Vaccinating your dog is a great way to keep them safe from certain significant infectious diseases. Most dogs should be vaccinated when they’re puppies and many continue to receive boosters throughout their lifetime. Whether you’re a breeder or an owner, it’s important that you know which vaccinations are recommended, when your puppy should have their injections and how to keep your dog safe.
Why do dogs need to be vaccinated?
Vaccinating your dog can protect them from important infectious diseases that can be harmful or kill them. These diseases used to circulate in the dog population, but widespread vaccination programmes now provide a significant degree of protection to dogs that have been immunised and those that haven’t. Puppies are usually more vulnerable to these illnesses, so it’s important that your dog is vaccinated at a young age. Over time, your dog’s immunity to these diseases can fade. To continue to keep them safe, your dog may need to have further booster vaccinations to help maintain their immunity.
When should a puppy be vaccinated?
Most dogs receive their first set of vaccinations at around 8 weeks old, but your vet will be able to recommend what age is best, which may depend on whether their mum was fully vaccinated. Puppies are often given their first jabs while they’re still with their breeder and receive their second dose while they’re with their new owner.
Breeders should give any vaccination certificates to the new owner. Having these documents gives owners a record of what injections the puppy has had and when then the second course of vaccinations is due. When a new owner takes their puppy to the vet for the first time, it’s important that they discuss vaccination and bring along any vaccination certificates that they may have been given by the breeder.
What vaccines do dogs need?
The four main vaccinations all puppies should receive are:
- Canine distemper – a highly infectious disease that is often fatal
- Hepatitis – a liver disease that can cause sudden death in puppies
- Parvovirus – a viral disease that causes vomiting, bloody diarrhoea and can be fatal
- Leptospirosis – two strains; both cause acute illness and attack the liver and/or kidney
Dogs can also be vaccinated against kennel cough and rabies, but these are not usually part of the standard vaccinations given. Your vet may recommend a kennel cough vaccine if your dog is going into kennels, is likely to mix with lots of other dogs, or if they have a weakened immune system. Rabies vaccinations may only be needed if you take your dog abroad.
How much are dog vaccinations?
In the UK, a puppy’s first vaccinations are usually between £40 and £70, but the cost may also depend on the vet you use and the area you live in.
A dog’s annual booster vaccinations often cost less than their first round of immunisations, usually around £50. Some vets may be able to offer your dog a booster vaccination and worming treatment at the same time, which saves the cost of having them done individually.
Keeping a record
Once a puppy is vaccinated, your vet will give you a vaccination certificate that gives a record of exactly when the puppy was vaccinated and which products were used. Make sure to keep this safe, as it may be needed if the dog stays at boarding kennels, goes to dog-training classes, or if they’re taken abroad. If you change vets, they may recommend a slightly different regime of vaccinations, and it will be useful to see what vaccination your puppy has had in the past.
How long after the second vaccine can dogs go out?
Once your dog has received their vaccinations, it takes a while until they reach maximum immunity. Until then, there is still a risk that they could become infected. In general, puppies should wait for around two weeks after they have had their second vaccination before they can go out. Your vet will be able to give you advice that’s tailored to you and your puppy and will be able to recommend when is best to take them out.
Can I walk my dog after vaccination?
Your puppy could still be at risk of catching some infectious diseases until they’ve had both sets of initial vaccinations. Instead of walking your puppy, it’s usually better to limit exercise to your garden or go to areas that are unlikely to be visited by other dogs. Alternatively, take your puppy to other safe environments where there is minimal risk. Visiting other people’s gardens, where your puppy can mix with other dogs that have been vaccinated, can help with their socialisation.
Can my puppy meet other dogs before they’re vaccinated?
If your puppy is not fully vaccinated, you should not let them come into contact with:
- Unvaccinated dogs
- Dogs you don’t know
- Areas that unvaccinated dogs could have visited
- Farms, areas by freshwater (rivers, lakes etc.) and any areas known to have a rodent infestation due to the risk of leptospirosis
Meeting these dogs, or visiting these areas could put your puppy at risk of being infected.
Although you need to keep them safe, puppies are most receptive to new environments and situations while they are still young. Just keeping them confined to your house and garden may be counterproductive. During these important first weeks at home, you could take your puppy out to different places in your arms, or use the car to get them used to different situations and noises, as well as letting them meet new people.
Can my puppy meet other dogs after their first vaccination?
Your puppy should, if possible, meet other dogs as soon as possible, but it’s vital that dogs that your puppy meets are up to date on their vaccinations. If your puppy meets an unvaccinated dog, or a dog that has reduced immunity to certain conditions, then they could infect your puppy. Meeting other dogs is an essential part of helping your puppy to fully develop and it helps them get used to other dogs.
When can I take my puppy to training classes?
You can start attending puppy training classes as soon as your puppy’s vaccinations are complete, but how early you can attend may vary from class to class. Most owners find it extremely useful to go to training classes to help their puppy get used to other dogs and people.
How often do dogs need vaccines?
Your puppy should have a high level of immunity a few weeks after they’ve completed their second round of vaccinations. Over time their immunity can fade. Many vets recommend annual boosters to keep your dog’s immunity as high as possible (and in accordance with the proper use of licenced vaccines). Your dog’s immunity may last for longer than a year, but having it boosted annually ensures that it's up to date and is easier to remember. Some owners prefer to check their dog’s levels of immunity before giving them a vaccine. A blood test, known as a titre test, can check a dog’s antibody levels, letting their owner know whether their dog needs a booster vaccination. Always speak to your vet for advice about the best way to maintain your dog’s levels of immunity.
What is titre testing?
A titre test is a type of blood test that can be used to check if your dog has antibodies to a disease, and to what degree. Antibodies are made when a virus or a bacterium triggers a response from the immune system. This could be from natural exposure or from a vaccination. Since a titre test can check for immunity, it has been suggested that it can be used to decide if a booster vaccination is needed, rather than giving annual vaccinations regardless of the level of immunity. Talk to your vet about how titre testing works and if it is something that they would recommend.
Is it illegal to not vaccinate your dog?
It is not a legal requirement to vaccinate your dogs. However, most owners vaccinate their dogs to protect them against infectious diseases and also to provide herd immunity to dogs that may be more vulnerable to these illnesses. It’s worth knowing that many doggy day care facilities or boarding kennels may need proof of vaccination before they consider looking after your dog.
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FAQs
Dog and puppy vaccinations | The Kennel Club? ›
After your puppy's third round of vaccinations at 16-18 weeks, they are finally ready to go to the park. In fact, at this stage they should be fully protected against the worst of the puppyhood diseases. That means puppy can say hello to unfamiliar dogs now, too.
How many shots do puppies need before going outside? ›After your puppy's third round of vaccinations at 16-18 weeks, they are finally ready to go to the park. In fact, at this stage they should be fully protected against the worst of the puppyhood diseases. That means puppy can say hello to unfamiliar dogs now, too.
When can puppy meet other dogs after vaccination? ›Q) When can my puppy meet other dogs? A) Puppies can meet vaccinated dogs at any age, but if the vaccination status of the other dog is unknown we advise that they don't mix until 2 weeks after the second vaccination.
How soon can puppies go out after 2nd vaccination? ›As long as your puppy is 10 weeks old or older at their second vaccination, they will be immune to distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus one week after this vaccination. So, one week after their second vaccination, your puppy can be walked in public areas, and usually attend puppy classes.
What is the 7 in 1 vaccine for dogs? ›Spectra ® 7 vaccine is a combination of antigenic, attenuated strains of Canine Distemper, Canine Adenovirus Type 2 (CAV-2), Canine Parainfluenza, and Canine Parvovirus Type 2b, propagated in cell line tissue cultures. The diluent is Canine Parvovirus Vaccine-Leptospira Canicola-Icterohaemorrhagiae Bacterin.
Can I take my 8 week old puppy outside to pee? ›Some breeders will begin potty training a puppy before they are old enough to be adopted. When you bring an eight-week-old dog home, you can start puppy house training by taking him out to go to the bathroom on a regular basis.
Can I take my 8 week old puppy outside without shots? ›Typically, it's not recommended to take your dog for walks until they are fully vaccinated. Puppy vaccinations help protect your dog against diseases, making them essential when puppies go outside. Pups in particular are vulnerable to serious diseases, such as parvovirus and canine distemper.
Can I take my unvaccinated puppy around vaccinated dogs? ›Unvaccinated puppies can be safely socialized with fully-vaccinated adult dogs in safe environments like your home. Most puppy classes require proof of vaccination before you can enroll your puppy.
Can a vaccinated dog go near a puppy? ›Puppies usually go to new homes at the minimum age of eight weeks old when they're not fully vaccinated, so can't get fully out and about just yet. Until your puppy is fully protected by vaccination: don't allow them to mix with dogs of unknown vaccination status.
How protected are puppies after 2 vaccines? ›The standard 'puppy course' of vaccinations involves two vaccines given between 2 and 4 weeks apart. Puppies are usually aged between 6-10 weeks for the first vaccine and 10-12 weeks for the second. Your puppy is then usually fully protected within 1-2 weeks after the second vaccination.
Is my puppy protected from parvo after 2 shots? ›
They are vulnerable to the disease until they have received all three shots in their vaccination series, which means owners need to take extra precaution during this time to prevent their puppies from contracting the virus.
Can puppies get parvo after second vaccine? ›Your puppy can always be susceptible to parvovirus, even after vaccination, however vaccination greatly reduces the risk of this disease.
Can I walk my unvaccinated puppy on pavement? ›Do not let your puppies walk outside as the risk of parvovirus and leptospirosis with unvaccinated puppies is high.
What is the 3 2 1 rule vaccine dog? ›The Task Force recommends that veterinarians and owners monitor the vaccination site for swelling or lumps using the “3-2-1” rule. Biopsy of any mass present is warranted if it (1) remains present 3 months after vaccination, (2) is larger than 2 cm in diameter, or (3) is increasing in size 1 month after vaccination.
How many shots do dogs need in total? ›These will include the core vaccines, which are administered in a series of three: at 6-, 12-, and 16 weeks old. The core vaccines include the DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo, and parainfluenza). Your pup will also need a rabies vaccination, which is usually around $15—20.
Which is better 5 in 1 or 8 in 1 vaccine for dogs? ›On paper, "5 in 1 (LR)" and "6 in 1" vaccines cover more diseases than "8 in 1." In fact, "8 in 1" covers the exact same diseases that "5 in 1" prevents (except the two extra Leptospira serovars). Janna Mae Vicente Tesil and 281 others like this.
Can my puppy get parvo from my backyard? ›Parvo can live in the ground, the grass, on bushes – pretty much anywhere (although it is not an airborne virus). Disease prevention is always less costly (and risky) than treating a condition your pet has developed.
Can 8 week old puppy hold pee overnight? ›Start at three hours, maximum.
A two month old (eight week old) puppy can hold her bladder for three hours. That does not mean she knows she should hold it, though. You have to teach her to wait three hours. Puppies also need to go outside after sleeping or eating their delicious and nutritious dog food.
As a guideline, new puppies up to 10 weeks old typically can't hold their bladder for more than an hour. Dogs between 10 to 12 weeks old can usually hold it for around two hours.
When can puppies take a bath? ›When they're eight weeks old, puppies are old enough to be bathed—and it's better to start early so they can get used to the routine. Gently brush out their coat. Before bathing them, start brushing your puppy slowly, as this can help them relax.
How do you potty train a puppy who isn't fully vaccinated? ›
Choose a Regular Outside Potty Area
For puppies that haven't completed their entire puppy vaccine series, it's best to avoid areas that other dogs use as a potty spot to help prevent any disease or illness transmission. Bringing your puppy to the same spot all the time is super helpful and should speed things up.
Parvoviruses are capable of infecting and causing disease in carnivores and are found worldwide. Wildlife species that can be infected with parvoviruses include coyotes, wolves, foxes, raccoons, minks, and bobcats. Parvoviruses can also infect domestic cats and dogs.
At what age is a dog safe from parvo? ›Puppies are at the greatest risk for parvo between the ages of 6 weeks to 6 months. Puppies can receive their parvo vaccinations at 6, 8 and 12 weeks of age. They must receive a full series of vaccinations to ensure complete immunity. Puppies require a parvo booster vaccine between 14 and 16 weeks of age.
Can I take my puppy outside if not fully vaccinated? ›Puppies shouldn't go outside in public until they are fully vaccinated. The timeline for vaccinating puppies varies from dog to dog, but, generally speaking, the limiting factor is when they are done with their DAPP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) vaccine series.
What are the first signs of parvo? ›Some of the signs of parvovirus include lethargy; loss of appetite; abdominal pain and bloating; fever or low body temperature (hypothermia); vomiting; and severe, often bloody, diarrhea. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration, and damage to the intestines and immune system can cause septic shock.
Can a partially vaccinated puppy play with a vaccinated dog? ›Make Sure Other Dogs Around Your Puppy are Vaccinated
In order to have a normal, outgoing dog, let him play with the other dogs. Just make sure they have been vaccinated. Puppies need socialization, particularly once they've been weaned, which usually starts at three weeks and is over by eight.
For this reason, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommends that puppies be socialized before the vaccine series is complete. Its guidelines state that puppies can start socialization classes as early as 7-to-8 weeks of age.
Can vaccinated dogs carry parvo? ›Can vaccinated dogs carry parvo? The act of vaccinating your dog does not make him a carrier of parvo. However, any dog or object that comes into contact with the shedding virus can be carrying parvo. Example: A vaccinated dog steps in a pile of feces contaminated with parvo.
Is it safe to take dog out after 2nd vaccination? ›We advise that your puppy is not allowed out until after the second vaccination. However, you puppy may go out in your own garden for toilet training and can mix with other healthy, fully vaccinated friend's and family's dogs within their own gardens.
Can I take my puppy out 6 days after 2nd vaccination? ›After your puppy's second round of vaccinations we advise waiting two weeks until taking your puppy outside so that they are fully protected in public spaces. Once any puppy has had their initial course of injections, they will only need one injection per year afterwards to keep that immunity 'topped up'.
What happens if you over vaccinate a dog? ›
This can be dangerous to some animals because they are vaccinated too frequently for their bodies to handle. Studies show that over-vaccination can cause hypersensitivity reactions and autoimmune diseases. Over-vaccination is especially dangerous for younger animals because their immune systems are still developing.
How many parvo shots does a puppy need before being around other dogs? ›“A puppy isn't fully protected until receiving the entire series of two to three injections as recommended by your veterinarian.” But that doesn't mean your puppy can't interact with other dogs.
How many parvo shots needed until puppy can play? ›We recommend that puppies receive a minimum of 3 rounds of vaccines in the first year, and for ultra protection against Parvo, we recommend puppies receive a 4th round of vaccine. Ideally, the first round of vaccine is administered about 6 weeks of age.
How many shots does a puppy need to prevent parvo? ›Vaccines for the parvovirus are recommended for all puppies and are typically administered in a three-shot series when the pup is between 6-to-8 weeks old, again at 10-to-12 weeks, and at 14-to-16 weeks. A booster shot is then given 1 year later and every 3 years after that.
Are parvo shots effective immediately? ›The canine parvovirus vaccine typically goes into effect within three to five days and is considered to last at least three to four years according to studies. This is why adult dogs are typically vaccinated against parvo every three years.
How do I get rid of parvo in my yard? ›If possible, flush the yard with water and allow to dry. Then apply a disinfectant that is effective with organic material, such as AHP or potassium peroxymonosulfate. These can be used with a pesticide sprayer or hose-end sprayer at the proper dilution to saturate the outside area.
Should I carry my puppy out to pee? ›Teach your pup to potty on a designated spot outdoors, making him think. After you bring home your new puppy the first thing you need to teach the pup is to walk to the door. Do not carry it.
How far can a 12 week old puppy walk? ›A general guide for exercising puppies is to allow them one to two sessions of five minutes walking for each month of age, so for example, a four month old pup could enjoy walks of 20 minutes at a time, once or twice a day.
How long should you wait outside for your puppy to pee? ›If your dog is still a young puppy in the process of potty training, try another outside "business trip" after waiting 10 to 15 minutes; if they still don't go after 1 to 2 minutes, go back inside, and wait another 10 to 15 minutes before trying again.
At what age can I stop vaccinating my dog? ›At what age do you stop vaccinating your dog? Senior dogs do not generally stop requiring vaccinations, but it will depend on your dog's lifestyle and overall health. Once a dog reaches seven years of age, its senior status requires some special considerations to keep them healthy and happy.
Is it okay to be late on puppy shots? ›
Late puppy vaccinations can compromise your pet's immune system. If you haven't started your puppy's vaccination process or have missed a scheduled vaccine booster, it's important to get your puppy on a vaccination schedule. If your puppy is late or overdue for vaccinations, talk to a vet as soon as possible.
What shots do dogs really need every year? ›At TCAP, the Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella vaccines are considered your adult dog's core yearly vaccines. In this blog, we will explore the reason for each vaccine and why they are important.
What are the most necessary shots for dogs? ›Core vaccines are considered vital to all pets based on risk of exposure, severity of disease or transmissibility to humans. For Dogs: Vaccines for canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis and rabies are considered core vaccines.
Are yearly vaccines really necessary for dogs? ›Primary vaccination is essential to prevent the once common deadly diseases in puppies. However, recent research indicates that not all vaccines require yearly boosters. There is no evidence that annual booster vaccination is anything but beneficial to most dogs.
Can 5 in 1 vaccine prevent parvo? ›5 in 1 (DHPP)
DHPP is a canine vaccine that prevents distemper, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and two types of adenovirus (hepatitis). Dogs should receive the DHPP vaccine at 8, 12, and 16 weeks, one year later, and then 1 to 3 years after that.
The DHPP 5-in-1 vaccine is a single shot that is given to puppies in a series of injections starting at about 6 weeks of age and given every 2 to 4 weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks old. All adult dogs should receive a booster shot of the DHPP vaccine either yearly or every 3 years based on your vet's recommendation.
How long is Bordetella vaccine good for in dogs? ›Bordetella is required to be current by 12 months from date of vaccine. Most veterinarians recommend the Bordetella vaccine be given every 6 months to maintain a high level of immunity for dogs who are often in social settings.
At what point is a puppy fully vaccinated? ›They should start getting vaccines as early as six to eight weeks of age for a puppy. Then they need to be repeated typically once every three to four weeks until that pet's about 18 weeks old to get full protection.
Can puppies go outside after 2nd round of shots? ›After your pup's second round of initial vaccinations, he will be able to go out for walks with you one week later. Although it's tempting to take him out earlier, it is incredibly important to listen to your vet's advice.
Can I take my puppy out before 2nd vaccination? ›Puppies require a vaccination course of two injections which can start from six weeks of age. We normally give the second vaccination four weeks later. We advise that your puppy is not allowed out until after the second vaccination.
Do puppies need 3 or 4 sets of shots? ›
We recommend that puppies receive a minimum of 3 rounds of vaccines in the first year, and for ultra protection against Parvo, we recommend puppies receive a 4th round of vaccine. Ideally, the first round of vaccine is administered about 6 weeks of age.
Can I walk my puppy if not fully vaccinated? ›Dog owners should wait to take their puppy for its first walk until they receive their full vaccination series. The first round of vaccinations typically starts at six to eight weeks of age, with the second series following three weeks later.
Can a partially vaccinated puppy be around a fully vaccinated dog? ›Unvaccinated puppies can be safely socialized with fully-vaccinated adult dogs in safe environments like your home.
Can my 10 week old puppy be around other dogs? ›Puppies should be at least 10-12 weeks old before they're ready to start socializing and going outside in public places. This allows them time to get all of their vaccinations and build up their immune system so that they're not as susceptible to illness from another animal or person.
Can I take my 12 week old puppy for a walk? ›Once your puppy is fully vaccinated, the general rule of thumb, is to exercise them for five minutes per month old – so if your fluffy bundle is 12 weeks old they can be walked for 15 minutes a day.
Can my puppy go outside with one set of shots? ›Wait to take your puppy for a walk until he's fully vaccinated—typically around 18 weeks of age. Again, most vaccines take two weeks to take effect (except for the rabies vaccine, which takes 28 days to take effect). So don't assume your puppy is fully vaccinated and safe to go to the park right after his last booster.
What age can you walk a puppy on a leash? ›Ten weeks old is a great age to start leash training a puppy, though you can start the process as early as four to six weeks of age. By this time, your puppy should be aware of when they need to go out to urinate or defecate. They should also understand when you're happy with their good behavior.
How do you exercise an unvaccinated puppy? ›- Carry them in public spaces.
- Play with them in the house and garden.
- Start training them by teaching them some basic commands.
Puppies require three sets of vaccines to properly prepare their little bodies to fight off the contagious and deadly diseases, out in that big new world. They receive their first set of vaccines at 8 weeks of age, then we see them again at 12 and 16 weeks of age for two more rounds.
What age do puppies get dewormed? ›Puppies should be dewormed at 2 weeks of age (before ascarid eggs are passed in the stool) and again at 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age. Then, it's prudent to put them on a monthly heartworm preventive for life that also protects the dog against other parasites, or at least continue monthly deworming for six months.
What shots do puppies need the most? ›
The two most important shots that your puppy should have include the rabies vaccine and the DAPP vaccine. Some vets may suggest that you get some additional ones as well, but the Rabies and DAPP vaccines are crucial and are considered to be 'core' vaccines.