04/22/2026
🐾 Let’s Talk About Puppy & Dog Vaccines 🐾
There’s some confusion about dogs being “up to date on shots” and I would like to just help explain a few things to be able to help you understand better. No judgement. You don’t know what you don’t know. 🥰
Vaccines are one of the most important parts of keeping your dog healthy—not just for them, but for every dog they come into contact with. I wanted to break this down in a simple way so everyone understands what their pup actually needs and why it matters.
🚩👉 Core Vaccines (Must-Have)🚩
These are the vaccines every dog should receive because they protect against serious, highly contagious (and often deadly) diseases:
* DA2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvo, Parainfluenza)
* Rabies (required by law)
🚩👉 Lifestyle Vaccines (Recommended based on exposure)🚩
These depend on your dog’s environment and activities:
* Bordetella for Kennel Cough (Required for grooming)
* Canine Influenza
* Lyme Disease
These are especially important for dogs that are groomed regularly, boarded, go to daycare, dog parks, or are around other dogs often.
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📅 Typical Puppy Vaccine Schedule:
6–8 Weeks
* DA2PP
* (Optional: Bordetella, Parainfluenza depending on exposure)
10–12 Weeks
* DA2PP booster
* Leptospirosis (recommended in many areas)
* (Optional: Lyme, Influenza)
14–16 Weeks
* DA2PP booster
* Rabies
* Leptospirosis booster
* (Optional: Lyme, Influenza)
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🐶 Adult Dogs
(Need Vet Exams Yearly & Updated Vaccines)
* Continue core vaccines as recommended by your vet
* Stay up to date on lifestyle vaccines based on your dog’s exposure
** Annual exams are key to keeping everything on track**
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💡 From a grooming/boarding perspective:
At Hilltop, we require vaccines like Bordetella because it helps protect every dog in our care. Even vaccinated dogs can still be exposed, but vaccines greatly reduce severity and spread.
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❤️ Bottom line: Vaccines don’t just protect your dog—they protect the entire dog community.
If you’re unsure what your dog needs or if they’re up to date, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet (or message me and I’ll help guide you!)
