At-a-glance
Core canine vaccine covering severe viral diseases that can be life-threatening.
Protects against
Canine distemper, adenovirus/hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza (product dependent).
Typical schedule
Puppy series every 3-4 weeks until ~16 weeks; booster at ~1 year; then interval by risk and product label.
Safety & side effects
Common
Mild fever, soreness, reduced activity for 1-2 days.
When to be cautious
Use caution in pets with prior severe vaccine reactions; discuss pre-medication/monitoring plans.
Questions to ask your veterinarian
- Is this vaccine core for my pet's species and local disease risk?
- What timing is ideal based on age, prior doses, and exposure profile?
- Can we align this with other preventive care visits?
- What post-vaccine reactions are expected vs urgent to report?
Timing
- Start age
- ~6 weeks
- Booster interval
- ~4 weeks
- Repeat interval
- ~36 months
References
Urgent reaction signs
Seek urgent veterinary care for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, persistent vomiting, collapse, or severe lethargy after vaccination.
Confirm with your vet
Vaccination recommendations and legal requirements vary by region and individual health history.