Dog Vaccinations: All You Need To Know

We all want the best for our pets and this means making sure they stay healthy. Getting your dog vaccinated can help protect him or her against a range of infectious diseases, many of which can be fatal. 

But how much do vaccinations cost, what do they protect against, and how often are they required? Find out with our guide.

Why do dogs need vaccinations?

Vaccinations are vital for protecting your dog from contracting dangerous diseases and can also stop your pet from passing on these illnesses to other animals. 

While vaccinations are not 100% effective at protecting pets from diseases, they work in the majority of cases and are an important step in making sure your pet stays fit and well. 

When should my dog be vaccinated?

Your puppy will need to receive its first set of vaccinations once it is six to eight weeks old. Two to four weeks later, it will need a second set, while some high-risk puppies may even need a third set. 

It’s best to check with your breeder or rehoming centre whether your puppy’s vaccination schedule has already started before you book a vaccination appointment. If you’re not sure, you can bring the paperwork to your local vet who will be able to check whether your puppy has already had any vaccinations. 

Crucially, your pet must not mix with other dogs or go outside until they have been vaccinated. 

What vaccinations does my dog need?  

There are four main diseases dogs in the UK are vaccinated against:

• Canine parvovirus: a highly contagious disease that causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be deadly without treatment

• Leptospirosis: a bacterial infection that attacks a dog’s nervous system and organs. It is mainly spread through infected urine and contaminated water and can also be passed on to humans

• Canine distemper: a contagious virus that spreads through dog’s saliva and urine. Symptoms include fever, coughing, watery discharge from the nose and eyes, vomiting and diarrhoea. In later stages the central nervous system can be affected, and serious cases can be fatal

• Infectious canine hepatitis: a viral disease that affects a dog’s liver, kidneys, eyes and blood vessel linings. It is spread through bodily fluids and can cause lethargy, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and coughing.

As well as these four primary vaccinations, if your dog is going into kennels, the kennel cough vaccine will also be required. Kennel cough is the common name for infectious bronchitis in dogs and the vaccine must be given into the nose. It is only effective for six months. 

Taking your pet abroad

If you’re planning to take your dog on holiday with you to an EU country or Northern Ireland, he/she will also require a rabies jab. Your dog will need to be at least 12 weeks old and already microchipped before it can have the vaccination.

Dog booster vaccinations: are they necessary? 

Once your puppy has had the initial vaccination course, it will need regular booster injections to ensure it stays protected and doesn’t lose immunity. 

The Royal Veterinary College recommends getting boosters once a year, although booster jabs for canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis and parvovirus are usually only required every three years.

Speak to your vet to work out the best schedule for your dog. 

What is titre testing?

If your dog has previously had vaccinations, an alternative to certain booster injections is titre testing. This involves measuring the markers of immunity in the blood via an annual blood test and can give you an idea of how well protected your dog still is. If the levels fall below a certain level, your dog will need another vaccination. 

Note, however, that the cost of titre testing can be higher than vaccinating and the test is not possible for leptospirosis so your dog will still need an annual booster injection. Some kennels and insurers will also not accept a titre test result in place of a vaccine.    

How much do dog vaccinations cost?

The cost of dog vaccinations varies depending on the vet practice, but you can usually expect to pay around £60 for the first and second set. Annual boosters tend to cost around £35 to £40 but it’s best to give your vet a ring to get a full price list.

Does pet insurance cover vaccination fees? 

Most dog insurance policies won’t cover vaccination fees, but you may secure a lower insurance premium by vaccinating your dog. Some insurers will insist that vaccinations are up to date in order for your policy to remain valid. 

If you’re concerned about the cost of vaccinating your dog and your household receives certain benefits, you may be eligible for low-cost medical care from some animal charities such as the PDSA or RSPCA. 

Are there any side effects to dog vaccinations? 

Vaccinations are rarely associated with severe side effects, but your dog may experience some common mild side effects such as:

• Lethargy
• Eating less
• Fever
• Mild swelling around the vaccine site

Less common side effects include twitching, vomiting, diarrhoea and itchy skin. In very rare circumstances, your pet could experience an allergic reaction such as breathing difficulty, a pounding heart beat and seizures.

If you’re at all concerned about side effects, it’s important to call your vet for advice as soon as possible. If your dog is having an allergic reaction, phone your vet immediately.