The subject of vaccinations (as with children) can be controversial.  Ultimately it comes down to personal choice and good communication with your vet.  Therefore we highly recommend discussing this issue in detail with your own vet.  Your vet will also advise the best schedule of vaccination. 

It is very important to bear in mind the current vaccinations of the mother.  Once a mother has been vaccinated, puppies get protective anti-bodies from the mother across the placenta and milk.  Maternal derived anti-bodies (M.D.A.) neutralise the vaccine before it can cause an appropriate immune response in the puppy.  In other words the puppy’s body does not have to fight the vaccination and develop its own antibodies as the mother’s body has already carried out this process. M.D.A. derived antibodies as an average begin to be less effective when the puppy is approximately 12 weeks old – therefore we recommend vaccinating puppies should take place between 12 – 14 weeks.  If you are very concerned you may wish (on the advice of your own vet) to vaccinate between 10 – 12 weeks. 

Adult dogs require an annual booster.  It is important to ensure you do not exceed one year as the effectiveness of immunity (especially in the case of Leptospirosis) may decrease quickly and dramatically once 12 months have expired.

Many vets provide a combination vaccine DHPPi/L which can guard against several diseases such as Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza and Leptospirosis.  Remember you will need annual boosters so mark the date in your diary for the lifetime of your dog.

Vaccines can guard against many life-threatening illnesses but it is important to maintain good physical health for your puppy/dog with a healthy diet and exercise regime to ensure a long and happy life.

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