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Vaccinations for puppies and adult dogs

What vaccinations do dogs need?

All dogs should be vaccinated against Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Distemper and Infectious Canine Hepatitis. Vaccinations against Parainfluenza and Bordatella bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough) are also recommended.

When should puppies be vaccinated?

Young puppies usually need two injections. The first injection should be given when the pup is 6-8 weeks old, and the second when the pup is 10 weeks old.

When puppies are born they acquire antibodies from their mother’s milk in the first few days of life. Provided their mother was vaccinated, the antibodies given to the puppy will provide some protection against disease for the first few weeks of life. These antibodies however also stop vaccines from being effective in very young puppies. We advise giving the first vaccine from six to eight weeks old, when the maternal antibody levels have dropped. A second dose at ten weeks is needed to ensure full immunity.

A puppy should not be allowed access to public areas until a week after the second vaccination, when the immunity has had time to develop.

How often are booster vaccinations needed?

Booster vaccinations are needed on a yearly basis as the protection from the primary course of immunisation does not last forever. The cost of the vaccination includes a full health check and clinical examination by the vet, together with advice on your dog’s healthcare.

We recommend your dog is vaccinated yearly against Leptospirosis and Parainfluenza, and every three years for Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus after the initial booster. We will record your pet’s vaccinations on our computer system, so this will be done automatically for you.

What are the diseases we vaccinate against?

Parvovirus causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea in susceptible dogs, often resulting in death. This virus is highly resistant in the environment and direct contact with an infected dog is not needed.

Leptospirosis can cause either a sudden severe disease with a fever, vomiting, dehydration (and often death), or a more chronic disease leading to progressive kidney and/or liver failure. It is usually caught from contact with rodent urine (which might be present in stagnant water), or urine from an infected dog.

Distemper causes a fever initially, often with vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing and cracking of the nose. Hardening of the foot pads, fits and pneumonia sometimes develop. It is usually caught from contact with the ’aerosol’ produced when an infected dog coughs or sneezes.

Infectious Canine Hepatitis typically causes vomiting with a painful abdomen and the dog quickly collapses in shock, and often dies. A “blueness” of the eye may be noticeable. It is caught from contact with urine, faeces or saliva from an infected dog.

Kennel Cough is not a single disease, but a group of diseases with very similar signs. Parainfluenza and Bordetella bronchiseptica are often involved and are included in the Kennel Cough vaccine. Kennel Cough is usually a mild disease but the cough can be unpleasant and persist for several weeks.

The Hart Veterinary Centre, Browning Drive, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26 2XL