Puppy and dog vaccinations
Dogs and puppies in the UK need to be vaccinated to protect them against several serious diseases.
Vaccinations are an important part of keeping your dog safe and healthy. Here’s the answers to your questions about what diseases they protect your dog against and when your dog may need their first vaccinations.
Why does my dog need vaccinations?
Vaccinations protect your dog against many dangerous and infectious diseases. These diseases can make your dog very unwell and, in some cases, can be fatal.
Each vaccination is an important part of keeping your dog safe.
Note
Vaccinations are likely to be a requirement if your dog goes into boarding kennels or if they travel abroad with you.
What vaccinations does my dog need?
In the UK, dogs and puppies should have core vaccinations to protect them against the following diseases:
Parvovirus is a very serious and life-threatening disease. Without intensive medical treatment, most dogs that become infected will die. It is very important to vaccinate your dog to protect them against the disease.
Parvovirus spreads through the vomit and poo of recently infected dogs. The virus can remain active in the environment for months to years. Dogs are infected by sniffing and licking while out and about. It causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea, which leads to dogs and puppies becoming very weak and dehydrated.
More on parvovirus
Canine distemper is a potentially fatal virus, closely related to human measles. It is spread through an infected dog's saliva when they cough or sneeze, and it can also be passed on through urine.
If your dog catches canine distemper, they will show signs such as a fever, runny eyes and nose, poor appetite and coughing. But as the disease progresses, it can affect their central nervous system, causing seizures, weak limbs and imbalance.
Serious cases can be fatal, and if your dog recovers they are likely to suffer from ongoing health problems. As there is no cure, it's important to prevent canine distemper through vaccinations.
More on canine distemper
Leptospirosis is a serious, life-threatening disease which can progress quickly and lead to organ failure.
It is spread through the urine of infected dogs and it can contaminate water or soil. Leptospirosis can enter your dog's body through their eyes, nose, mouth or broken skin. If your dog catches the disease, it can cause excessive thirst, fever, vomiting and muscle pain.
While antibiotics can treat leptospirosis, treatment isn't always successful and there can often be long-term health complications.
Adenovirus is a virus with two strains:
- Adenovirus 1 causes hepatitis, an infection of the liver (also known as Infectious Canine Hepatitis)
- Adenovirus 2 causes a respiratory illness (similar to kennel cough)
In both cases this disease is spread through the saliva, urine, poo, blood or nasal discharge of infected dogs. The virus can survive for many months and make your dog very unwell.
When should my dog have their first vaccinations?
Your dog will need their first primary course of vaccinations while they are a puppy. After that, they will need a booster vaccination roughly every year for the rest of their lives.
It's essential to keep up to date with your dog's booster vaccinations to keep them protected against harmful diseases. Your vet should provide you with a vaccination record card, so you will know when your dog is due to have their booster.
Puppy vaccinations
It's important to vaccinate your puppy as soon as your vet says they are ready. This will protect them from picking up any dangerous diseases while they are young.
Your puppy will need a course of two vaccinations.
- The first vaccination will be given when they are between six and nine weeks old
- The second dose will be given around four weeks later
Important
Follow your vet's advice on keeping your puppy safe until their vaccination course is complete. Read more about socialising your puppy before their vaccinations.
What if I don’t know if my dog has been vaccinated?
Respectable breeders will always be able to provide a proof of vaccination. Good rehoming charities like Blue Cross will also give dogs a full vet check and vaccinations before they start their life as your pet.
If for any reason you are unsure whether your dog has had their vaccinations, let your vet know. Dogs can be vaccinated at any age and will need a primary vaccination course consisting of two injections, given four weeks apart.
Are there any other vaccines my dog might need?
Your vet may recommend other non-essential vaccinations to help protect your dog. This often depends on your lifestyle. They include kennel cough and rabies vaccinations.
Kennel cough
It is likely that your dog will need to be vaccinated against kennel cough if you are planning to board them in a kennel.
The vaccine for kennel cough is given into the nose and is only protective for six months.
More on kennel cough
Rabies
Rabies is not a required vaccine for dogs in the UK. But it is essential if you are planning to take your dog to a country outside of the UK.
To have the rabies vaccination, your dog will need to be at least 12 weeks old and microchipped.
How much do dog vaccinations cost?
Dog vaccinations are priced differently between vet practices. To find out how much your dog's vaccinations are going to cost, contact your local vet practice for advice.
Note
The price of the vaccination will always be less than the cost of treating the diseases themselves.
Will vaccinations make my dog unwell?
Dog vaccinations are designed to protect your dog and will not give them any of the diseases contained in the vaccine.
Serious life-threatening reactions to vaccinations are very rare. There are sometimes mild side effects, and you may notice your dog become quieter or sleepier than usual after their injection. Occasionally, they can also develop a fever. These side effects are mild and usually last for around 24 hours after their vaccination.
Some dogs can also develop a swelling in the skin where the vaccine was injected – this should go down within three to four weeks.
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Reviewed
• 7 March 2025
Next review
• 7 March 2028
