Young puppies are protected from some infectious diseases by antibodies given to them by their mothers. This protection wears off at approximately seven weeks of age. Vaccination will not be of benefit in puppies until the protection from their mothers has waned.

We therefore recommend puppies are given their primary vaccination course at eight and ten weeks of age. If your puppy is older or if you have acquired an adult dog with no previous vaccination history this primary vaccination course can commence at any age.

Kennel cough vaccination can be administered from three weeks of age. Rabies vaccination and the pet passport scheme can commence from three months of age.

Vaccinated dams will pass immunity against infectious diseases onto their puppies. This immunity wanes by approximately seven weeks of age. Puppies may start their vaccinations from eight weeks of age Why does my dog need regular booster vaccinations throughout life? The protection given by the primary vaccination course is not life long and the immunity wears off at differing rates for different vaccinations. Adequate antibody levels should be maintained at the level necessary to fight infection should it arise. If a patient has missed its annual booster by greater than eighteen months it will be safer to have the primary vaccination course repeated to ensure adequate protection.

In addition to the administration of the vaccine the veterinary surgeon will give your pet a thorough clinical examination. The teeth will be examined and advice given about methods to improve dental hygiene. Eyes, ears, skin and lymph nodes will also be examined or palpated for abnormalities. We will listen to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope, and will palpate the abdominal organs to feel for abnormalities. We will discuss parasite prevention strategies with you and will answer any questions or perform additional examinations or tasks that may be necessary to optimise the health of your pet. It is very important to ascertain that your pet is healthy prior to
administration of a vaccine.

Older dogs should continue to receive annual vaccinations. Immunity does not last for life and the immune system deteriorates with age. It is very important to ascertain that your pet is healthy prior to administration of a vaccine.