Puppy and Dog Vaccination

Giving your puppy the right start in life begins with a proper vaccination schedule. Young dogs are especially vulnerable to several serious infectious diseases, so timely protection is essential.

Puppy vaccination schedule:

We recommend a three-dose primary puppy series:

First Vaccination – 6–8 weeks

Usually given by the breeder before your puppy goes to their new home.

Second Vaccination – 10–12 weeks

This visit provides broad protection, including parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, canine cough (Bordetella), and canine influenza - commonly referred to as a C5 vaccine.

Third Vaccination – 14–16 weeks

A final C4 vaccination (parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza) helps ensure full and long-lasting immunity, especially important in breeds or individuals that may not respond completely to earlier doses.

Your puppy can safely go out into public areas 10 days after this vaccination.

6-Month of age Booster

In line with the 2024 WSAVA global vaccination guidelines, we also recommend a booster at 6 months of age. This dose strengthens immunity for the few puppies that may still have had maternal antibodies present at their final puppy vaccination.

The C3 portion (parvo, distemper, hepatitis) of this vaccine then lasts three years.

Dogs who need protection against kennel cough (Bordetella and canine influenza) should continue to receive those components annually, as respiratory vaccines do not provide long-term immunity.

We still encourage an annual health check even if your dog’s core vaccines are current — it helps us catch problems early and keep your dog healthy. 

Ongoing Adult vaccinations after 6 months of age:

  • C3 (parvo, distemper, hepatitis): every 3 years
  • Kennel cough components: yearly for dogs at risk (boarding, grooming, dog parks, training classes)

 

Vaccination costs: 

  • Puppy vaccinations: $126.50 each
  • Adult  dog vaccinations (including full health check): $133

If you’d like help planning your dog’s vaccination schedule or have questions about disease risks in your area, we’re always here to guide you.

Puppy Vaccination

Puppies are temporarily protected against many diseases by antibodies received through their mother’s milk. These maternal antibodies decline in the first few weeks of their lives, after which they need a vaccination to induce immunity. The age at which maternal antibodies drop enough to require vaccination is highly variable, which is why a series of vaccinations is necessary in a puppy.

Adult Dog Vaccination

The immunity from puppy vaccination weakens over time and your pet can again become susceptible to disease. We follow the WSAVA 2024 guidelines which advise a booster at 6 months of age and thereafter annual health checks and booster vaccinations, as required, will provide the best protection for the life of your pet. We use triennial vaccinations for parvovirus, distemper and hepatitis.

After Vaccination Care

Following vaccination your dog may be off-colour for a 24 hours or have a cough, or have some slight swelling or tenderness at the injection site. Access to food and water and a comfortable area to rest are usually all that is required for a quick recovery. However, if the response seems more severe, you should contact us for advice.

INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF DOGS THAT WE CAN VACCINATE AGAINST

Canine Parvovirus

Canine parvovirus is a disease that affects dogs of all ages but is most common in young dogs. The virus attacks the intestines causing bloody diarrhoea, uncontrollable vomiting and severe abdominal pain. Some infected dogs will die from parvovirus, even if they receiveintensive veterinary care.

Parvovirus is spread via dog faeces and is very persistent in the environment even after the faeces has been cleaned away. For this reason, it is not necessary to have direct contact with other dogs for the disease to be spread. The virus is so persistent that an infected dog’s environment needs to be cleaned with a potent disinfectant to prevent spread to other dogs. Outbreaks occur regularly especially in summer, with an estimated 20,000 dogs infected every year in Australia.

Canine Distemper Virus

Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that can affect dogs of any age with young puppies being at highest risk.

Symptoms vary but can include fever, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and depression. Muscle tremors, fits and paralysis may occur later in the disease. Treatment is usually ineffective and the recovery rate very low. Dogs that do recover may have permanent brain damage.

Canine Cough

Canine cough is a condition produced by several highly infectious viruses and bacteria, which can be easily spread wherever dogs congregate, such as parks, grooming salons, doggy day care, shows, obedience schools and boarding kennels. Among the infectious agents associated with canine cough is the bacterium known as Bordetella bronchiseptica and the canine viruses parainfluenza, adenovirus type 2 and distemper.

Affected dogs have a dry hacking cough which can persist for several weeks. It is distressing for pet dogs and their owners. It is a major problem for working and sporting dogs. Pneumonia can also be a consequence of infection, particularly in young animals .

Canine Leptospirosis

Canine leptospirosis is a serious disease risk in some areas and can cause high death rates. This bacterial disease is spread by the urine of infected rats and is usually transmitted to dogs who ingest contaminated food and water (e.g. drink from puddles), dogs who eat rats or from rat bites.

There’s an increased risk where high rat populations exist such as in cities, near rubbish dumps or around sugar cane areas. Incidence can also increase after long periods of wet weather or building activity, when rat populations are forced to move or concentrate. Leptospirosis is a ‘zoonotic disease’ meaning it is an animal disease that can be passed to humans. Human infection can occur through ingestion of contaminated food or water, or through open wounds.

Infectious canine Hepatitis (also known as Canine Adenovirus type1)

Infectious canine hepatitis is a viral disease which, like distemper is extremely contagious and often fatal. Dogs of any age can become infected, however severe cases are rare in dogs over two years of age.

Symptoms include high fever, depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea and acute abdominal pain. In severe cases death can occur within 24 to 36 hours. Dogs that recover may develop long-term liver and kidney problems and can act as carriers spreading the disease to other dogs for many months.

Canine Coronavirus

Canine coronavirus is another contagious virus and causes depression, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea especially in young dogs. Diarrhoea may last for several days in some cases. Although most dogs will recover with treatment, coronavirus has the potential to be fatal, especially if other infectious agents such as parvovirus are present.