What vaccinations does my puppy need?
In Australia, the major infectious life-threatening 
diseases to dogs that can be prevented by 
vaccination are Distemper, Hepatitis and 
Parvovirus. Vaccination against Canine cough is also
available, although this is not a life-threatening 
disease, it is highly contagious and affected dogs 
may need veterinary attention.

When should my puppy be vaccinated?
The recommended age for initial vaccination is 
generally between 6 and 8 weeks. Often the 
breeder or pet shop will have given your puppy this 
before coming home to you.  Most puppies will 
then require subsequent vaccinations at 12 and 16 
weeks. This depends on the type of vaccine used 
and the prevalent diseases in your area.

How is the vaccination given?
Before the vaccination is given, the puppy will be 
given a full examination to ensure it is well. 
Depending on the vaccines used, they are often 
combined in a single injection - usually given under
the skin at the back of the neck. Canine cough 
vaccine can also be given as drops into the nose.

Are there any side effects?
Side effects of vaccination are rare. There may be 
a transient pain at the site of injection causing the 
pup to scratch at its neck briefly.

With the drops into the nose, some sneezing and 
face rubbing is usual. If an adverse reaction does 
occur, it is within a short time and may include 
swelling of the face or vomiting. Usually an anti-
histamine injection will relieve the symptoms. The 
vaccination will still have been effective.

Often puppies are just a bit tired after their exciting 
visit to the vet, but if you are in any doubt, always 
phone your vet for advice.

At birth your puppy receives some immunity (in the 
form of antibodies) from its mother, via the 
placenta and in the colostrum (the first milk). This 
immunity protects the puppy from disease but is 
temporary and disappears sometime in the first 12 
weeks of the puppy's life.  At this point the puppy's 
own long-lasting immunity must be stimulated by 
vaccination.

As we have no way of knowing how long the 
mother's antibodies are present, a series of 
vaccinations are given. We assume that at least two 
will fall in the window of time when the puppy has 
lost its mother's immunity but has not been 
exposed to disease. The more modern vaccinations 
are also able to strengthen maternal immunity more 
effectively.

A yearly booster vaccination will maintain your 
dog's protection against infection throughout 
adulthood.