A new puppy is a very exciting time. It can also be information overload and overwhelm. Especially when you consider the differing opinions from breeders, social media, friends, family, our own past experiences, marketing, and so much more.
We make sure we give clear and concise professional, evidence based information on puppy vaccinations and the health care for your puppy.
We use the WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) guidelines to help form our advice and protocols. We talk puppy dog vaccinations in terms of “Core” or C3 vaccinations and “Full” or C5 vaccination.
What is in a C3 vaccination?
Protection against Canine Distemper, Canine Parvovirus, and Canine Hepatitis.
What is in a C5 vaccination?
This includes protection for the above three diseases PLUS the two main components that cause canine cough – Bordetella Bronchiseptica and Parainfluenza 2.
There are many other vaccinations available that are not routinely used in pet puppies and are a discussion for breeding colonies, shelter animals or dogs travelling overseas, which will not be covered here.
When and with what should you vaccinate YOUR puppy?
Instead of trying to bust all the different myths and opinions out there we are going to give you our “TOP TIPS” and what we want you to remember when talking vaccinations for (healthy) puppies. First the tips, then the details behind WHY we have these recommendations. So for those that want the science and details… read until the end.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Instead of trying to bust all the different myths and opinions out there we are going to give you our recommended puppy vaccination schedule and what we want you to remember when talking vaccinations for (healthy) puppies. First the tips, then the details behind WHY we have these recommendations. So for those that want the science and details… read until the end.
| Puppy Age | Vaccination |
|---|---|
| 6-8 weeks | All puppies should have a C3 vaccination at 6-8 weeks of age. |
| 10 Weeks | We want you to have your puppies next (C5) vaccination at TEN WEEKS OF AGE! Don’t wait until 12 weeks old even if it says so on your vaccination certificate/adoption information. |
| 11 Weeks | We want you socialising with your puppy! |
| 14-16 weeks | There is a final puppy vaccination available at 14-16 weeks of age recommended by WSAVA. |
| 15 months | The first adult vaccination. |
When can puppies socialise after their second vaccination?
The main difference we really want to impress upon our clients is the value of POSITIVE SOCIALISATION during their critical social development phase, between 8 to 16 weeks old. This is the WHY behind the 10 week old puppy vaccination and waiting 7 days to socialise your puppy for the vaccine to be effective against the biggest health concern – canine parvovirus.
For those that want the details
The reason we vaccinate and administer booster vaccinations at certain intervals is to capture the gap between the maternal antibodies protection and the need for individual antibody production. Majority of puppies will successfully have the adequate level of antibodies after the 10 week vaccination. To the letter of the registration it is directed to wait 14 days after this vaccination for the highest rate of animals to have created these antibodies. We know that after 7 days, the majority of our puppies will have enough antibodies against parvovirus that their risk of contracting the disease is considerably diminished.
We are also in a low prevalence/risk area for exposure to parvovirus. While the risk of anti-social ty behaviours and anxiety disorders developing in dogs who have not had opportunities for positive socialisation far outweigh the health risks of parvovirus exposure in these animals.
Of course, we want to educate our clients to make informed decisions. So if this does not sit well with you, then we will support you taking a more cautious approach and hold back on socialising until 14 days after the 10 week vaccination.
The 16-week vaccination is elective as there is a small percentage of dogs that may not have “seroconverted” (ie produced antibodies) from the previous two vaccinations. This can occur in around d 4-6% of dogs. It is the WSAVA recommendations to administer this 16-week vaccination and as stated before, we support these high standards of care.
To be fully informative, the vaccination company we use has the vaccine registered for an “early 10 week of age finish” because they know the importance of socialisation, in a safe and low health risk way and know there is an extremely low risk of an individual being susceptible after this vaccination.
Core vaccinations, Triennial Vaccinations, And Canine Cough Vaccinations.
We choose to use Triennial core vaccinations for our adult dogs. This means that we are exposing their body to less vaccinations over their lifetime.
The canine cough portion of the vaccination still needs to be provided annually, and like the flu vaccination in people, is aimed at reducing contracting the diseases but also the severity and longevity of these infections. We still have a very real risk of canine cough in South Australia and encourage all dogs to have annual wellness health checks along with receiving either their Canine Cough vaccination, or C5 as indicated.
And don’t worry – we have all their records to know exactly what is due and when.
If you want to also keep up to speed with their vaccination records, along with several other awesome bonus features, we recommend you download the Pet Passport app, and link your pet up to the Pet Society Vet Portal. We can always give you a hand if you need it. Keep an eye out on our social media posts to learn more about the Pet Passport app.
NB – this is general information for the healthy standard puppy in the inner south-east suburbs of Adelaide and is not to replace individual health advice given to you by your consulting veterinarian. We will always advise you on your individual puppies’ needs during their health checks and consultations with our vets.
