A Guide to Vaccinating Your New Puppy in Australia

Caring for a puppy is a big responsibility. Like human babies, puppies must be vaccinated to protect them, and other dogs, from infectious diseases.

Keep your dog safe on walks and with other furry friends with regular booster shots after their core vaccinations. This helps ensure immunity from preventable illnesses.

Once their immune system is up to scratch, your pup will require regular check-ups into adulthood to guarantee their body is in good condition.

Not sure of the process and puppy vaccination schedule? At Rossmore Vet Hospital, we delight in caring for all dog needs and providing pet owners with the information they require to best care for their furry friends. Here are our recommendations for dog vaccinations. Our door and line are always open for more detailed consultations.

When to Start Vaccinations

Exciting times! The family has just adopted a new puppy dog. A puppy is temporarily protected from antibodies by its mother’s milk.

Now that the little one is in your care, how can you keep it healthy from diseases like canine parvovirus, canine distemper virus, infectious canine hepatitis, and infectious canine tracheobronchitis (kennel cough)?

The first puppy vaccinations should start when the dog is six to eight weeks old.

Dogs also require follow-up shots for immunisations. Bring the puppy back to the vet every two to four weeks until the puppy is about sixteen weeks old.

Vaccination Schedule

Not all vaccinations are the same. As your puppy’s vaccination schedule progresses, your vet will immunise your pup against different diseases.

• 6–8 weeks: C3 (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus)
• 10–12 weeks: C5 (C3 + Parainfluenza, Bordetella)
• 14–16 weeks: C5, Rabies (if required by state)

It takes two weeks for the vaccine to settle. So, unless your vet approves, avoid taking your puppy on walks or interacting with other dogs until a fortnight has passed since its final booster shot.

Rabies is eradicated in Australia, so dogs born and raised here do not require a rabies vaccination.

However, if you bought your puppy overseas or are planning on leaving Australia with your dog, a rabies vaccination is advised after their arrival or before their departure.

The Importance of Key Vaccines

The two types of vaccinations in Australia — core and non-core — are mandated by the Australian Veterinary Association for all dogs.

Core vaccines, like distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus, are non-negotiable vaccinations administered to all puppies for protection against severe, life-threatening diseases that have a global distribution.

Non-core vaccines, like parainfluenza and bordetella bronchiseptica, are to be administered at the discretion of the veterinarian, dependent on the animal’s risk of contracting an infection according to factors like geographic location, local environment or lifestyle.

• Distemper vaccine: Rare in current times, but distemper was previously a severe viral disease, often fatal, with symptoms including coughing, diarrhoea, seizures, loss of balance and blindness.

• Parvovirus vaccine: Parvovirus is a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness causing fatal diarrhoea, particularly susceptible in puppies and dogs that are immunosuppressed, elderly dogs and ones that are around other canines often (like in boarding kennels).

• Hepatitis vaccine: Guards against a viral liver infection that can be potentially fatal or cause permanent, irreversible liver damage. Symptoms of hepatitis in dogs include vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

• Parainfluenza and its bacterial component, Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccines: Prevents contagious respiratory diseases like kennel cough. Whilst not fatal, kennel cough is highly debilitating and can progress to pneumonia.

Keeping Track of Vaccinations

At Rossmore Vet, we understand that it’s difficult to remember dates and deadlines for your puppy’s next vaccination. But forgetting can put your furry friend at great risk of contracting diseases.

Consider using a pet passport or vaccination book to record dates and attach vaccine stickers to stay on track.

Nonetheless, as your trusted pet partner, Rossmore Vet Hospital takes pride in our unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive care for your pets — we’ll help you out with your vaccination journey.

What to Expect After Vaccinations

With vaccinations, a small dosage of the virus is inserted into your puppy’s bloodstream, so their immune systems can get to work creating antibodies in case they contract the illness in the future.

Therefore, it’s not surprising that your puppy may experience some side effects after an injection. Common ones include a mild fever, decreased appetite, lethargy and soreness.

Monitor your puppy’s behaviour and contact your vet if severe reactions occur like anaphylaxis, hives, breathing difficulties, vomiting, facial swelling, itchiness or diarrhoea.

Socialisation After Vaccinations

Before your puppy’s second set of vaccines (around 12 weeks), keep their social interaction with people rather than other dogs. Playing indoors or in the backyard, car rides, and meeting your friends and family are all great ways to keep the pup entertained.

Afterwards, interaction with other dogs can begin. It’s around this time we recommend enrolling your puppy into puppy school, so the owner and pup can learn valuable obedience and good behavioural habits.

At around 16 weeks, after the full vaccination series is complete, is when safe interactions with other dogs are advised. Taking the puppy on walks, visiting the pets of family and friends and going to dog parks will help your dog become a social and positive member of your family.

Next Steps for Disease Prevention

Vaccinations don’t stop after sixteen weeks for your puppy. Your dog will require annual boosters to ensure they remain immunised and protected from viral infections.

It’s wise to bring your dog to the vet regularly for a health check to familiarise your pet with the environment and make future injections a smooth process.

Continue monitoring them for any discomfort and consult your vet for any concerns or specific advice for your puppy.

Consider booking your puppy for desexing as well. This simple procedure is quick and will have your puppy feeling happier, less aggressive and territorial, and safe from additional health risks. It is recommended for dogs to be desexed between six and nine months.

For friendly and professional advice about caring for your puppy’s immunisation process, you can contact Rossmore Vet Hospital on (02) 9606 6984, email us or pop by our practice. Booking your puppy’s next appointment or procedure has never been easier!