Glossary

Non-core vaccines

Vaccines given only to dogs whose lifestyle, location or travel puts them at risk, such as Bordetella, Lyme and canine influenza.

Also called: optional vaccines, lifestyle vaccines, noncore vaccinations, bordetella vaccine, Lyme vaccine, canine influenza vaccine

Non-core vaccines protect against diseases that matter only for some dogs. Examples include Bordetella and parainfluenza for kennel cough, Lyme disease, canine influenza and, depending on which guideline and region, leptospirosis. They are chosen by risk: boarding, daycare, grooming, dog parks, hiking in tick country, travel and local outbreaks all count.

A dog that stays at home in a low-risk area may not need them, while a dog that spends weekends at shows or lakes may. Some boarding kennels and groomers require specific ones, such as Bordetella, so check requirements ahead of time.

No vaccine is perfect, and some protect against only part of a disease complex. A vet weighs the dog's risk against the shot and may stagger vaccines to ease the load. Ask for a plan at each wellness exam.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Core vaccines The vaccines veterinary guidelines recommend for virtually every dog, protecting against distemper, parvovirus, canine adenovirus and rabies. Kennel cough A contagious airway infection with a dry, honking cough, caused by several viruses and bacteria and common where dogs gather. Lyme disease A bacterial infection spread by blacklegged ticks that causes fever and joint pain in some dogs, and rarely damages the kidneys. Leptospirosis A bacterial infection spread through the urine of wildlife and contaminated water that can damage a dog's kidneys and liver, and can infect people.