Staying healthy: Vaccination recommendations for puppies and adult dogs

Vaccinations are among the most important preventative measures in veterinary medicine. They reliably protect dogs from dangerous infectious diseases such as distemper, parvovirus, and leptospirosis, and at the same time prevent the further spread of pathogens.

Principles:

In Germany, veterinarians follow the Standing Committee on Veterinary Vaccinations (STIKO-Vet) guidelines (2023).

Key core vaccinations: Distemper (CDV), Parvovirus (CPV), Leptospirosis (Lepto).

Non-core vaccinations: Bordetella, Lyme disease, Leishmaniasis

Rabies:
Germany has been considered rabies-free since 2008. Therefore, vaccination is not mandatory.

However, if international travel is planned, rabies vaccination is mandatory!

International (WSAVA 2024/25):

Puppies should be vaccinated every 3–4 weeks until at least 16 weeks of age; a booster is recommended after 6 months.

Puppies – Primary Immunization

8 weeks: Parvovirus, Distemper, Leptospirosis

12 weeks: Parvovirus, Distemper, Leptospirosis

16 weeks: Parvovirus, Distemper

15 months: Parvovirus, Distemper, Leptospirosis (Booster)

Note: Leptospirosis vaccines require two doses for primary immunization.

Adult Dogs – Boosters

Parvovirus: every 3 years

Distemper: every 3 years

Leptospirosis: annually

Rabies: depending on the vaccine (usually every 3 years)

Sources / Guidelines:

StIKo-Vet Guideline (Friedrich Loeffler Institute, 5th edition, 2023): Guideline for the vaccination of small animals – including a vaccination traffic light system
WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines Group (2024/2025): Global Vaccination Guidelines for Dogs and Cats
OpenAgrar Specialist Portal (FLI, 2023): Vaccination of dogs and cats – practical recommendations & schedule
ESCCAP Germany (2024): Combined vaccination and parasite prophylaxis in risk areas
TiHo Hannover (2024): Current aspects of canine vaccination (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine)