Getting your puppy vaccinated – what you need to know

Owning a puppy and watching them grow is fantastic and will create lots of memories for the whole family. As they grow there might be times where they fall ill or hurt themselves, it’s almost inevitable, but there are some illnesses and disease you can protect your dog against.

Why should you get your puppy vaccinated?

While your pup was with its mother, they get temporary protection against unpleasant infections that’s delivered through her milk. As they grow, weaned off milk, and find their new homes, it’s the owner’s responsibility to protect their pet.

The vaccinations they’ll receive in the first 12 months of their lives will protect your puppy against five of the most serious dog diseases.

• Canine distemper
• Infectious canine hepatitis
• Canine parovirus
• Parainfluenza
• Leptospirosis

Making sure your dog is vaccinated will also prevent them from passing these nasty diseases on to other animals they may meet.

When does my puppy need its vaccinations?

Your pup will need a vaccination course of two injections which can start from when they turn six weeks old.

You might find that the breeder has already taken your puppy to the vet for its first injections, and you will need to make sure you get the second injection four weeks later at your veterinary practice.

If your puppy is likely to be staying at kennels, then you will need to speak to your vet about the kennel cough vaccination. This can also be given to puppies from six weeks of age.

How long are vaccinations effective for?

The duration of immunity can completely vary between individual dogs and the vaccination itself, some may only need renewing on a three-yearly basis while others require an annual booster.

Don’t worry though, your vet will be able to help you keep tabs on your puppy’s vaccination schedule and notify you when a booster is due.

How much do puppy vaccinations cost?

The cost of a puppy’s vaccination course will vary depending on where you live and which veterinary practice you visit. Some vet practices will offer health plans which usually include their vaccinations as well as microchipping and flea and worm treatments.

Does pet insurance cover vaccination fees?

Most pet insurance policies will not cover the cost of vaccination fees, as most pet insurance providers class vaccinations as routine treatment just like your dog’s worming and dental treatments.

It’s not a legal requirement to get your dog vaccinated but it’s always a good idea to do your research and speak to your vet to find out why it’s important to make sure that your dog is properly protected from these infectious diseases.