• Vaccinate dogs only for the core diseases.
• Avoid combination dog shots like DHPP, DHLPP, etc., as these contain short-lived, non-core components that most dogs do not actually need.
• Do not vaccinate dogs annually. All core dog vaccines last for years, if not for the life of the dog! Non-core diseases need frequent revaccination, but most dogs will not actually need these non-core vaccines.
• Titer test your dog before revaccinating or “boosting”; a dog with sufficient antibody levels to both distemper and parvovirus will not need to have another “booster shot”.
• Consider following Dr.Jean Dodds’ recommended dog vaccination protocol.

Separate the shots!

• This means starting dog vaccinations no earlier than 9 weeks of age, and spacing them out by a minimum of three weeks.
• Give the rabies vaccine separately from other dog vaccines. Yes, it means an extra trip to the vet, but if your dog just had a distemper/parvo booster, wait three to four weeks and then administer rabies. Distemper/parvo is a modified live viral vaccine, whereas rabies is a killed viral vaccine. Keep these different types of vaccines separate to lower the risk of an adverse reaction.
• If choosing to vaccinate for Leptospirosis, Lyme, or Bordatella, etc., also administer these vaccines separately from any other shots. This is especially true for the bacterial vaccines like Lepto and Lyme!

Vaccinate only if your dog is healthy and not undergoing anything stressful.

• Never vaccinate dogs that are ill!
• Do not vaccinate dogs that are on steroids, on immunosuppressive drugs, or that have a compromised immune system.
• Use extreme caution in vaccinating a dog with a hypersensitive immune system; this includes dogs that have various allergies or immune disorders.
• Never vaccinate dogs directly before, DURING, or directly after surgery. This includes spay/neuter surgeries as well! If the dog absolutely needs to be vaccinated, vaccinate at least 4 weeks prior to the surgery.
• Do not vaccinate dogs directly before extensive travel; allow several weeks for the dog’s immune system to recover and develop immunity before submitting him to the stress of travel.

Know your dog’s vaccine history and family history.

• Know when he had his last vaccinations, and be sure to communicate this clearly with the veterinarian and their staff, even during an emergency situation. The last thing a stressed, sick, or injured dog needs is a myriad of shots added to the mix because of miscommunication (or because a vet decided to be “helpful” and save you another trip later on).
• If your dog has a personal history of vaccine reactions, then do not revaccinate your dog. Get an exemption or medical waiver instead.
• If your dog has a family history or genetic predisposition for vaccine reactions (for example, parents or siblings have had bad reactions), then consider vaccinating minimally and with extreme caution.

Schedule appointments early and stay close

• Schedule appointments early in the week, early in the day, and stay in the vicinity of the clinic for a period of time post-vaccination
• This ensures rapid treatment  if the dog experiences a significant adverse reaction.
• This is especially important if you have decided to administer the non-core vaccine for Leptospirosis, as this vaccine has the highest rate of adverse reactions.