Vaccination schedules have changed significantly over the past few years.  In the past vaccines were given early and often but now veterinarians believe that this is seldom necessary and may even be harmful.  There is much more acceptance of tailoring the use of vaccines to fit the needs of the individual dog and environment. Two vaccination protocols often used today are:

1. Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Small Animal Vaccination Protocol

2. Dr. W. Jean Dodds Minimal Vaccine use Protocol

These protocols are guidelines only and should be discussed with your veterinarian.  For the complete Report of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Canine Vaccine Task Force click HERE

Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Small Animal Vaccination Protocol for Dogs

This Program recommends the standard three shot series for puppies (parvovirus, adenovirus 2, parainfluenza, distemper) to include rabies after 16 weeks of age for dogs. Following the initial puppy immunization series, dogs will be boostered one year later and then every three years thereafter for all the above diseases.

Other available vaccines, which may need more frequent administration, i.e., intranasal parainfluenza, Bordetella, Lyme, etc., may be recommended for CSU client animals on an "at risk" basis but are not a part of the routine Colorado State University protocol for dogs. Recent studies clearly indicate that not all vaccines perform equally and some vaccine products may not be suitable for such a program.

CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital Selected Vaccines

• Pfizer's DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvo.)
• Killed rabies vaccine - three year duration of immunity

Non-routine Vaccine Recommendations

• Intranasal Bordetella/Parainfluenza   To be used just prior to possible exposure to kennel cough carriers, i.e., shows, field trials, etc. May be repeated up to six times per year.

Dr. W. Jean Dodds Minimal Vaccine use Protocol

The following vaccine protocol is offered for those dogs where minimal vaccinations are advisable or desirable.  The schedule should not interpreted to mean that other protocols recommended by a veterinarian would be less satisfactory.  It's a matter of professional judgment and choice.

Perform vaccine antibody titers for distemper and parvovirus annually thereafter. Vaccinate for rabies virus according to the law, except where circumstances indicate that a written waiver needs to be obtained from the primary care veterinarian.  In that case, a rabies antibody titer can also be performed to accompany the waiver request. 

Some common diseases with vaccines available

• Distemper….. an airborne viral disease of the lungs, intestines and brain
• Parvovirus….. a viral disease of the intestines
• Parainfluenza… infectious bronchitis
• Hepatitis….. a viral disease of the liver caused by canine adenovirus
• Rabies….. a viral disease fatal to humans and other animals
• Bordatella… a bacterial infection of the upper respiratory system (kennel cough)
• Leptospirosis… a bacterial disease of the urinary tract
• Corona….. a viral disease of the intestines