Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Vaccines are available for several important infectious diseases in puppies and dogs:

• Canine Parvovirus
  A severe and frequently fatal cause of gastroenteritis. Disease is more common and severe in young puppies, but unvaccinated dogs of all ages can be infected.
   
• Canine Distemper Virus
  A highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease. Infected dogs may develop a range of signs including fever, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhoea and seizures.
   
• Infectious Canine Hepatitis
  An often fatal viral disease. Signs may include fever, depression, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea. In severe cases death can occur rapidly within 24 to 48 hours.
   
• Leptospirosis
  A bacterial disease which can affect many different species, including dogs and humans. Infected dogs may develop problems such as liver disease, kidney disease and bleeding disorders.
   
• Canine Coronavirus
  A highly contagious virus which may result in lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration. In general, disease in young dogs is more severe than in adults
   
• Canine Cough
  A common infectious disease which can be easily spread wherever dogs congregate. Signs include a dry hacking cough which may persist for several weeks. Organisms which can cause canine cough include Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus.

Very young puppies are usually temporarily protected against the important infectious diseases by antibodies received through their mother’s milk. They should then receive a course of vaccinations (usually starting from 6 weeks of age). Your vet will adapt the vaccination program according to your pup’s lifestyle and local disease conditions.

Some people may think that if they have their pet vaccinated when they are puppies, the immunity they receive will protect them for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, this is not the case. To maintain protection, regular booster vaccinations of adult dogs are required. Re-vaccination stimulates the immune response so that protection is offered for an additional period. Without these regular vaccinations, your dog’s immune system may not provide the level of protection needed to keep your dog healthy. Booster vaccinations will be recommended by your veterinarian and will ensure your dog remains protected, whatever its age.


CAN-0042-2023