Why are dog vaccines so important?
Vaccination is one of the most essential parts of responsible dog ownership. Vaccines protect not only your pet but the entire animal community around you. Yet many owners are unsure what to give and when, which is exactly why this guide exists.
Legally required vaccines
In most countries only rabies is legally mandatory. However, veterinary organisations strongly recommend a much broader vaccination programme.
Rabies
- First dose: 12–16 weeks (no earlier than 3 months)
- Boosters: Annually or every 3 years, depending on the product
- Required for: EU travel (pet passport), dog hotels, most training courses
Important: Dogs without a current rabies vaccination cannot cross EU borders or enter many public facilities.
Core vaccines (strongly recommended)
Distemper + Hepatitis + Parvovirus + Leptospirosis (DHPPiL)
The "combo" vaccine, the cornerstone of every dog's health.
| Disease | What it causes | Fatality rate |
|---|---|---|
| Distemper | Neurological & respiratory damage | Up to 80 % in untreated cases |
| Hepatitis (Rubarth) | Liver inflammation | 25–40 % |
| Parvovirus | Bloody diarrhoea, vomiting | Up to 80 % in puppies |
| Leptospirosis | Kidney and liver failure | 10–40 % |
Puppy schedule:
- 6–8 weeks: First DHPPi dose
- 10–12 weeks: Second dose + first Leptospirosis
- 14–16 weeks: Third dose + Rabies
- 12 months: Full booster
- Every 1–3 years: Follow-up boosters (depending on product)
Kennel cough (Bordetella + Parainfluenza)
- When: Before dog hotels, puppy classes, or shows
- Form: Nasal drops or injection
- Duration: 6–12 months
Lyme disease (Borreliosis)
- For whom: Dogs that spend active time in forests or fields
- Schedule: Two doses 3–4 weeks apart, then annual booster
Vaccination schedule at a glance
| Dog's age | Vaccine |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | DHPPi |
| 10–12 weeks | DHPPi + Leptospirosis |
| 14–16 weeks | DHPPi + Rabies |
| 12–15 months | Full booster |
| Annually | Rabies + Leptospirosis + Kennel cough* |
| Every 3 years | DHPPi (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus) |
*Depending on lifestyle
How PetsyPlanet keeps vaccinations on track
PetsyPlanet complements the documents provided by your vet:
- Add a vaccination with date, batch number, and vet's name
- The app automatically calculates the next due date
- Reminders 7 days before the vaccination due date and on the due date, when notifications are enabled
- PDF export after signing in, to share the records you entered with your vet. It does not replace an official pet passport.
Frequently asked questions
Can I miss a vaccination deadline? A short delay (a few weeks) is rarely dangerous, but for rabies the dog is legally unprotected. A long gap for puppies may require restarting the full series.
Should I vaccinate a sick dog? No. Vaccines work best in healthy animals. Always inform your vet about any health issues before vaccinating.
What if I've lost the health booklet? Contact the vet who administered the vaccines, they are legally required to keep records. Going forward, PetsyPlanet keeps your full history on your phone, even without a physical document.
Summary
Regular vaccination is an investment that can save your dog's life and prevent expensive treatment bills. Agree on a schedule with your vet, set reminders in PetsyPlanet, and never miss a deadline again.
This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed veterinarian who knows your dog's health history.
This article is informational and does not replace a consultation with a veterinarian. Vaccination and deworming schedules and dietary advice are tailored to each animal’s age, health and lifestyle. If you notice worrying symptoms, contact a vet.
Krystian Rygiel
Creator of PetsyPlanet. Writes about dog health because he's a dog owner himself and knows how important good medical records are.
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