Which vaccinations does my dog need?

Vaccinating a young dog in good time can spare the animal serious illnesses. Veterinary professionals advise that puppies be vaccinated early against various pathogens. A repeat vaccination in the animals' advanced age is also recommended. Most vaccinations should also be boostered regularly, since their effectiveness in terms of immunisation diminishes over time.

Preparing for the vaccination

So that no health problems arise in the dog as a result of the vaccination and the animal can develop optimal immunity against the relevant pathogen through the vaccine, the dog must be in a flawless state of health and must not have a weakened immune system. For this reason, many vets advise carrying out a worming treatment and a flea treatment before the first vaccination. A general examination of the state of health before every vaccination is a matter of course.

The first initial vaccination is advised very early

Vets already recommend giving the first vaccinations at an age of 8 to 9 weeks. These initial vaccinations are usually given against parvovirus, kennel cough, hepatitis, distemper and against the dog disease leptospirosis. Vaccinations against rabies and against ticks are as a rule only given at the second round of vaccination a few weeks later. In our expertise we use this knowledge for the considerate guidance of the young dog.

When is the second vaccination carried out?

The second vaccination in a dog's life is usually carried out about a month after the first vaccination. At this repeat vaccination, vaccine preparations against the dog diseases already mentioned are again administered. At this round of vaccination, however, the first rabies vaccination and optionally a vaccination against ticks are now added. After this round of vaccination, the dog is initially armed against the relevant diseases for the coming months.

How often should vaccinations be repeated?

So that long-term vaccination protection against the dangerous dog diseases remains in place, vets advise repeating the vaccinations. Optionally, the owner can arrange further vaccinations, such as against borreliosis from ticks. Fundamentally, this is a matter to be clarified directly with the veterinary practice. If the owner wishes to travel abroad with their animal, it is necessary to clarify which vaccinations are needed for this. Some vaccinations may have to be boostered for a trip with the dog. All the dog's vaccinations are always recorded in the animal's vaccination pass, which serves not only for checking but is also needed for trips abroad.

Making the decision for or against vaccination

This article does not constitute a call to vaccinate, but merely serves as general information and education. Whether a dog is vaccinated or not remains up to each owner to decide.

This article serves as general information and as an aid to raising awareness of your dog's health care.