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Johanna Gater-Willats

Canine Vaccinations

Canine vaccinations are an essential aspect of responsible pet ownership. Vaccinations can protect your dog from a range of dangerous and potentially fatal diseases, and help to prevent the spread of these diseases to other dogs in the community. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the importance of dog and puppy vaccinations, which vaccinations your dog or puppy needs, and what to expect during the vaccination process.

two dogs running happily along a garden path


Why Are Canine (Dog and Puppy) Vaccinations Important?


Vaccinations are important because they can protect your dog from a range of dangerous and potentially fatal diseases. In some cases, these diseases can also be transmitted to humans, so protecting your dog with vaccinations can also help to protect your family and the wider community.


When Should You Start Vaccinating Your Puppy?


Puppies typically receive their first vaccinations at around 6-8 weeks of age. The exact timing will depend on your puppy's individual needs and the recommendations of your veterinarian. Most puppies will receive a series of vaccinations in their first few months of life to help protect them against a range of diseases.


Which Vaccinations Does Your Dog Need?


The specific vaccinations that your puppy needs will depend on a range of factors, including their breed, age, and lifestyle. Some of the most common vaccinations for puppies include:

  • Distemper: This is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause fever, coughing, diarrhea, and seizures. Distemper is often fatal, so it's important to vaccinate your puppy against it.

  • Parvovirus: This is another highly contagious viral disease that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Parvovirus can be fatal, especially in young puppies, so vaccination is essential.

  • Hepatitis: This is a viral disease that can cause fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Hepatitis can also lead to liver damage, so it's important to vaccinate your puppy against it.

  • Rabies: Rabies is a viral disease that can be transmitted to humans and is almost always fatal. In most of Europe, vaccination against rabies is required by law, so if you intend to take your dog on holiday in Europe with you, you will need to have them vaccinated against rabies. Make sure you book this appointment several weeks before you travel as the vaccine needs about 3 weeks for the anitbodies to be present at a sufficient level to protect your dog (and to satisfy the border control authorities). Talk to your veterinary surgery to make sure you have this vaccination done in time for your trip!


In addition to these core vaccinations, your veterinarian may recommend additional vaccinations depending on your puppy's individual needs and lifestyle.


When Should You Vaccinate Your Adult Dog?


After your puppy has received their initial series of vaccinations, they will need to receive booster shots throughout their life to maintain immunity. The frequency of these booster shots will depend on the specific vaccinations that your dog has received and their individual needs.


What to Expect During the Vaccination Process


When you take your puppy or adult dog to the veterinarian for vaccinations, they will typically receive an examination to ensure that they are healthy enough to receive the vaccinations. Your veterinarian will then administer the vaccines, usually by injection. After the vaccinations, your dog may experience some mild side effects, such as fever, lethargy, or soreness at the injection site. These side effects are usually mild and should resolve within a day or two.


It's important to monitor your dog closely after vaccinations and contact your veterinarian if you notice any unusual symptoms or side effects.


Overall, vaccination is an essential aspect of responsible dog ownership. Vaccinations can protect your dog from dangerous and potentially fatal diseases, and help to prevent the spread of these diseases to other dogs in the community. It's important to work with your veterinarian to develop a vaccination schedule that is tailored to your dog's individual needs and lifestyle, and to monitor your dog closely after vaccinations to ensure their continued health and well-being.



man and dog on a beach path at sunset or sunrise

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