Puppies

Your puppy will have “maternal immunity” from their mother which is obtained via colostrum (first milk). This milk contains important antibodies which enable protection from certain diseases. Over time however, these maternal antibodies decline and this is why it is recommended for puppies to have a short “course” of vaccines.

In puppies, the initial course of three vaccinations are given at 6-8 weeks, 10-12 and 14-16 weeks. After this your puppy would not need a vaccination until a year after their third puppy vaccine. Times and age can be variable, so it is best to check this with one of our friendly veterinarians or nurses. At these visits, one of our vets will also provide a full examination to ensure your pup is in the best of health.

When is my puppy safe to explore?

Your puppy will not gain full immunity until 2 weeks after their third and final puppy vaccine. We advise that your puppy can socialize with other dogs and puppies whom you are aware they are currently vaccinated and know their vaccine history. Environments such as the dog park, beach or grassy areas tend to harbor these diseases for long periods of time, so it is best to avoid until your pup has full immunity.

What does a puppy vaccination provide protection from?

Canine Distemper This is an infectious viral disease that can affect a dog of any age, but puppies are at a higher risk of infection due to lower immunity.

Canine Adenovirus/Hepatitis Like distemper this is a viral disease that is highly contagious and often fatal. Dogs of any age can become infected however dogs under the age of two years tend to be more severe.

Canine Parvovirus A highly contagious viral diseases that affects dogs of all ages however they are more commonly seen in pups and older dogs. The virus attacks the intestines and causes severe abdominal pain, vomiting and haemmorrhagic diarrhea (bloody).

Dogs may die from dehydration even if they are given intensive veterinary care.

‘Kennel’ Cough (Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease) is caused by several highly infectious agents, most commonly the bacteria Bordetella Bronchiseptica and the parainfluenza virus. These are often spread in areas that dogs congregate together, such as at the dog park. Affected dogs have a hacking cough which can scare some owners thinking that there may be something stuck in their throat, mouth or airway. This cough can persist for quite a while and can continue to be contagious.