Vaccinations

Vaccinations protect your puppy from contracting deadly and debilitating diseases. They can catch diseases through contact with other dogs and from environments where other dogs have visited. So it's important that your puppy is protected early, before you ever take them to the park.

The severe and life-threatening core diseases that all dogs should be vaccinated against are: Canine parvovirus, Canine infectious hepatitis and Canine distemper. Depending on your puppy’s environment and lifestyle, your vet might also recommend vaccinations for other diseases, such as canine cough.

In most cases, puppies will have their first vaccination at 6-8 weeks. There are then another 1 or 2 vaccinations finishing anywhere between 10 and 18 weeks of age. After this your puppy may need boosters at intervals determined by your vet. Remember, even if your puppy was already vaccinated when you brought him or her home, they may still need more shots. Your vet will be able to advise.

Vaccinations are fairly straightforward and side effects aren't common. If your puppy does experience anything, it will usually be mild and short lived, and may include: pain and or lump formation at the site of injection, fever, loss of appetite, lethargy. Very rarely, more serious side effects may occur including allergic and/or anaphylactic reactions.