Dog Vaccination Schedule 2026: AAHA + WSAVA Guidelines
The standard dog vaccination schedule in 2026 follows AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) and WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) guidelines: core vaccines (DHPP and rabies) for every dog, plus lifestyle vaccines based on exposure. The puppy series runs at 6–8, 10–12, and 14–16 weeks with a 1-year booster, then DHPP every 3 years and rabies every 1–3 years.
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Puppy vaccination schedule (week by week)
| Age | Vaccine |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | DHPP (1st dose) ± Bordetella |
| 10–12 weeks | DHPP (2nd dose), Lepto if applicable, Lyme if applicable |
| 12–16 weeks | Rabies (1st dose) |
| 14–16 weeks | DHPP (3rd dose), Lepto booster, Lyme booster |
| 1 year | DHPP booster, Rabies booster, all lifestyle vaccines booster |
Core vaccines (every dog)
DHPP / DAPP
Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus
Series: Puppy: 6–8w, 10–12w, 14–16w. Adult: booster 1 year after puppy series, then every 3 years.
Why: Protects against four serious, often fatal viral diseases. Parvovirus and distemper are still common in unvaccinated populations.
Rabies
Rabies
Series: First dose at 12–16w. Booster at 1 year. Then every 1–3 years depending on state law and vaccine type.
Why: Legally required in most jurisdictions. Rabies is invariably fatal once symptomatic; vaccination is the only defense.
Lifestyle vaccines (based on exposure)
Lepto
Leptospirosis (4-way)
Series: Initial 2-dose series 2–4 weeks apart, then annual booster.
Get it if: Dogs with outdoor exposure to wildlife urine, standing water, or rodent habitats. Considered core in many regions.
Bordetella
Bordetella (kennel cough)
Series: Oral or intranasal: single dose, then every 6–12 months.
Get it if: Dogs going to boarding, daycare, dog parks, training classes, or grooming.
Lyme
Lyme disease
Series: Initial 2-dose series 2–4 weeks apart, then annual booster.
Get it if: Dogs in tick-endemic regions (Northeast US, upper Midwest, parts of Europe). Combine with tick prevention.
Canine Influenza (H3N8 / H3N2)
Canine influenza
Series: Initial 2-dose series 2–4 weeks apart, then annual booster.
Get it if: Dogs in regions with active outbreaks or going to high-density facilities.
Rattlesnake
Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox toxoid)
Series: 2-dose series, then annual.
Get it if: Dogs in rattlesnake-endemic Southwest US areas with outdoor exposure.
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Dog vaccination FAQ
What are the core vaccines for dogs in 2026?
Core vaccines (recommended for every dog per AAHA and WSAVA): DHPP (distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus) and rabies. DHPP is given as a 3-dose puppy series at 6–8, 10–12, and 14–16 weeks, then boosted at 1 year, then every 3 years. Rabies is given at 12–16 weeks, boosted at 1 year, then every 1–3 years depending on jurisdiction.
When should a puppy get their first vaccination?
First DHPP dose at 6–8 weeks. Puppies have some maternal immunity for the first weeks, which is why a series of doses is needed (one dose may be neutralized by maternal antibodies; later doses 'catch' as maternal immunity fades). The series ends at 14–16 weeks to ensure protection.
How often do adult dogs need vaccinations?
DHPP: every 3 years after the 1-year booster. Rabies: every 1–3 years depending on state law and vaccine. Lifestyle vaccines (Lepto, Bordetella, Lyme, influenza): annually if your dog is in the relevant exposure category. Many adult dogs get a 'wellness' visit annually that bundles needed vaccines.
Are lifestyle vaccines really necessary?
Depends on exposure. Bordetella is essentially required for boarding, daycare, dog parks. Leptospirosis is increasingly considered core because outbreaks happen in suburban areas with rodent or wildlife urine in standing water. Lyme is important in tick-endemic regions. Talk to your vet about your specific dog's lifestyle.
Can I track my dog's vaccination schedule in Omelo?
Yes. Omelo includes a free vaccination tracker that handles AAHA core schedule, regional lifestyle vaccines, and sends reminders before each booster is due. You can print or share the record with your vet.
Is the dog vaccination schedule different in India or other countries?
The principles are the same (core vs lifestyle, puppy series ending at 14–16 weeks). Regional differences exist: rabies is even more critical in regions with stray-dog exposure, leptospirosis vaccines may use different serovars, and tick-borne disease risks vary. Your local vet will adapt to your region.
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