Should You Vaccinate Your Dog Each Year?

When you want to avoid getting the flu, you get a flu shot at the start of the season. This helps introduce your body to the disease so that it knows how to fight it. However, because the flu evolves so rapidly, most people have to get a new shot every year to avoid getting sick again.

Because of this, and because we love our canine companions, it may make you wonder: should you vaccinate your dog each year as well?

The Purpose of Vaccinations for Dogs

If you’ve adopted a new dog, you’ve likely brushed up against the question of vaccinations. Puppies are legally required to be vaccinated against rabies, but there are a number of other illnesses that owners can also vaccinate their dogs against, such as:

• Kennel cough
  
• Canine influenza
  
• Coronavirus
  
• Hepatitis
  
• Canine distemper
  
• Lyme disease
  
• Parvovirus

As with humans, these shots help your dog build up an immunity to these illnesses.

Do Dogs Need Yearly Vaccinations?

The immunity we get from vaccination is not always indefinite, even when an illness doesn’t mutate as much as the flu. Eventually, antibodies run out in the system, hence why we need booster shots. However, veterinarians now agree that our dog’s immunity against canine illness lasts longer than a year. Therefore, shots do not need to be given annually.

How Long Should You Go Between Booster Shots for Dogs?

You should get a booster shot one year after your dog’s initial round of vaccines. However, according to the vaccination guidelines provided by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, you should only administer vaccines once every three years after the first round of boosters. Doing a booster more often may harm your dog.

If you aren’t sure whether your dog is due for a vaccination, don’t try to guess. Consulting your veterinarian is the best option to ensure your dog’s health and wellness. Our veterinarians in Palmdale, CA can provide all the essential vaccinations to help your dog thrive.