs throughout the Roanoke Valley stay happy and healthy at every stage of life.

Whether your dog needs their annual wellness exam, a rabies vaccination, or additional vaccines based on their lifestyle, our veterinary team is here to help.

Schedule your dog’s next vet appointment at Big Lick Veterinary Services in Roanoke, VA, today!