08/24/2026
August is Vaccine Awareness Month!
Otis’s annual vaccines are due, kicking off Vaccine Awareness month this year. Otis is receiving his Rabies, Leptospirosis, and Bordetella vaccines this year. Before we look at these vaccines in more detail, we’ll go over what core and non-core vaccines are.
Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs because they protect against diseases that pose a significant risk, regardless of lifestyle.
Non-core vaccines are recommended based on your individual dog’s lifestyle, environment, geographic location, and potential exposure.
Core vaccines for dogs include:
💉 Rabies — Required by law in Ventura County
💉 DAP — Protects against distemper, adenovirus, and parvovirus. Some combination vaccines also include parainfluenza.
💉 Leptospirosis — Previously considered a non-core vaccine, but is now recommended as a core vaccine for dogs.
Non-core vaccines may include:
🐾 Bordetella — Often recommended for social dogs and frequently required by boarding facilities, doggy daycares, groomers, and similar businesses.
🐾 Canine influenza — Protects against canine influenza virus and is different from parainfluenza.
🐾 Lyme disease — Protects against Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
🐾 Rattlesnake toxoid — May be considered for dogs based on their individual risk of rattlesnake exposure.
Your veterinarian can help determine which vaccines make the most sense based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, health, and risk of exposure.
And we’re just getting started! We’ll be sharing more about vaccines for our canine, feline, and exotic patients.
