Puppy Vaccinations: Everything You Need to Know

Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting time, but ensuring they get the best start in life includes protecting them against preventable diseases. Vaccinations are a crucial part of responsible pet ownership, helping to safeguard your puppy’s health and wellbeing. In this guide, we’ll cover the importance of vaccinations, the recommended schedule, costs, and other essential information.

Why Are Puppy Vaccinations Important?

Vaccinations help prevent serious and potentially fatal diseases in dogs. Puppies inherit some immunity from their mother’s milk, but this protection fades after a few weeks, making vaccinations essential to build their immune system.

Core vaccines protect against highly contagious and life-threatening diseases, while non-core vaccines may be recommended based on your puppy’s lifestyle and risk factors.

Core Vaccines for Puppies

Core vaccines are essential for all puppies, as they protect against widespread and dangerous diseases. These include:

1. Canine Parvovirus – A highly contagious virus that causes severe vomiting, diarrhoea, and dehydration, often fatal in young puppies.

2. Canine Distemper – A virus that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems, leading to serious illness or death.

3. Infectious Canine Hepatitis – A viral infection affecting the liver, kidneys, and eyes, causing fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

4. Rabies (In Some Cases) – While not a major risk in Ireland, rabies vaccination may be required for travel abroad.

Non-Core Vaccines

Depending on your puppy’s lifestyle, your vet may recommend additional vaccines, such as:

• Kennel Cough (Bordetella Bronchiseptica) – Recommended if your puppy will be around other dogs in kennels, dog parks, or training classes.

• Leptospirosis – A bacterial infection that can spread to humans and is common in areas with standing water or wildlife.

• Canine Coronavirus – A viral infection that affects the intestines but is less severe than parvovirus.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Your vet will provide a vaccination schedule tailored to your puppy, but a general guideline is:

• 6–8 Weeks: First vaccinations (Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis, and Leptospirosis)

• 10–12 Weeks: Second vaccinations (Booster for initial vaccines + Kennel Cough if required)

• 14–16 Weeks: Final booster and rabies vaccine (if needed for travel)

• Annual Booster: Ongoing protection against diseases like Leptospirosis and Parvovirus

Your puppy should not mix with unvaccinated dogs or visit public spaces until they have completed their vaccinations to minimise the risk of infection.

How Much Do Puppy Vaccinations Cost in Ireland?

The cost of puppy vaccinations varies depending on the vet and location, but you can expect to pay around €40–€70 per visit. Some veterinary clinics offer puppy vaccination packages, which may include health checks and microchipping.

What to Expect After Vaccination

Most puppies experience no side effects, but mild symptoms can include:

• Slight swelling or tenderness at the injection site

• Temporary fatigue or sleepiness

• Mild fever

Serious reactions are rare, but if your puppy experiences vomiting, difficulty breathing, or swelling around the face, contact your vet immediately.

Final Thoughts

Vaccinating your puppy is one of the most important steps in ensuring a healthy and happy life. Following a vet-recommended vaccination schedule will protect them from preventable diseases and contribute to overall public health. If you’re unsure about your puppy’s vaccination needs, speak to your vet for personalised advice.

For more tips on dog ownership and care, explore the Dog Blog at Dog Deals for valuable resources.