One of the most important things you can do to help your puppy live a long and healthy life is to get them vaccinated. There are a lot of contagious and possibly deadly diseases that can affect puppies. Some of these diseases can’t be cured, and treatment can be expensive or not work at all. That’s why puppy vaccinations are very essential.
Core and non-core vaccines are used in Australia to keep dogs safe from serious health problems. If you’ve just brought a new puppy home, knowing the vaccination schedule and why each shot is important will help you make smart decisions.
Let’s make it clear so you can take good care of your new best friend.
Why it’s important to vaccinate puppies
When your puppy is young, their immune system is still growing. This means they are more likely to get sick in the first few weeks and months of their lives. Vaccines help your puppy’s immune system get stronger before they come into contact with viruses or bacteria that could hurt them.
Some diseases, such as distemper or parvovirus, can live in the environment for a long time. Your puppy doesn’t have to touch another dog to get sick. If they aren’t vaccinated, even a walk in the park can put them in contact with harmful germs.
Vaccines teach your puppy’s body how to recognize and fight off these threats. It’s a safe way to get protection without having to get sick.
The First Injections Get Early
Most puppies get their first shot when they are between 6 and 8 weeks old. The breeder or shelter usually gives this first shot. After that, a regular schedule must be followed to keep the protection going.
Most of the time, the second vaccine is given when the child is 10 to 12 weeks old. The last and third puppy vaccine in the first series is given between 14 and 16 weeks. It’s very important to finish all three rounds. If you skip one, your puppy could be in danger.
It can take 10 to 14 days for vaccines to work fully. Your puppy’s immune system is still getting stronger during this time. It’s best to keep them away from parks, beaches, and busy streets where other dogs hang out until they are fully vaccinated.
Discovering about the essential puppy vaccines
“Core” vaccines are the most important ones that all puppies need. In Australia, these are often given as one shot called the C3 vaccine. The C3 vaccine protects against three major illnesses:
Canine Parvovirus
This virus makes you throw up a lot and have bloody diarrhea. It makes dogs thirsty and tired and kills a lot of them, especially young or unvaccinated ones. It is one of the most serious and common threats in Australia.
Virus for Canine Distemper
Distemper hurts the nervous system and the lungs. Some of the symptoms are coughing, runny nose, seizures, and paralysis. It spreads quickly and can kill you or leave you with permanent brain damage.
Canine Hepatitis (also known as Infectious Canine Hepatitis or ICH)
A virus that attacks the liver and other organs causes ICH, which can cause fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes jaundice. It can kill dogs in a few days and spreads quickly. These main diseases are dangerous, act quickly, and often kill. That’s why every puppy in Australia needs to get the C3 vaccine.
What about vaccines for puppies that aren’t core?
Not every dog needs all of the vaccines. Some vaccines are called “non-core” and are only recommended if your puppy is at risk of getting sick. These things can include where you live, how often your dog will be around other dogs, and what kinds of things you want them to do.
In Australia, the most common non-core vaccines are:
Bordetella Bronchiseptica
This bacterium is one of the things that causes what is commonly called “kennel cough.” For many dogs, it’s a mild respiratory illness, but it can be more serious for puppies, older dogs, or dogs with weak immune systems.
Canine Parainfluenza Virus
This virus also causes kennel cough. It spreads easily through the air in places where dogs play or hang out.
Leptospirosis
This disease is caused by bacteria that spread through water that has been tainted with the urine of sick animals, especially rats. It happens more often in cities with bad drainage or near rivers and creeks. It can also make people sick.
Some Australian vets may suggest extra vaccines based on the risk of disease outbreaks in the area or the environment. Your vet will help you come up with the best plan.
The Full Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination timing matters. Here’s a general guideline for a typical Australian puppy vaccination schedule:
6 to 8 Weeks
First vaccination. This usually includes the C3 vaccine, protecting against parvovirus, distemper, and hepatitis.
10 to 12 Weeks
Second round. This booster may also include parainfluenza and Bordetella for dogs at risk of kennel cough.
14 to 16 Weeks
Final vaccination in the series. At this stage, your puppy should have built strong immunity. Depending on the brand of vaccine used, some pups may not need additional non-core boosters.
12 Months and Beyond
Annual booster shots are required to maintain immunity. Your vet will provide guidance on whether a yearly or tri-annual schedule is best based on your dog’s health and environment.
Socializing Your Puppy During the Vaccination Period
Your puppy needs to be around other people and dogs to grow emotionally. It stops your dog from acting out of fear later in life and teaches him or her how to get along with people and other dogs.
But you have to find a balance. Puppies are at risk during the early vaccination window. Stay away from places where dogs you don’t know are, like beaches and parks where dogs can run free.
A puppy school is a great idea. These classes give puppies a safe place to play with other puppies who are at the same stage of vaccination. In a safe place, they can learn how to behave, gain confidence, and start making friends. You can also show your puppy new sights and sounds around the house, or take them on short trips to crowded places so they can get used to people and noise.
After the Last Vaccination, What Happens
Most people think that their puppy is safe after their last shot, which is usually given between 14 and 16 weeks of age, and two weeks have passed. It’s time to start exploring the world together now.
You can start taking regular walks, going to parks, or letting your dog meet other dogs that have been vaccinated. It’s also a good time to go over the training and social routines that will help your child behave well for the rest of their life.
Adult Dog Booster Shots
A lot of dog owners think that their dog will be safe for life once they get their shots as a puppy. Sadly, immunity doesn’t last forever. Adults need to get booster shots on a regular basis to stay protected.
How often these boosters are given will depend on the type of vaccine used and your dog’s specific health needs. Your vet may suggest that you get a C5 vaccine every year to protect against both core and kennel cough-related illnesses. Even years later, skipping boosters puts your dog at risk again. Parvo and distemper are two diseases that don’t go away. They are still around and can kill dogs of any age who aren’t protected.
What You Need to Know About the C5 Vaccine
Instead of C3, your vet might suggest a “C5 vaccine.” This version protects against parvovirus, distemper, and hepatitis in the same way as the last one, but it adds two more things:
Bordetella Bronchiseptica
This causes kennel cough, which is very important for dogs that go to daycare, boarding kennels, or group training.
The Parainfluenza Virus
A respiratory infection that makes a dog’s cough worse and is common where dogs hang out. In fact, most places in Australia that allow dogs require proof of C5 vaccination before they will let them in.
Picking the Right Schedule for Vaccines
Not every puppy goes the same way. Before making a schedule for your puppy, your vet will look at its age, size, breed, lifestyle, and any health problems it already has. If a dog has missed previous vaccinations or was rescued without medical records, their plan may need to be changed.
Older puppies and adult dogs may only need one or two shots to get some protection in some cases. But for puppies younger than 16 weeks, the safest thing to do is to stick to the full series of three.
Vaccinating your puppy will protect your family as well.
Leptospirosis is one dog disease that can spread to people. Vaccinating your pet not only keeps them safe, but it also keeps you and your family safe. This is very important in homes with young kids, old people, or people with weak immune systems.
When you get your dog vaccinated, you help make the community healthier. If fewer dogs have these diseases, they are less likely to spread them.
Making Vaccinations a Good Thing
The first time you take your puppy to the vet should be as calm and fun as possible. These first visits will affect how your dog feels about going to the vet for the rest of their life. To make the experience less stressful, vets often give treats, handle the animals gently, and praise them. You can help by bringing your puppy’s favorite blanket or toy to make them feel better.
Stay calm yourself. Dogs can tell when people are anxious. Talk to them softly, give them pats and treats after the appointment, and plan some fun time afterwards, like a cuddle or a car ride, so they remember the vet in a good way.
Closing Remarks
Getting your puppy vaccinated is an important part of being a responsible dog owner. They keep your pet safe from diseases that can be very bad or even deadly. They also make sure your puppy can have a full and exciting life without taking too many risks.
Start early, follow the schedule, and keep getting boosters on time. Talk to your vet about making a plan that fits your puppy’s health and way of life. A little bit of prevention can go a long way. The reward is a dog that is healthy and happy and can safely explore the world with you.
