Today we took Dingo to Ash Tree Vets in Kentford, near Newmarket for a puppy vet check, weigh in, second vaccination and kennel cough spray. He now weighs 12.15kg and has doubled his weight in the 4 weeks we have had him. He really is growing up so quickly!
Dingo had his first vaccination on the 24th June and was back in today 22nd July for his second. Whilst he was there, the vet checked him over and clipped his nails.
The importance of puppy vaccinations
Vaccinating your puppy is an important step in dog ownership and it helps to keep your dog free from infectious diseases as he/she grows up. It is also a requirement in most boarding kennels, doggy day care centres and with dog walkers, should you wish to go away or need an extra pair of hands during the week.
When do puppies need to be vaccinated?
Puppies are typically receive their first vaccination between eight to ten weeks old. Whilst they can be done earlier, it is often not done as many vets like to keep the two vaccines within brand. Many breeders are now leaving this to the new owner which is a sensible school of thought. The second part of the vaccine needs to be given two to four weeks later, but your vet will advise so there isn’t any confusion.
What do the vaccines protect your puppy from?
- Canine Parvovirus – a highly contagious virus that causes severe gastrointestinal illness.
- Canine Distemper – affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems
- Leptospirosis – a bacterial infection that can lead to liver and kidney damage
- Parainfluenza and Bordetella Bronchiseptica – both contribute to kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory disease
- Infectious Canine Hepatitis – affects the liver and can cause severe illness or death
Where do I get my puppy vaccinated?
We would recommend doing some leg work into the vet practises in your area. Finding out their opening/closing hours, location, suitability to the animal you are getting and asking friends who have dogs. When you get your puppy, you can then register him/her with the vet of your choice. They will be able to carry out the vaccinations that your puppy with need. If you ever have any questions about your puppy’s health, we always advise going to your vet and they are always very helpful.
How often will I need to get my dog vaccinated?
Generally speaking you will need to get your dog vaccinated once a year to cover the diseases listed above. Different vaccines do have differing lapse times. Your vet will give you a vaccination card with your dog’s name on it which is helpful to check and see when boosters are due. Generally your vets will send you a vaccination reminder which is super handy.
Travelling abroad with your dog
We gave never travelled abroad with our dogs, so know very little about the requirements. If you have taken your dog abroad, we would love to hear any hurdles you have crossed.
Vaccinating your puppy wrapped up
We feel that vaccinating your puppy is a responsible part of dog/pet ownership. It is essential for their health and preventing the resurgence of rather nasty diseases. It also helps the spread of contagious diseases and minimizes the severity of them.
