What is one of the key vaccines for a dog over three months?

The rabies vaccine is a critical vaccine for dogs over three months of age due to its role in preventing a fatal viral disease that can affect both dogs and humans. Rabies poses serious public health risks as it is transmissible to humans through bites and scratches from infected animals. Vaccination not only protects the individual dog but also contributes to community health by reducing the incidence of the disease in the canine population.

In many places, including Florida, vaccination against rabies is often mandated by law. The immunity from the rabies vaccine is essential as it protects the pet from exposure to this highly lethal disease, allowing for safer social interactions and reduced risk of outbreaks.

While the other vaccines mentioned are important in their own right—protecting against diseases like leptospirosis, Lyme disease, and canine influenza—they do not carry the same legal and public health implications associated with rabies vaccination. Thus, the rabies vaccine stands out as a key requirement for dogs over three months.