If you’re welcoming a new puppy into your home, then you’re in for a long, probably tiring yet highly rewarding journey. There are so many things to remember when looking after a new puppy, one of which being to get them booked in for their puppy vaccinations.

Just as babies need vaccinations, puppies do, too. This is essential for their health, so much so that you can’t even take them for a walk outside and socialise them with other dogs until they’ve had these inoculations. But what vaccinations do they need? Read on below to find out.

Core Vaccinations

Your puppy will receive their first vaccinations at approximately eight weeks, though this can often vary anywhere between six to ten weeks. This is known as the primary course of vaccinations. During this, they don’t receive all their injections at once, rather they receive two to three injections that are given two to four weeks apart based on the most suitable solution for your pet (as your vet will discuss with you).

It’s after the second injection that your puppy will be allowed to socialise with other vaccinated dogs, though it is advised to wait two weeks to ensure that the injections have kicked in and they are fully protected.

The diseases they are protected against include:

  • Canine distemper
  • Canine parvovirus
  • Leptospirosis
  • Canine adenovirus type 1 and 2

Additional Vaccinations

Whilst the aforementioned diseases are considered core vaccinations, meaning they are essential for your puppy, there are also two additional vaccinations that you can choose to pay for your puppy to receive.

These are for kennel cough (protecting against both bordetella and parainfluenza) and rabies. Kennel cough, though rarely serious, can be unpleasant for your dog and has the potential to lead to more serious problems, especially if they have a compromised immune system.

As for rabies, this is a severe and fatal disease for dogs if contracted, though it is not present in the UK, hence why it is not considered essential. If you plan on taking your dog abroad, then you may need to get them vaccinated for this.

Booster Vaccinations

This primary course of vaccinations will protect your puppy for 12 months, after which they will need to start receiving annual booster injections. This is because the vaccines can lose their potency over time, so will need topping up in order to keep your pet protected.

At this annual booster appointment, your vet will be able to assess the vaccines that your dog will need for the year ahead. Some vaccines, such as leptospirosis, will need topping up every year, whilst others, such as canine adenovirus, canine parvovirus and canine distemper, provide immunity that can last up to three years before they need to be topped up.

Lancaster Vets

If you live in or around Lancaster, then Bay Vets is the reliable veterinary practice that you should trust.

Along with pet vaccinations, we offer a number of services ideal for puppies, including microchipping and puppy parties and care.

Get in touch with us today to register your puppy and book an appointment.