Individualized Canine Vaccinations: A Deeper Approach to Immunology

Just like humans receive vaccinations to prevent diseases like the flu, measles, and tetanus, your dog also needs protection against serious illnesses. At Town and Country Animal Hospital in Fairfax, VA, we provide a comprehensive vaccination plan tailored to your dog's needs.

Dog vaccinations help safeguard against rabies, distemper, Lyme disease, and canine influenza, among others. These vaccines are easy to administer and can provide long-term protection. Your dog's health and happiness are our priority — vaccinations play a key role in ensuring a long, healthy life. Contact us at (703) 273-2110 to schedule your dog's vaccinations today.

Core and Lifestyle Vaccines for Dogs

We offer essential core vaccinations as well as non-core (lifestyle-based) vaccines to ensure your dog is protected from harmful diseases.

Core Vaccines (Essential for All Dogs):

  • Rabies (required by VA state law)
  • DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)

Non-Core Vaccines (Recommended Based on Lifestyle):

  • Lyme Disease
  • Bordetella (required for boarding, daycare, grooming, and dog park)
  • Canine Influenza (required for boarding, daycare, grooming, and dog park)
  • Leptospirosis

Keep your dog healthy and protected — schedule their vaccinations today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Vaccinations

What vaccines do dogs need every year?
Core vaccines recommended for all dogs include rabies and the DHPP combination vaccine, which protects against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Your veterinarian will also assess lifestyle factors to determine whether non-core vaccines such as leptospirosis, bordetella, or Lyme disease are appropriate based on your area and how much time your dog spends outdoors or around other dogs.

When should puppies start getting vaccinations?
Puppies typically begin their vaccine series at 6 to 8 weeks of age and continue every 3 to 4 weeks until they are about 16 weeks old. This series is essential because maternal antibodies from the mother can interfere with earlier vaccines. After the initial series, a booster is given at one year, then on a schedule recommended by your veterinarian.

Can adult dogs skip vaccines if they seem healthy?
Healthy appearance does not mean a dog is protected. Vaccine immunity fades over time, and skipping boosters leaves dogs vulnerable to serious diseases like parvovirus and distemper, which can be life-threatening. Staying current on vaccines is one of the most effective ways to protect long-term health.