Having a large dog is an amazing experience, but let me tell you—it comes with a big dose of responsibility.
When I adopted Max, my Labrador Retriever, I had no idea how much care he’d need beyond regular food and walks.
One of the first things I learned the hard way? Vaccinations are not optional.
If you have a large dog or you’re planning to welcome one into your life, this guide is for you.
I’m going to share everything I’ve learned about mandatory vaccines, plus a few personal tips from my own journey with Max.
Why Vaccines Are So Important
Large dogs often have active lives. Max, for example, loves parks, hikes, and meeting new dog buddies.
All of that social and outdoor activity increases the risk of being exposed to diseases.
That’s why vaccines are not just a vet recommendation—they’re a must.
They protect your dog from serious illnesses like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus.
Some of these diseases are even transmissible to humans, which makes it even more urgent to keep your pup’s shots up to date.
The Core (Mandatory) Vaccines
There are a few vaccines considered core for all dogs, no matter where you live.
Most vets will require these for your dog’s protection, and some boarding facilities or travel regulations will demand proof of vaccination.
Here are the essentials:
🦠 Rabies Vaccine
- Legally required in many countries.
- Usually administered once a year or every three years depending on the vaccine type.
- Rabies is fatal and zoonotic (can spread to humans).
💉 Distemper, Parvovirus, and Adenovirus (DHPP or DAPP)
- Sometimes known as the 5-in-1 vaccine, protecting against:
- Distemper
- Hepatitis
- Parainfluenza
- Parvovirus
- Adenovirus
- Typically given as a series of 3 shots for puppies, followed by boosters annually or every three years.
When Max was a pup, I had to take him in three separate times for his DHPP shots.
I’ll admit—it felt like a lot. But seeing dogs suffer from distemper in rescue shelters made me so grateful I stuck to the schedule.
Non-Core but Highly Recommended Vaccines
Depending on your dog’s lifestyle and where you live, these may also be recommended:
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Crucial if your dog stays at kennels, attends daycare, or travels.
- Leptospirosis: A bacterial disease that spreads through water—recommended if your dog swims or hikes.
- Lyme Disease: Important in tick-heavy areas.
- Canine Influenza: Especially relevant in places with outbreaks or crowded dog environments.
Max is a water-lover and we travel a lot, so he’s gotten all of these at some point.
Vaccination Schedule: What to Expect
If you’re starting with a puppy, here’s the usual timeline:
- 6–8 weeks: First DHPP shot
- 10–12 weeks: Second DHPP
- 14–16 weeks: Third DHPP and first Rabies
- Annually (or every 3 years): Booster shots, depending on your vet’s advice and vaccine type
If you’re adopting an adult dog with no clear vaccination history (like I did once with a rescue), your vet might recommend restarting the full protocol to be safe.
Common Concerns and Real Talk
I’ve heard people say things like, “My dog is healthy, he doesn’t need shots,” or “Vaccines cause bad reactions.”
Yes, mild reactions like drowsiness or swelling can happen.
Max once had a sore spot where the shot was given, but it went away quickly.
The risk of skipping vaccines, though? Way worse.
I also know someone who lost their unvaccinated dog to parvovirus within days. It was heartbreaking and 100% preventable.
Keeping Track (Without Losing Your Mind)
One trick that saved me: I use a pet care app to track Max’s vaccines.
There are plenty available on the App Store and Google Play.
Just search for pet health record apps or dog vaccine trackers, and choose one that lets you set reminders.
My opinion
Vaccines might not be the most fun part of having a dog, but they’re one of the most important.
Trust me, it’s easier to schedule that quick vet visit than to deal with a sick pup later.
Large dogs like Max have big hearts—and keeping them healthy means doing our part with timely vaccinations.
So whether you’re a new dog parent or a seasoned one, stay on top of the schedule, talk to your vet, and protect your furry friend.
You’ll both be glad you did. 🐾