Why are Puppy Vaccinations Are Important?
To protect your dog’s immunity and reduce the risk of contracting life-threatening diseases, Leadon Vale Vets provide puppy vaccinations (available for grown dogs too). Vaccines don’t always last forever, so booking your dog in for a booster vaccine can enhance your pet’s chances of ongoing immunity. Once your puppy is vaccinated, they can socialise with other dogs and be exposed to more of the outdoors with a lower risk of catching anything.
Puppies typically receive their first core vaccinations around six weeks of age. A second vaccination is then given two to four weeks later, with the exact timing depending on your puppy's age and the specific vaccine brand used. It's crucial to consult your vet to determine the best vaccination schedule for your pup. They'll need to review your puppy's vaccination paperwork, which a responsible breeder should provide.
Now's also a great time to start a flea, tick, and worming routine for your puppy. Keep in mind that you'll need to hold off on outdoor walks until your puppy's vaccinations are fully effective. It's also best to keep them away from lakes, rivers, and still water.
What Puppy Vaccinations Are There?
Puppy vaccinations can start from the age of 6-8 weeks. Leadon Vale Veterinary Centre vaccinate against:
- Distemper: A viral disease that can cause severe, often fatal, inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia) and brain (encephalitis).
- Hepatitis:Hepatitis refers to the inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by various factors, including viral infections (like canine adenovirus), bacterial infections, toxins, or autoimmune diseases.
- Leptospirosis: This infection can cause liver and kidney failure. The bacteria responsible for it are found in stagnant and standing water, such as lakes, rivers, and ponds.
- Parvovirus: This is a highly contagious and often deadly virus that leads to severe illness, typically with symptoms like vomiting and bloody diarrhoea.
For the second vaccination, it will be done at around 12 weeks old, but for Leptospirosis, the second vaccine is given four weeks after the initial.
Some of our other vaccines include:
- Canine Infection Hepatitis: This is a serious, highly contagious viral disease caused by canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1). It primarily targets the liver, but can also affect the kidneys, eyes, and blood vessels
- Rabies: A fatal viral disease that attacks the central nervous system (brain and nerves) in mammals, including dogs and humans
- Leishmaniasis: A serious parasitic disease caused by a single-celled protozoan parasite of the genus Leishmania. It can affect dogs, other mammals, and humans.
- Herpes: In adult dogs and puppies over three weeks old, CHV typically causes mild upper respiratory symptoms, which may go unnoticed. It can also lead to mild genital or eye inflammation.
- Kennel Cough: A highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs, often referred to as canine infectious tracheobronchitis.
The Kennel Cough puppy vaccination is essential for your dog if they are socialising and going into kennels or day-care. This vaccine protects against Bordetella and Parainfluenza and lasts a year. It is given at the same time as annual injections and can be taken from 3 weeks old. Kennel Cough is a live vaccine placed in the nostrils. Due to it being live, your dog may show mild symptoms of the disease temporarily. Rabies dog vaccinations are needed for taking your dog abroad, and this must be taken in advance of your travel. Please contact us to discuss this vaccine.
It is important to remember that vaccines do not promise 100% protection and immunity, but will certainly reduce the chances of your dog contracting it or falling seriously ill.
Every dog getting a vaccination appointment is scheduled with a comprehensive health check to make sure the dog is healthy enough to receive the shot.
Book Your Pet in for Puppy Vaccinations
Booster Vaccinations for Puppies
Beyond their initial puppy series, your dog will require annual booster vaccinations to maintain their protection.
Your vet is the best person to advise on the specific vaccinations needed. This will be tailored to your dog's risk factors and the particular brands of vaccines used previously.
Typically, after their first-year booster, your dog will need:
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An annual top-up dose for Leptospirosis.
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Top-up doses for Canine Adenovirus, Canine Parvovirus, and Canine Distemper every three years.
Our Pet Health Care Plan
Our pet health care plan provides many treatments, including dog vaccinations. You can receive discounts and multiple services when a member of this plan, making sure your pet receives the best care and health checks for them to live a happy, healthy life. Enquire today about our plans or sign up online.
Check out Our Pet Health for Life Plans Here!
Book an Appointment Today for Puppy Vaccinations
Leadon Vale's opening hours are 8am-7pm weekdays and 8.30am-1pm Saturday. For emergencies, you can contact us 24/7. We are not open on Bank Holidays.
