Dogs and cats are vaccinated for the same reasons human children are vaccinated. The shots will help keep your dog safe from diseases that can prove to be lethal.
When your dog receives a vaccination, their immune system produces antibodies. These antibodies will help destroy disease if your dog is ever exposed to the real thing. During their first few months of life, puppies will be vaccinated several times. That’s because their immune system is vulnerable and can’t fight off 
diseases as well as an adult dog. These vaccines are intended to keep your dog healthy and make sure they have the maximum protection from disease.
Once your dog is immunized, booster shots will be necessary at periodic intervals to maintain this protection.
Boosters
The normal interval for adult dogs to receive booster shots is between 1-3 years depending on the particular vaccine. Your veterinarian will set up a vaccine schedule that meets your dog’s requirements and their risk of contracting certain disease. Some vaccines should be received by all animals while some vaccinations are dependent on the area you live and the activities your dog or cat is exposed to.
Required Vaccines
RABIES:
This is the most critical of all vaccines. Not only can rabies kill your pet, it can cause a danger to you and your family. It can infect humans and can result in death.
DISTEMPER:
Canine distemper is a widespread disease that can quickly prove fatal to your pet.
Puppies and younger dogs are in danger if they pick up this illness. Death may occur despite aggressive therapy.
Optional Vaccines
Bordetella – protect against kennel cough
Influenza – helps avoid canine flu
Leptospirosis
Lyme Disease
Canine Hepatitis
Canine Parainfluenza virus
FREQUENCY:
The first vaccines should be administered at 6-8 weeks of age. Booster shots should be administered at 10-12 weeks. The rabies vaccine is scheduled at 12 – 16 weeks. A year later a complete series of vaccines is given while boosters are administered every 1 – 3 years.
RISKS
Some dogs may develop soreness in the area where they received their injection. They may appear lethargic for a couple of hours after getting a vaccine. These symptoms are normal and should not cause any alarm. In unusual cases, animals may develop facial swelling, breathing difficulties, and signs of stress and your veterinarian should be called immediately.
Severe reactions are rare but in some cases the animals have an allergic reaction to the shot.
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