What is the protocol for puppy vaccinations?

Your puppy received 3 to 4 DAPPV vaccines over the course of early puppyhood, potentially in combination with their leptospirosis vaccine at the last two visits. Your puppy should receive DAPPV again 1 year after finishing the initial puppy series, likely when your puppy is around 16 to 20 months old. Because adult dogs who’ve been previously vaccinated develop long-lasting immunity, the vaccine will be recommended every 3 years from then on. Your puppy should have received two leptospirosis vaccines during their initial puppy series. If they did not get their booster within 15 months of the very first vaccine dose, they’ll need to restart the series of two vaccinations given 3 to 4 weeks apart. Rabies vaccines are often required by local regulations. Rabies is due again 1 year after the first rabies shot. The CIRDC booster is recommended annually. Canine influenza vaccine is recommended for dogs who will be going to daycare, boarding facilities or other environments with high risk of contact with other dogs. The Lyme vaccine is recommended for dogs in areas with known Lyme disease cases.

The core vaccines are: canine distemper virus canine hepatitis canine parvovirus. These vaccines are commonly combined into one injection called the C3 vaccine. 6-8 weeks First vaccination Distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus. 10-12 weeks Booster vaccination Distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and bordetella. 14-16 weeks Final puppy vaccination Distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and bordetella. Depending on the brand used, puppies may not require parainfluenza and bordetella at this age. Every year after Annual boosters Your adult dog will require yearly vaccination boosters for the rest of their life to remain immune from these diseases. Remember that vaccines take 1-2 weeks after the final injection to fully protect your pet.

Puppies are typically vaccinated at eight and ten weeks with the second dose usually being given two to four weeks later. Your puppy will then require a booster vaccination at 6 or 12 months. Speak to your vet about the best timings. When you first get your puppy, the first thing you should do is register with your local vets who will be able to carry out the vaccinations your puppy needs. Your vet is always the best source of information on the vaccinations and treatments your new puppy will need. Different vaccines last for different lengths of time, as immunity can weaken. Your vet will provide you with a vaccination record, which you'll need to keep safe. If you adopt a puppy or dog from us, we'll have already given them initial vaccinations.

The official vaccination guideline of the German Association of Practising Veterinary Surgeons recommends basic immunisation of puppies in three doses at the age of 8, 12 and 16 weeks. Basic immunisation is concluded after a further 12 months. Boosters are given every 1-3 years, depending on the vaccine. Basic immunisation for dogs consists of the 5-in-1 vaccine against distemper, HCC (hepatitis), parvovirus, parainfluenza and leptospirosis, plus against rabies after 12 weeks. Further vaccines are required for dogs travelling abroad, depending on the destination.

A typical vaccination schedule starts when your puppy is 6−8 weeks old; their second injection is at 10−12 weeks and their third and final booster is at 14−16 weeks. This can vary depending on your location and the type of vaccine your vet uses. One thing to be aware of is that vaccinations can take up to two weeks to have their full effect, so unless your vet has advised otherwise avoid taking your puppy out and about, particularly to dog parks, beaches and other dog hotspots until 2 weeks after they have had their final vaccination. Their vaccination schedule starts from just 6 weeks old and it's important to keep up with the recommended schedule for puppies, as this will help ensure they're properly protected from diseases such as canine parvovirus, canine distemper virus, infectious canine hepatitis, and infectious canine tracheobronchitis (kennel cough). Bringing your new puppy in for their vaccinations is a great way to get them acquainted with the vet.