When it comes to health care, prevention is better than a cure, and that’s why vaccinations for your dog are crucial to ensuring their health and well-being. Vaccines protect against infection and transmittable diseases, which, when caught, can be severe and, in some cases, fatal.

As a pet owner, you have the power to protect your pets from preventable diseases through vaccinations.

Core and non-core vaccines for dogs

Vaccinations are classified as core and non-core. Core vaccines, which are essential for all dogs, protect against major diseases that are both widespread and potentially life-threatening. Non-core vaccines, on the other hand, are recommended based on your dog’s specific lifestyle, geographical location and risk factors. This includes coverage for Canine Cough and Leptospirosis.

 

Puppy vaccines in Australia

The core vaccines protect dogs against Canine Parvovirus,  Canine Distemper Virus, Canine Adenovirus, and They are typically combined into a single vaccine, commonly known as the C3 vaccine in Australia.

Dogs with no prior vaccination history or whose vaccination status is unknown should also receive these vaccines.

Puppy vaccines in Australia are administered from 6-8 weeks of age and depending on the type of vaccine used, may need either two or three vaccines to complete their primary course. Your vet will advise you how many vaccines are needed for your puppy.

Just like humans to keep your pet fully protected, they will require either an annual booster of the C3 or a booster every 3 years for depending on the vaccine used. Your vet will be able to advise you when your pets next vaccine is due. If your pet is covered for Canine Cough or Leptospirosis they will require annual boosters.

 

Protecting your puppy before they are fully vaccinated

Before your puppy is fully vaccinated, managing their activities to protect it from infections is crucial.

One of the easiest ways to protect your puppy before its vaccinations are complete is to avoid taking it to public parks or areas frequented by other dogs. These environments pose a higher risk of exposure to infectious diseases. Disease such as Canine Parvovirus are able to live in the environment for up to 18 months. However, as this is such a crucial time in their development, it’s equally important to stimulate your puppy’s developmental needs.

Ways to keep your puppy stimulated before being vaccinated:

• Take them on car rides to get them used to travel.
• Taking your pet to public places while keeping them safe in your arms.
• Visiting well-maintained, secure backyards that has not had any Parvovirus cases for the last 18 months. and friends or family.
• Arranging playdates with fully vaccinated dogs to promote socialisation skills in a well-maintained secure backyards that has not had any parvovirus cases in the last 18 months.

 

Puppy preschool classes offer an excellent balance of socialisation and basic training in a controlled environment, which can be crucial for your puppy’s early development.

Caring for your puppy before its full vaccination schedule requires patience and planning. However, this period lays the foundation for a healthy, well-adjusted dog capable of navigating various social settings with confidence and ease.

Our friendly team is here to support you and your pet through this journey. Whether you need to assess your puppy’s vaccination needs, schedule routine boosters, or seek advice on safe socialisation practices. Please call us at 03 9328 3021 or book online via our website.