Adult and Senior Dog Vaccines and Vet Visits: What You Need To Know

Diamond's Friends Pet Rescue
Jun 16
8 min read

Updated: Jun 29

Whether your dog is an active four-year-old or a dignified 12-year-old senior, staying on top of vaccines and veterinary care is one of the best ways to keep them healthy and happy.

But how often should your dog see their vet? Is there a certain vaccine schedule that's recommended?

Here are answers to some common questions you may have about the veterinary care your dog needs!

How Often Should My Dog See the Vet?

According to PetMD, healthy adult dogs ages one to seven should see their vet once per year. During these visits, your vet will give your dog a physical exam, update vaccinations, recommend blood tests or preventative medications, and check for any early signs of illness.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) advises that senior dogs ages seven and older (depending on the breed) see their veterinarian twice annually. Aging pets can develop health problems quickly, and catching issues early can make a significant difference.

What Are Core Vaccines?

According to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), core vaccines are the essential vaccines all dogs should have, regardless of lifestyle or age. These protect against:

Adenovirus (Hepatitis): Can cause liver damage
Distemper: Can be fatal; attacks respiratory, GI, and nervous systems
Parvovirus: Extremely contagious; can cause vomiting, bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and potentially death
Rabies: Required by law in most regions; can be fatal to both dogs and humans if contracted

The last three vaccines on the list (distemper, parvo, and adenovirus/hepatitis) are often combined into one vaccine called DHPP or DA2PP, which also includes a non-core vaccine called parainfluenza.

Note: WSAVA recently updated its recommendation on core vaccines to include Leptospirosis in areas where it is endemic.

Learn More: What Dog Owners Need To Know About Parvo

What Are Non-Core Vaccines?

WSAVA identifies non-core vaccines as optional but important for some dogs, especially depending on where you live or your dog’s activities.

The ones you may hear about more frequently include:

Bordetella (Kennel Cough): This is recommended for dogs who go to grooming, daycare, or boarding.
Canine Influenza: This vaccine is recommended for social dogs.
Leptospirosis: This vaccine covers dogs exposed to wildlife or standing water. WSAVA recently updated this vaccine to be a core vaccine in areas where Leptospirosis is common.
Lyme Disease: This is recommended if you live in a tick-heavy area.

Talk to your vet about which vaccine your dog really needs based on their lifestyle and what issues are common in your area.

Learn More: How To Choose a Veterinarian

How Often Does My Dog Need Core Vaccines?

WSAVA’s guide for maintaining core vaccines includes:

Rabies: Every one to three years, depending on the vaccine and local law.
Distemper, Parvo, Adenovirus (DHPP or DA2PP): Boost every three years after the initial puppy series (it’s also recommended to have a booster at six months of age).

If you adopted your dog as an adult and don’t know their history, your vet might recommend restarting the core series or using a titer test to check immunity.

Some vets recommend annual DHPP or DA2PP vaccines. If your vet makes this suggestion, ask them why they feel your dog may need to be on a different schedule than the WSAVA guidelines to ensure you make the best decision for your dog.

Learn More: What Every Dog Owner Must Know About Distemper

How Often Does My Dog Need Non-Core Vaccines?

While non-core vaccines are given based on your dog’s lifestyle, geography, and risk level, it’s helpful to have a general idea of how often they may be needed.

According to WSAVA:

Bordetella (Kennel Cough): This is typically given every 12 months. However, from our experience, we see veterinarians and doggy daycares recommend it every six months.
Canine Influenza (H3N8 and H3N2): This is given in a two-shot series initially, followed by annual boosters. The canine influenza vaccine may be important if your dog visits kennels, dog parks, or groomers regularly.
Leptospirosis: The Leptospirosis vaccine is administered as an initial two-dose series, followed by annual boosters. It’s recommended if your dog is exposed to wildlife, puddles, or other wet environments.
Lyme Disease: Like Lepto, this vaccine begins with a two-dose series followed by annual boosters. This vaccine is recommended in areas where ticks are prevalent, like the Northeast, upper Midwest, and Pacific Northwest.

Vaccines aren’t one-size-fits-all. For example, a couch-loving Chihuahua in the suburbs might not need the same protection as an adventurous Labrador who hikes, swims, and attends doggy daycare.

A conversation with your vet can customize the schedule to your dog’s real-world risk.

Learn More: Everything You Need To Know About Kennel Cough

What if My Dog Missed Their Initial Vaccines?

If your dog missed their initial puppy vaccines, don't stress! With the exception of the rabies vaccine, WSAVA recommends giving two doses, two to four weeks apart, of all core and non-core vaccines.

The other exception to this rule would be giving a single dose of the Bordetella vaccine if you opt for the intranasal version.

For rabies, they recommend following local guidelines.

Can Titer Tests Be Done Instead of Vaccines?

Yes! Titer tests measure your dog’s immunity levels to the diseases they receive vaccines for. For some vaccines, like distemper and parvo, titers can help determine whether a booster is necessary.

The AVMA reported that WSAVA’s vaccination guidelines indicate that titer testing is actually a better option than vaccinating your dog on a regular schedule.

It’s essential to note that titer testing does not apply to rabies vaccines, as local law dictates the need for those. Additionally, titer testing can be expensive, costing up to $400.

What About Flea, Tick & Heartworm Preventatives?

Most dogs will need some protection from parasites. These generally include:

Flea and tick prevention: Your vet will likely recommend a monthly preventative based on your dog’s risk and location since fleas and ticks can transmit diseases and cause other health issues.
Heartworm prevention: According to the FDA, heartworm can be deadly, so monthly medication might be suggested depending on where you live.

Your vet can help develop a plan for your pup, especially if they have sensitivities. For example, some dogs may have adverse reactions to certain flea and tick preventatives, so you'll want to monitor your dog closely and make adjustments if needed.

Learn More: What Dog Owners Need To Know About Fleas

What About Fecal Tests & Dewormers?

VCA suggests doing fecal tests twice per year to check for intestinal parasites like roundworms and hookworms. We’ve seen doggy daycare/boarding facilities that require fecal tests every six months as well.

However, the veterinarians we’ve worked with have generally recommended this test annually depending on your dog’s risk level (i.e., how often they are in highly dog-trafficked areas).

If your dog tests positive for parasites, a dewormer is needed. Repeat fecal tests and additional dewormers might be needed if one round of dewormer doesn't clear your pup's worms.

If your dog is on flea/tick preventative, it likely includes a dewormer (but get confirmation from your veterinarian about that).

Learn More: What You Need To Know About Worms in Dogs

What About Dental Care?

It’s estimated that dental disease affects over 80% of dogs over age three, making it one of the most common health issues in dogs.

For adult and senior dogs:

Annual dental exams are a must.
Professional cleanings under anesthesia may be needed annually, but this can vary based on your dog’s age and size.
Daily brushing or dental chews can help keep tartar at bay.

While anesthesia-free dentals are an option, these are generally not as thorough and cannot include extractions if your dog needs them. These might be able to help you go longer between dentals at your vet, but they generally cannot replace cleanings under anesthesia.

Learn More: How To Take Care of Your Dog's Teeth at Home

What About Spay/Neuter?

In California, rescues and shelters are required to spay/neuter any animal prior to adoption unless there is a medical reason not to do so.

This means that when you adopt a dog from a rescue or shelter, they will likely already be spayed or neutered OR you’ll have to sign a spay/neuter contract before you take them home. This contract requires you to spay/neuter your new dog within a certain amount of time.

Some shelters and rescues will use these contracts if it’s not safe for a dog to undergo surgery at the time of adoption. For example, a dog recovering from kennel cough or pneumonia should not undergo anesthesia, so it’s best to wait for them to have surgery until they are healthy.

When you sign a spay/neuter contract, you’ll also likely have to put down a refundable deposit that helps the rescue or shelter ensure you follow through with spaying/neutering your dog. They may even give you a surgery date that you have to agree to keep.

Keep in mind that if your dog has heart issues or other conditions that make it unsafe for them to undergo anesthesia, spay/neuter might not be an option. You’ll need to talk to the shelter or rescue as well as your veterinarian to determine if this is the case.

How Often Should My Dog Have Bloodwork Done?

Bloodwork gives your vet a window into your dog’s internal health. Many veterinarians recommend doing blood work at least once a year for adult dogs.

For seniors, the recommendation is to undergo testing twice a year to ensure early detection of kidney, liver, or thyroid issues.

If your dog is on long-term medication or has chronic conditions, your veterinarian may recommend more frequent monitoring.

Are There Any Other Tests My Dog Should Have?

Depending on your dog’s health and age, your vet might recommend:

Thyroid testing: Especially for older dogs with weight or energy changes
Urinalysis: To check kidney/bladder function
X-rays or ultrasounds: If there are signs of arthritis, heart disease, or tumors

This really varies from dog to dog. Make sure to be transparent with your veterinarian about any concerns you have so that appropriate testing can be done.

Can I Take My Dog to the Vet More Frequently Than Recommended?

Absolutely! If you have concerns about your dog, you can (and should) take them to see the vet as those concerns arise.

Final Thoughts

Your dog’s veterinary needs will evolve as they age. By staying on top of wellness visits, vaccines, and preventive care, you’re giving your dog the best shot at a long, happy life.

If you’re ever unsure about which vaccines or tests your dog really needs, have a chat with your vet. They know your dog and your lifestyle, so they can help make the best plan moving forward.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended as professional medical advice. It is based on personal experience and online research. Please consult with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your dog's health.