Preparing to welcome a puppy into your home and family is an exciting time. You’ll probably think about all the things you can do to give them the happiest, healthiest start to life, from choosing the best food to the cosiest bed and the most fun toys. Vaccinations are a huge part of keeping your puppy safe, healthy and protected throughout their life.

Read on to learn more about puppy and dog vaccinations, and always consult your vet for what's best for your pup.

Vaccinations play a big role in keeping your puppy safe and healthy. They protect against a range of really nasty infections that can be life-threatening. As well as protecting your pup, vaccinations ensure that diseases aren’t spread throughout New Zealand’s pet dog population - so they keep all dogs safe too.

Vaccinations prepare your puppy’s immune system for meeting some infections, like a virus or bacteria. Because your puppy’s immune system is primed and prepared, when they do come in contact with the disease, virus or bacteria, their body is ready to fight it. This means they’re much less likely to get sick or pass on the infection. If they do get sick, a vaccinated dog experiences less severe symptoms than an unvaccinated one. Chat to your vet if you are concerned about vaccinations for your dog.

Dog vaccinations fall into 2 categories: core and non-core. Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs. Non-core ones are recommended on a case-by-case basis, depending on your puppy’s level of risk, like where they live and any pre-existing health conditions. Always consult your vet on what vaccinations your dog may require.

There are 3 core diseases your puppy will be vaccinated against. They’re normally combined into just 1 injection:

• • • Canine Parvovirus or Parvo. A potentially fatal viral disease, Parvo causes vomiting and diarrhoea, fever and loss of appetite. Dogs with Parvo normally need intense vet treatment to get better.
    • Canine Distemper or Hard Pad. Spread as an airborne infection, vaccination is the only effective way to control Distemper. Highly contagious and often fatal, Distemper affects your dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems and begins with a fever.
    • Infectious Canine Hepatitis. A contagious viral disease, Infectious Canine Hepatitis causes a range of unpleasant symptoms, including fever, thirst and lack of appetite, bleeding problems and liver damage.

There are 3 further non-core vaccinations your dog might need. Less important than core ones, your vet might recommend them under certain circumstances. These might include your dog going overseas or staying in a boarding kennel.

• • • Leptospirosis or Lepto. Normally carried by rats, this potentially fatal bacterial disease can quickly cause kidney and liver damage.
    • Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease or Canine or Kennel Cough. Really contagious, kennel cough causes a dry, harsh cough that’s followed by retching. It starts with an inflammation of the throat but can move to the lungs. It’s normally more serious in puppies and senior dogs. This vaccine is given one of three ways, directly into the nose, into the mouth or under the skin. All kennels will insist that your dog has this vaccine (you’ll need to show proof) before they’ll board them.
    • Rabies. Not currently seen in New Zealand, Rabies is a serious and fatal disease. Your dog must be vaccinated against it if you’re travelling overseas with them.

Like humans, puppies and dogs need repeat vaccinations to maintain their immunity. Puppies get some natural, short-term immunity from their mother’s milk in the first 24 hours after they’re born. But these antibodies don’t last very long and more milk won’t top them up. Once they’re out of your puppy’s system, there’s no long-term effect on their immune system. That’s why vaccines are so important for lasting immunity. Repeated vaccines ensure your dog is fully protected throughout their life.

Here’s the vaccination schedule for a puppy and dog:

• • • 6-8 weeks old. Your puppy will get their first vaccination.
    • 10-12 weeks old. Your puppy will get their booster vaccination.
    • 14-16 weeks old. Your puppy will get their third and final vaccination for now. Your vet will advise when their next booster is due.
    • 9-12 months old. Your puppy needs a booster of the core vaccines.
    • Every 1-3 years after that. Your dog will get regular vaccinations to maintain immunity throughout their life.

During your puppy’s initial vaccination schedule between 6 and 16 weeks old, your puppy won’t be fully protected. So you won’t be able to take them for walks, visit the dog park or have your puppy socialise with any dogs that aren’t living with them.

Your vet will give you a vaccination record for your dog, showing which vaccinations they’ve had and when. You’ll need to bring it every time they’re vaccinated so it can be updated. Keep it safe - doggy daycares, pack dog walking and homestays or kennels will normally request to see your dog’s up to date vaccination record before accepting them.

We hope this guide helps keep your pup safe, healthy and protected. If you need any further help or have a question we haven’t answered, contact our friendly Pet Direct Customer Care team on 0800 200 240 or email support@petdirect.co.nz.