Core Vaccines for Dogs: Schedules & Costs
Medically reviewed by Dr. Michelle Diener
September 24, 2025
As a pet parent, you want your dog to stay healthy, active, and protected from preventable diseases. One way to do this is by getting them vaccinated. But what vaccines does your dog really need, and why?
Core vaccines for dogs are one of the most effective ways to guard against highly contagious and serious diseases. They not only keep your best friend safe but also help protect other dogs, and in the case of rabies and leptospirosis, people, as well.
What Are the Core Vaccines for Dogs?
Core vaccines are considered essential for every dog, no matter their breed, size, or lifestyle. These include rabies and the DAPP combination vaccine, which protects against:
Distemper – affects the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems.
Adenovirus (CAV-2) – protects against infectious canine hepatitis (CAV-1) and respiratory disease.
Parainfluenza – causes respiratory illness and spreads easily where dogs gather.
Parvovirus – a deadly gastrointestinal virus spread through fecal material and contaminated surfaces.
Alongside core vaccines, veterinarians recommend lifestyle vaccines based on a dog’s lifestyle and exposure risk. For example:
Lyme vaccine – protects against Lyme disease transmitted by ticks, especially important for dogs in wooded, grassy, or tick-heavy areas.
Canine influenza vaccine – reduces the risk of highly contagious dog flu, especially where dogs gather.
Rabies Vaccine
Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, making prevention critical. It’s also a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread from infected animals to people. Because of the serious public health risk, rabies vaccination is legally required in most states.
At Petfolk, we follow all state guidelines and keep pricing straightforward so you know exactly what to expect.
Schedule:
Puppies: First dose at 12–16 weeks.
Adults: Booster at 1 year, then every 1–3 years depending on local laws.
Petfolk 1-year rabies vaccine price: $46 (or $42 with a Petfolk Care Plan).
Canine Distemper Vaccine
Canine distemper is a viral disease that attacks multiple systems:
Respiratory system – coughing, nasal discharge, pneumonia.
Digestive system – vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite.
Nervous system – seizures, tremors, and long-term neurological issues.
It spreads quickly between unvaccinated dogs through respiratory droplets, shared bowls, or even contaminated clothing.
Schedule:
Puppies: Start at 6–8 weeks, with boosters every 2–4 weeks until at least 16 weeks.
Adults: Booster at 1 year, then every 3 years.
Petfolk DAPP combo vaccine (covers distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and parvovirus): $46 (or $42 with a Petfolk Care Plan).
Canine Adenovirus Vaccine
The adenovirus vaccine (CAV-2) protects against:
Infectious canine hepatitis (CAV-1) is a liver disease that can cause fever, vomiting, and serious illness.
Upper respiratory tract infections are part of the canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC).
Schedule:
Included in the DAPP series starting at 6–8 weeks.
Adult dogs: Booster at 1 year, then every 3 years.
Canine Parvovirus Vaccine
Parvovirus is one of the most serious threats to puppies. It spreads through contaminated feces or surfaces and can survive in the environment for months. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, dehydration, and life-threatening illness.
Schedule:
Puppies: Begin at 6–8 weeks as part of the DAP combo, with boosters through 16 weeks.
Adults: Booster at 1 year, then every 3 years.
Leptospirosis Vaccine
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by Leptospira bacteria. It spreads through contaminated soil, water, or urine from infected wildlife, and it can affect both dogs and humans. It often damages the liver and kidneys and can cause severe illness.
Dogs face a higher risk if they spend time in:
Areas with standing water.
Farms or rural environments.
Places with high wildlife exposure.
Schedule: Two doses starting at 12 weeks, given 3–4 weeks apart, then annual boosters.
Petfolk leptospirosis vaccine price: $46 (or $42 with a Petfolk Care Plan).
Bordetella Vaccine
Bordetella bronchiseptica is the main cause of kennel cough, a hacking cough that spreads rapidly where dogs gather, such as daycare, training classes, or boarding facilities. Some facilities require proof of vaccination.
Schedule:
Puppies: As early as 8 weeks.
Adults: Annual boosters recommended, sometimes more often in high-risk environments.
Petfolk Bordetella vaccine price: $54 (or $49 with a Petfolk Care Plan).
Combination Vaccines Explained
Combination vaccines reduce the number of injections while protecting against multiple diseases. The DA2PP vaccine covers distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza in one shot, preventing several life-threatening illnesses.
Canine Influenza Vaccine (Lifestyle Vaccine)
Canine influenza, or dog flu, is caused by influenza viruses that lead to coughing, fever, and upper respiratory infections. It spreads through direct contact, shared bowls, or even on clothing and hands after touching an infected animal. Outbreaks are more common in urban areas and places where many dogs gather.
Schedule: Two doses, 2–4 weeks apart, then yearly boosters.
Petfolk canine influenza vaccine price: $64 (or $58 with a Petfolk Care Plan).
Lyme Disease Vaccine (Lifestyle Vaccine)
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through tick bites. It can lead to lameness, swollen joints, fever, and, in severe cases, kidney problems. Dogs who live in or travel to wooded, grassy, or tick-heavy regions are at higher risk.
Schedule: Two doses, 2–4 weeks apart, then yearly boosters.
Petfolk Lyme vaccine price: $64 (or $58 with a Petfolk Care Plan).
How Do Core Vaccines Work?
Vaccines prepare your dog’s immune system to fight off infectious diseases. Here’s how:
A safe version of the virus or bacteria is introduced.
Your dog’s immune system recognizes it as a threat.
The body creates antibodies to fight off the virus or bacterial infection.
If exposed to the real disease later, the immune response is faster and stronger, preventing illness.
This process helps dogs stay protected against contagious diseases that could otherwise cause severe illness and death.
Initial Vaccination and Revaccination Schedule
Vaccine | Initial Vaccination (≤ 16 weeks) | Revaccination (> 16 weeks) | Price at Petfolk |
DAPP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza) | 3 doses every 3–4 weeks starting at 6–8 weeks, continue until ≥16 weeks | 2 doses, 3–4 weeks apart if starting late; booster at 1 year, then every 3 years | $46.00 |
Leptospirosis | 2 doses, 3–4 weeks apart, starting at ≥12 weeks | Annual booster | $46.00 |
Rabies | 1 dose at 12–16 weeks per law | Booster at 1 year, then every 1–3 years depending on the law | $46.00 |
Factors That Can Affect Vaccine Schedules
While most dogs follow a standard timeline, certain factors may change your dog’s vaccine plan. Puppies who missed doses, rescued dogs with unknown histories, or dogs with medical conditions may need an adjusted schedule.
Geography can also play a role; for instance, dogs in rural areas or regions with high wildlife exposure may benefit from receiving the lifestyle vaccines in addition to the core vaccines. Petfolk veterinarians will always personalize recommendations to your dog’s unique needs.
Puppy Vaccine Schedule
Puppy Age | Vaccines | Notes |
6–8 weeks | DAPP combo | First dose in the series |
10–12 weeks | DA2LPP (DAPP + Leptospirosis) | Maintain 2–4 week spacing; Lifestyle vaccines may be recommended |
14–16 weeks | Another DA2LPP + Rabies | Core series completed; rabies required by law |
12–16 months | DA2LPP booster (1 year after last puppy dose). After this, DAPP is given every 3 years, and Leptospirosis annually. | Transition to adult schedule |
Puppies need several vaccine boosters to stimulate their immune systems to create enough antibodies to fight off infection. The series ensures their protection is complete.
Keeping Your Dog Protected
Core vaccines are the foundation of your dog’s long-term health. They prevent life-threatening and highly contagious diseases, keep other dogs safe at parks and boarding facilities, and even protect people from zoonotic diseases like rabies and leptospirosis.
At Petfolk, we make the vaccination process simple, safe, and stress-free. Our care team will walk you through exactly what your pup needs, when they need it, and how much it costs, with no surprises. Book your dog’s vaccines today and give them the protection they deserve.
We provide the best care for your best friend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What Vaccines Do Dogs Really Need?
Every dog should receive the core vaccines: rabies, the DAPP combination (distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and parvovirus), leptospirosis, and Bordetella.
What Is the Difference Between Core and Non-Core Vaccines?
Core vaccines are essential for all dogs because they prevent widespread and potentially deadly diseases. Lifestyle vaccines are given based on your dog’s way of living, geographic location, and exposure risk.
What Is the 7-in-1 Vaccine for Dogs?
This combination vaccine protects against distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and four strains of leptospirosis. It’s not standard everywhere, but it may be used for broader coverage.
Where Are Vaccines Given on a Dog?
Most vaccines are injected under the skin between the shoulder blades or near the thigh. Bordetella may also be given orally or intranasally.
How Much Do Vaccines Cost at Petfolk?
Core vaccines usually range from $20–$60 each. Petfolk Care Plans lower overall costs by bundling services for predictable pricing.
Which Vaccines Do Dogs Need Every Year?
Bordetella, leptospirosis, and canine influenza usually need annual boosters. Rabies is required every 1–3 years, depending on state law. DAP boosters are given every 3 years after the first adult booster.
Can my dog have an allergic reaction to a vaccine?
Yes, dogs can have an allergic reaction to a vaccine. Signs of an allergic reaction may include facial swelling, hives, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and collapse. If you suspect your dog is having an allergic reaction, seek veterinary care immediately.