What vaccinations should my puppy receive?

You’ve brought home your new best friend – congratulations! Now it’s time to make sure your new puppy receives the right vaccinations.

Puppy vaccinations are one of the most important steps in giving them a healthy start to life, but we understand that navigating this part of your puppy’s health can sometimes feel overwhelming.

That’s why we put together this guide, walking you through the basics of puppy vaccinations and helping you make informed decisions for your pet’s long-term health and wellbeing.

Before their vaccinations, puppies receive maternal antibodies through their mother’s milk. These antibodies can remain present in the neonate (newborn dog) for up to 16 weeks, after which your puppy needs additional protection against harmful diseases.

At Virginia Veterinary we use Protech vaccines, which guarantee immunity when given after 10 weeks of age.

To give your puppy the best protection, we typically use the following vaccination schedule. However, please remember that every dog is different, and so it’s important to consult with your veterinarian.

First puppy vaccination at 6-8 weeks

For their first ever vaccination, we give your puppy Protech C4. This protects against:

• Parvovirus – a highly contagious viral illness causing severe vomiting, diarrhoea, and dehydration
• Canine Distemper – a contagious and serious disease affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems
• Canine Hepatitis – a viral infection affecting the liver, kidneys, and eyes
• Canine Parainfluenza – a respiratory virus contributing to kennel cough

Second puppy vaccination at 10-12 weeks

We follow up with a second dose of Protech C4, along with Protech Bronchishield Oral. This strengthens their protection against the same diseases as the first vaccination, plus protects against Bordetella Bronchiseptica – a bacterial infection that contributes to kennel cough.

Third puppy vaccination at 16 weeks

For your puppy’s final vaccination we give them Protech C3, which provides the required further protection against Parvovirus, Canine Distemper, and Canine Hepatitis.

Socialisation is crucial for your puppy’s mental and emotional development. At Virginia Veterinary, we recommend you start to take your puppy out 10 days after their second vaccination.

It’s important to choose safe environments like puppy preschool, playdates with vaccinated dogs, and visits to trusted groomers. Exposing your puppy to various experiences, people, and animals will help them grow into confident, well-adjusted adult dogs.

While we have a recommended vaccination schedule, it’s important to remember that every puppy is unique. Factors such as lifestyle, health status, and environment may influence your puppy’s vaccination protocol. As experienced veterinarians, we will work with you to create a personalised plan that meets your puppy’s specific needs.

1. Are vaccinations safe for my puppy? Yes, vaccinations are generally safe for puppies. We always consider each puppy’s health before administering vaccines and monitor them for any adverse reactions.
2. Can my puppy go outside before completing all vaccinations? We recommend waiting until 10 days after the second vaccination to take your puppy outside to public places, and do this with care until their course is finished.
3. How long does my puppy’s vaccination last? Most vaccine schedules advise a booster at 52 weeks of age. However, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association has recently updated their vaccination guidelines to include an initial booster being given at 26 weeks of age. This is designed as a safeguard in case your puppy doesn’t respond to its initial vaccinations, thus reducing the period of time that they are susceptible.

At Virginia Veterinary, we’re committed to providing the highest quality care for your puppy. Vaccinations are a vital part of this, protecting them from potentially life-threatening diseases.

By working closely with our veterinarians and following our recommended vaccination schedule, you can give your puppy the best chance at a happy and healthy life.

Book your puppy’s vaccination appointment today