Vaccination Reminders
While we make every reasonable effort to send reminders for annual dog vaccinations, the responsibility for keeping them up to date ultimately rests with you as your pet’s owner.
Why Dog Vaccinations Are Important
One of the most effective ways to give your dog a long, healthy life is by keeping their vaccinations current. Vaccines protect against a range of common and serious infectious diseases, many of which can be life-threatening.
A puppy receives short-term immunity from its mother’s milk during the first few weeks of life. After that period, it is up to you – with guidance from your veterinary surgeon – to maintain that protection through vaccination.
How Do Dog Vaccines Work?
Vaccines contain small amounts of altered or inactivated viruses, bacteria, or other disease-causing organisms. When administered, they stimulate your dog’s immune system to produce antibodies – disease-fighting proteins that help protect against future infection.
When Should My Dog Be Vaccinated?
A puppy’s natural immunity only lasts a few weeks. The first vaccinations are typically given in two doses:
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The first at around 6–8 weeks of age
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The second 2–4 weeks later
To maintain protection, your dog will need annual booster vaccinations for life.
Always follow your vet’s recommended vaccination schedule. If too much time passes between vaccinations, your dog may become unprotected.
Your dog should be vaccinated against the most common and serious diseases, including:
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Canine Parvovirus
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Canine Distemper
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Infectious Canine Hepatitis
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Leptospirosis
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Parainfluenza
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Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis)
If your dog is travelling abroad, a rabies vaccination may also be required. Check with your vet and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Your vet may also recommend additional vaccines based on your dog’s breed, lifestyle, and environment.
How Effective Are Dog Vaccinations?
No vaccine can offer 100 per cent protection, but when combined with good nutrition and hygiene, vaccination is your dog’s best defence against infectious disease.
Considering the cost, stress, and risk of treating a serious illness, prevention through vaccination is far more effective and cost-efficient.
Diseases Dogs Can Be Vaccinated Against
Canine Parvovirus
A highly contagious and often fatal disease spread through infected faeces. The virus is extremely resilient and can survive in the environment for many months.
Symptoms: high fever, vomiting, blood-stained diarrhoea, and lethargy.
Prevention: vaccination is the only reliable method of protection.
Canine Distemper
Although rare in the UK thanks to widespread vaccination, Canine Distemper is still found abroad. It spreads through discharges from the nose and eyes of infected dogs.
Symptoms: fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea, convulsions, paralysis, and thickened footpads (known as “hard pad”).
Prevention: vaccination remains essential, particularly for dogs travelling overseas.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis
Caused by Canine Adenovirus Type 1, this disease spreads via contact with infected saliva, urine, or faeces. It primarily attacks the liver but can also damage the eyes and other organs.
Prevention: vaccination offers effective, long-lasting protection.
Leptospirosis
This bacterial disease is spread by rats’ urine in water, puddles, or damp environments. It can cause serious liver and kidney damage and can also infect humans.
Prevention: annual vaccination is strongly advised to maintain protection.
Kennel Cough (Canine Tracheobronchitis)
A highly contagious respiratory condition transmitted between dogs through close contact.
Prevention: an intranasal vaccine protects against Bordetella bronchiseptica and Parainfluenza virus – important for dogs attending kennels, training, groomers, or parks.
Symptoms: a persistent dry, hacking cough that sounds as though something is caught in the throat.
Other Vaccinations
Depending on your dog’s lifestyle and risk factors, your vet may also recommend vaccination against:
Canine Coronavirus – affects the intestinal system, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, and loss of appetite.
Rabies – a fatal viral disease affecting the nervous system, spread through the saliva of infected animals. While not present in the UK, vaccination is required for dogs travelling abroad.
Keeping Your Dog Protected
Regular vaccinations are key to preventing serious disease and keeping your dog healthy.
If you are unsure when your pet’s next booster is due, contact the practice and we will help ensure their vaccinations remain up to date.