Health
Dog Vaccines in the US: What's Core, What's Optional, and When
The core four
Rabies (required by law in most states), and the DHPP combo covering distemper, hepatitis/adenovirus, parainfluenza and parvo. Puppies get a series ending around 16 weeks, a booster at one year, then boosters every 1–3 years depending on the vaccine and your state's rabies law.
Lifestyle vaccines
Bordetella (kennel cough) for dogs that board, visit daycare or dog parks; canine influenza for social dogs; leptospirosis for dogs with outdoor or wildlife exposure — which is most dogs; and Lyme in tick-heavy regions.
Titers and spacing
If you're worried about over-vaccinating, ask about titer testing for distemper and parvo, and about 3-year protocols. A good vet will tailor the plan to your dog's age, health and lifestyle rather than a one-size-fits-all list.
Keep records handy
Boarding, grooming, daycare, travel and even some apartment leases will ask for proof. A photo of the vaccination certificate in your phone saves a scramble later.
If the day is coming
Ease The Paw coordinates in-home pet euthanasia across South Africa — we find and book the vet, arrange the cremation and handle the keepsakes, so you can simply be present. A flat R950 covers the coordination and your keepsake memorial; the vet and cremation are billed separately at their own rates.
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