Vaccinating your Dog

Your dog should have received its first vaccination together with a physical check up as a puppy (usually around 6-8 weeks of age).   This has often had this done prior to the dog being re-homed; you should have received a vaccination certificate as proof of this.

A booster is required 3-4 weeks later at 10-12 weeks and a final vaccination between 14- 16 weeks.   Full immune protection cannot be relied upon until after the final booster. The vaccination then needs to be boostered between 6-9 months of age then 3 yearly throughout life.

The diseases we routinely vaccinate against (core vaccination) include Canine Parvovirus, Canine Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis.  

A further vaccination against Leptospirosis is an optional addition.   Leptospirosis is a disease caught from rats urine, so is particularly important in rural dogs and any dogs likely to swim in rivers.   We strongly recommend all puppies be covered against this fatal disease.

Puppies that may have to go into a boarding kennel are required to have a vaccine against Kennel Cough.   This is an upper respiratory tract disease usually occurring where dogs are in close contact – boarding kennels, shows, etc.  It is an annual vaccine, given nasally.   It can be given at the same time as any of the other vaccinations your dog may be having.

Boosters are essential to maintain your dog’s immunity to these serious and often fatal diseases.  These are required annually for Leptospirosis and Kennel Cough; and biannually for Parvovirus, distemper and Hepatits