Many dog owners think: 'My dog mostly stays in the garden, so why vaccinate it?'. But viruses know no borders: they come into the home on shoes and clothes and through other dogs. Distemper and parvovirus can kill a puppy in a few days.
a complete guide to vaccinations and care
Dog vaccinations
Vaccination is the surest way to protect your dog.
We explain which vaccines a dog needs, what the schedule looks like, how to prepare your dog for a vaccination and what every owner should know.
Vaccination is the surest way to protect your dog.
We explain which vaccines a dog needs, what the schedule looks like, how to prepare your dog for a vaccination and what every owner should know.
What does vaccination protect against?
Core vaccines:
damages the liver and can be fatal for puppies.
Infectious canine hepatitis (ICH)
life-threatening for dogs and people. The UK and Ireland are free of classical rabies (only bats carry related viruses), so the vaccine isn't part of routine vaccinations here; it's required for travel abroad.
Rabies
causes severe diarrhoea and dehydration and is especially dangerous for puppies.
Parvovirus
damages the airways and nervous system and is often fatal. Rare in the UK thanks to vaccination.
Distemper
part of kennel cough; often included in the combined vaccine.
Parainfluenza (kennel cough)
What does vaccination protect against?
Core vaccines:
Infectious canine hepatitis (ICH)
damages the liver and can be fatal for puppies.
Rabies
life-threatening for dogs and people. The UK and Ireland are free of classical rabies (only bats carry related viruses), so the vaccine isn't part of routine vaccinations here; it's required for travel abroad.
Parvovirus
causes severe diarrhoea and dehydration and is especially dangerous for puppies.
Distemper
damages the airways and nervous system and is often fatal. Rare in the UK thanks to vaccination.
Parainfluenza (kennel cough)
part of kennel cough; often included in the combined vaccine.
Leptospirosis
bacteria spread by rodents' urine, often in standing water. It can infect people; in the UK the vaccine is part of the routine course.
Bordetella (kennel cough)
spreads wherever many dogs meet: boarding kennels, training classes and shows. Most UK boarding kennels ask for it.
Canine coronavirus
usually causes mild diarrhoea; WSAVA doesn't recommend the vaccine.
Babesiosis
spread by ticks, mainly in southern Europe (there have been cases in England too); tick protection matters most.
As needed:
Leptospirosis
bacteria spread by rodents' urine, often in standing water. It can infect people; in the UK the vaccine is part of the routine course.
Bordetella (kennel cough)
spreads wherever many dogs meet: boarding kennels, training classes and shows. Most UK boarding kennels ask for it.
Canine coronavirus
usually causes mild diarrhoea; WSAVA doesn't recommend the vaccine.
Babesiosis
spread by ticks, mainly in southern Europe (there have been cases in England too); tick protection matters most.
As needed:
6–7 weeks
Health check. A first dose this early (distemper, parvo, ICH) only if the risk of infection is high.
Bordetella.
Doses 2–4 weeks apart.
8–9 weeks
1st dose of the combined vaccine.
Leptospirosis: in the UK usually given with the first dose.
Only healthy puppies are vaccinated.
12 weeks
2nd dose. Rabies only for travel abroad, from 12 weeks of age.
Bordetella, Leptospira.
Worming as per the puppy schedule.
16 weeks
Last dose, no earlier than 16 weeks of age (WSAVA 2024).
Repeat depending on risk.
Protection develops.
6 months
Booster at 26 weeks of age (WSAVA 2024).
—
Or at 1 year of age: your vet decides.
1 year
Booster if it wasn't given at 6 months.
—
After that, the adult dog schedule.
Puppy vaccination schedule
Note
Depending on risk (non-core)
Core vaccines
Age
A puppy's protection develops gradually. Its mother's antibodies protect it in the first weeks, but they can stop early doses from working, which is why several doses are needed.
Puppy vaccination
schedule
schedule
A puppy's protection develops gradually. Its mother's antibodies protect it in the first weeks, but they can stop early doses from working, which is why several doses are needed.
Age
6–7 weeks
Core vaccines
Health check. A first dose this early (distemper, parvo, ICH) only if the risk of infection is high.
Depending on risk (non-core)
Bordetella.
Note
Doses 2–4 weeks apart.
Age
8–9 weeks
Core vaccines
1st dose of the combined vaccine.
Depending on risk (non-core)
Leptospirosis: in the UK usually given with the first dose.
Note
Only healthy puppies are vaccinated.
Age
12 weeks
Core vaccines
2nd dose. Rabies only for travel abroad, from 12 weeks of age.
Depending on risk (non-core)
Bordetella, Leptospira.
Note
Worming as per the puppy schedule.
Age
16 weeks
Core vaccines
Last dose, no earlier than 16 weeks of age (WSAVA 2024).
Depending on risk (non-core)
Repeat depending on risk.
Note
Protection develops.
Age
6 months
Core vaccines
Booster at 26 weeks of age (WSAVA 2024).
Depending on risk (non-core)
—
Note
Or at 1 year of age: your vet decides.
Age
1 year
Core vaccines
Booster if it wasn't given at 6 months.
Depending on risk (non-core)
—
Note
After that, the adult dog schedule.
Regularly
As needed
Leptospirosis
every year: in the UK most vets recommend it for all dogs, especially those that swim, hunt or meet rodents
Bordetella (kennel cough)
every year if your dog goes to boarding kennels, training classes or shows
Coronavirus
not recommended (WSAVA)
Babesiosis
for trips to southern Europe: tick protection
Combined vaccine
distemper, parvo, ICH: no more often than every three years
Rabies
every 1–3 years depending on the product; keep it valid if you travel abroad.
Vaccinations for adult dogs
After the primary course, your dog is vaccinated like this:
According to WSAVA 2024, the core vaccine usually protects for
three years, so it doesn't need to be given every year.
three years, so it doesn't need to be given every year.
Leptospirosis
every year: in the UK most vets recommend it for all dogs, especially those that swim, hunt or meet rodents
Bordetella (kennel cough)
every year if your dog goes to boarding kennels, training classes or shows
Coronavirus
not recommended (WSAVA)
Babesiosis
for trips to southern Europe: tick protection
as needed:
Combined vaccine
(distemper, parvovirus, ICH).
Rabies
every 1–3 years depending on the product; keep it valid if you travel abroad.
Regularly:
Vaccinations for adult dogs
After the primary course, your dog is vaccinated like this:
According to WSAVA 2024, the core vaccine usually protects for three years, so it doesn't need to be given every year.
Checklist for you:
Before vaccination
Fleas and ticks
protection is kept up as planned, not specially before the vaccination;
protection is kept up as planned, not specially before the vaccination;
pregnant and nursing bitches are vaccinated only if absolutely necessary
a sick dog isn't vaccinated: postpone the visit
your vet examines your dog and takes its temperature
Worming– puppies every two weeks from 2 weeks of age, then monthly until 6 months; adults based on a faecal test or your vet's plan
Checklist for you:
Before vaccination
Fleas and ticks
protection is kept up as planned, not specially before the vaccination;
protection is kept up as planned, not specially before the vaccination;
your vet examines your dog and takes its temperature
a sick dog isn't vaccinated: postpone the visit
pregnant and nursing bitches are vaccinated only if absolutely necessary
Worming– puppies every two weeks from 2 weeks of age, then monthly until 6 months; adults based on a faecal test or your vet's plan
After vaccination
- mild tiredness for 1–2 days,
- slight swelling at the injection site,
- a reduced appetite for 1–2 days
After vaccination
- avoid cold and draughts,
- no shows and no boarding kennels,
- no strenuous exercise.
After vaccination
- severe vomiting or diarrhoea,
- swelling of the face or paws, or hives,
- difficulty breathing, seizures, a temperature above 39.5 °C.
After vaccination
Normal
- mild tiredness for 1–2 days,
- slight swelling at the injection site,
- a reduced appetite for 1–2 days
Puppies: 10–14 days
- avoid cold and draughts,
- no shows and no boarding kennels,
- no strenuous exercise.
See a vet
straight away
straight away
- severe vomiting or diarrhoea,
- swelling of the face or paws, or hives,
- difficulty breathing, seizures, a temperature above 39.5 °C.
Special cases
Travel abroad.
An unvaccinated adult dog.
A dog that rarely meets other dogs.
A microchip, a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before departure and an animal health certificate (from Great Britain) or an EU pet passport (from Ireland). On the way back, dogs need tapeworm treatment 1–5 days before arriving in the UK or Ireland.
Core vaccines are still recommended; others according to your vet's assessment.
One dose of live core vaccine is usually enough; the leptospirosis vaccine is given as two doses.
From 6–8 weeks of age, 2–4 weeks apart, with the last dose no earlier than 16 weeks. Kennel cough depending on risk.
A rescue puppy or an imported dog.
Special cases
Travel abroad.
An unvaccinated adult dog.
A dog that rarely
meets other dogs.
meets other dogs.
A microchip, a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before departure and an animal health certificate (from Great Britain) or an EU pet passport (from Ireland). On the way back, dogs need tapeworm treatment 1–5 days before arriving in the UK or Ireland.
Core vaccines are still recommended; others according to your vet's assessment.
One dose of live core vaccine is usually enough; the leptospirosis vaccine is given as two doses.
From 6–8 weeks of age, 2–4 weeks apart, with the last dose no earlier than 16 weeks. Kennel cough depending on risk.
A rescue puppy or an imported dog.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if a booster has been missed?
Usually there's no need to start the schedule again: your dog gets a single dose. Your vet decides.
Can I bath my dog after vaccination?
It's best to wait a couple of days.
Can my dog be vaccinated and neutered at the same time?
It's better to keep them apart: planned operations are usually done 1–2 weeks before or after vaccination.
Is an antibody (titre) test needed?
Sometimes. In an adult dog a titre can show whether a booster is needed, and some countries require a rabies titre.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if a booster has been missed?
Usually there's no need to start the schedule again: your dog gets a single dose. Your vet decides.
Can I bath my dog after vaccination?
It's best to wait a couple of days.
Can my dog be vaccinated and neutered at the same time?
It's better to keep them apart: planned operations are usually done 1–2 weeks before or after vaccination.
Is an antibody (titre) test needed?
Sometimes. In an adult dog a titre can show whether a booster is needed, and some countries require a rabies titre.
How to talk to your vet about vaccines
- a vaccine your dog has tolerated before, if it has reacted in the past;
- what the vaccination costs and whether a health check is included.
For example, ask about:
Ask about alternatives. If a particular brand isn't available, there are equally good vaccines with the same protection and the right interval.
Start with your vet. In the UK and Ireland your dog is vaccinated by a vet. Your vet assesses its vaccination status, age and risks (boarding kennels, training classes, working or hunting, shows, travel) and draws up a vaccination schedule.
How to talk to your vet about vaccines
- a vaccine your dog has tolerated before, if it has reacted in the past;
- what the vaccination costs and whether a health check is included.
For example, ask about:
Ask about alternatives. If a particular brand isn't available, there are equally good vaccines with the same protection and the right interval.
Start with your vet. In the UK and Ireland your dog is vaccinated by a vet. Your vet assesses its vaccination status, age and risks (boarding kennels, training classes, working or hunting, shows, travel) and draws up a vaccination schedule.
In short
Vaccination isn't a formality but real protection.
the main thing is to
vaccinate only a healthy dog, following the schedule and your vet's advice.
Puppies are vaccinated from 6–8 weeks of age, 2–4 weeks apart, with the last dose at 16 weeks.
Rabies isn't a routine vaccination in the UK and Ireland; it's given for travel abroad.
At 6 months to 1 year a booster is given.
Adult dogs receive the core vaccine no more often than every three years, and leptospirosis every year.
the main thing is to
In short
Vaccination isn't a formality but real protection.
vaccinate only a healthy dog, following the schedule and your vet's advice.
Puppies are vaccinated from 6–8 weeks of age, 2–4 weeks apart, with the last dose at 16 weeks.
Rabies isn't a routine vaccination in the UK and Ireland; it's given for travel abroad.
At 6 months to 1 year a booster is given.
Adult dogs receive the core vaccine no more often than every three years, and leptospirosis every year.
Frequently asked questions
Can vaccination make my dog afraid of the vet?
In short: the vaccine itself doesn't make a dog afraid. Fear comes from the situation: smells, slippery floors, being held, a cold table and an unprepared injection. A couple of bad visits is enough for a dog to start avoiding the clinic.
How to stop the visit becoming a bad experience:
Summary: the fear isn't caused by the vaccine but by the experience around it. Make the visit friendly, and your dog will be fine.
How to stop the visit becoming a bad experience:
- 'Clinic = treats'. Make short visits with no procedures: in, treat, praise, home. Two or three visits like this make a big difference.
- A calm day. Ask for a quiet appointment time, wait outside if possible and ask for a non-slip mat on the table.
- Cooperation. Let your dog stand on its own mat and lick a lick mat during the injection. Hold it gently, without force.
- Technique. A vaccine at room temperature, a thin needle and a relaxed dog reduce discomfort.
- Calming aids before the visit. Pheromone products such as Adaptil can help, and for a very nervous dog your vet may prescribe a calming medicine (gabapentin, for example): this is common and nothing to worry about.
- Muzzle = safety, not punishment. Teach your dog in advance to put its nose into the muzzle for a treat.
Summary: the fear isn't caused by the vaccine but by the experience around it. Make the visit friendly, and your dog will be fine.
Can my dog's protection be checked?
Yes, partly.
For some infections there is a blood test that measures antibodies (a titre):
When is a titre useful?
Limitations:
Conclusion: for core vaccines a titre is a useful tool, but your vet decides based on age, risk and travel plans.
For some infections there is a blood test that measures antibodies (a titre):
- Titres for distemper (CDV), parvovirus (CPV-2) and ICH (CAV-1) tell you the most: they correspond well to protection.
- Rabies: the titre is measured with special methods (FAVN), and it's required for travel to some countries outside the EU. A valid vaccination recorded on the certificate or passport is still needed.
- Leptospirosis and kennel cough: a titre says little about protection, because defences in the mucous membranes and cells play a big role.
When is a titre useful?
- in adult dogs whose vaccinations are up to date, to see whether a booster is needed now;
- when the history is unknown, for example after rehoming, to avoid unnecessary doses;
- when a dog has reacted to a vaccine, so that as few doses as possible are given.
Limitations:
- a titre doesn't measure cellular defences, so part of the protection isn't visible;
- laboratories and cut-off values vary;
- for rabies, travel rules decide, not titres.
Conclusion: for core vaccines a titre is a useful tool, but your vet decides based on age, risk and travel plans.
Why are some dogs tired and grumpy after vaccination?
Dogs react differently: both immunity and sensitivity to pain and stress vary.
This depends on:
What helps:
If tiredness lasts more than 48 hours, or your dog vomits or has diarrhoea, swelling or difficulty breathing, it isn't normal but a reason to contact your vet.
This depends on:
- Body. Age, size and individual reaction. Mild tiredness for 24–48 hours is normal.
- The situation. The journey, a busy waiting room and firm restraint: your dog is tired from stress, not from the vaccine.
- A lot at once. An examination, nail clipping, ear cleaning, a blood test and two vaccines on the same day cause a stronger reaction.
- Technique. A tense muscle, a cold vaccine and stress make the injection more uncomfortable.
- Previous experiences. If a visit was unpleasant before, your dog expects the same again.
What helps:
- Split the visits. The vaccine one day, grooming another. Extra vaccines can be given at a separate visit.
- Preventive medicines: only on your vet's decision, if your dog has reacted strongly before.
- A sense of safety: treats, its own mat and gentle handling.
- A calm day afterwards. Sleep, water and short walks: no training and no long journeys.
If tiredness lasts more than 48 hours, or your dog vomits or has diarrhoea, swelling or difficulty breathing, it isn't normal but a reason to contact your vet.
Can my dog catch an infection at the clinic during a vaccination visit?
In theory yes, as anywhere animals meet. In practice the risk is small, because clinics have isolation and disinfection procedures.
How to reduce the risk even further for a puppy that hasn't finished its course:
Important: the vaccine isn't contagious. Modern vaccines are safe for healthy dogs; mild tiredness is the immune system's reaction, not an infection. The biggest risk is contact with other dogs, not the visit itself.
How to reduce the risk even further for a puppy that hasn't finished its course:
- The first appointment of the day: that's when it's quietest.
- Not on the floor. Carry your puppy or let it sit on a blanket, and don't let it sniff shared bowls and toys.
- Special puppy appointments: ask your practice.
- After the visit go home, not to the dog park. Protection develops in 10–14 days.
- Wash your hands and shoes afterwards, especially if there are unvaccinated animals at home.
Important: the vaccine isn't contagious. Modern vaccines are safe for healthy dogs; mild tiredness is the immune system's reaction, not an infection. The biggest risk is contact with other dogs, not the visit itself.
Frequently asked questions
Can vaccination make my dog afraid of the vet?
In short: the vaccine itself doesn't make a dog afraid. Fear comes from the situation: smells, slippery floors, being held, a cold table and an unprepared injection. A couple of bad visits is enough for a dog to start avoiding the clinic.
How to stop the visit becoming a bad experience:
Summary: the fear isn't caused by the vaccine but by the experience around it. Make the visit friendly, and your dog will be fine.
How to stop the visit becoming a bad experience:
- 'Clinic = treats'. Make short visits with no procedures: in, treat, praise, home. Two or three visits like this make a big difference.
- A calm day. Ask for a quiet appointment time, wait outside if possible and ask for a non-slip mat on the table.
- Cooperation. Let your dog stand on its own mat and lick a lick mat during the injection. Hold it gently, without force.
- Technique. A vaccine at room temperature, a thin needle and a relaxed dog reduce discomfort.
- Calming aids before the visit. Pheromone products such as Adaptil can help, and for a very nervous dog your vet may prescribe a calming medicine (gabapentin, for example): this is common and nothing to worry about.
- Muzzle = safety, not punishment. Teach your dog in advance to put its nose into the muzzle for a treat.
Summary: the fear isn't caused by the vaccine but by the experience around it. Make the visit friendly, and your dog will be fine.
Can my dog's protection be checked?
Yes, partly.
For some infections there is a blood test that measures antibodies (a titre):
When is a titre useful?
Limitations:
Conclusion: for core vaccines a titre is a useful tool, but your vet decides based on age, risk and travel plans.
For some infections there is a blood test that measures antibodies (a titre):
- Titres for distemper (CDV), parvovirus (CPV-2) and ICH (CAV-1) tell you the most: they correspond well to protection.
- Rabies: the titre is measured with special methods (FAVN), and it's required for travel to some countries outside the EU. A valid vaccination recorded on the certificate or passport is still needed.
- Leptospirosis and kennel cough: a titre says little about protection, because defences in the mucous membranes and cells play a big role.
When is a titre useful?
- in adult dogs whose vaccinations are up to date, to see whether a booster is needed now;
- when the history is unknown, for example after rehoming, to avoid unnecessary doses;
- when a dog has reacted to a vaccine, so that as few doses as possible are given.
Limitations:
- a titre doesn't measure cellular defences, so part of the protection isn't visible;
- laboratories and cut-off values vary;
- for rabies, travel rules decide, not titres.
Conclusion: for core vaccines a titre is a useful tool, but your vet decides based on age, risk and travel plans.
Why are some dogs tired and grumpy after vaccination?
Dogs react differently: both immunity and sensitivity to pain and stress vary.
This depends on:
What helps:
If tiredness lasts more than 48 hours, or your dog vomits or has diarrhoea, swelling or difficulty breathing, contact your vet.
This depends on:
- Body. Age, size and individual reaction. Mild tiredness for 24–48 hours is normal.
- The situation. The journey, a busy waiting room and firm restraint: your dog is tired from stress, not from the vaccine.
- A lot at once. An examination, nail clipping, ear cleaning, a blood test and two vaccines on the same day cause a stronger reaction.
- Technique. A tense muscle, a cold vaccine and stress make the injection more uncomfortable.
- Previous experiences. If a visit was unpleasant before, your dog expects the same again.
What helps:
- Split the visits. The vaccine one day, grooming another. Extra vaccines can be given at a separate visit.
- Preventive medicines: only on your vet's decision, if your dog has reacted strongly before.
- A sense of safety: treats, its own mat and gentle handling.
- A calm day afterwards. Sleep, water and short walks: no training and no long journeys.
If tiredness lasts more than 48 hours, or your dog vomits or has diarrhoea, swelling or difficulty breathing, contact your vet.
Can my dog catch an infection at the clinic during a vaccination visit?
In theory yes, as anywhere animals meet. In practice the risk is small, because clinics have isolation and disinfection procedures.
How to reduce the risk even further for a puppy that hasn't finished its course:
Important: the vaccine isn't contagious. Modern vaccines are safe for healthy dogs; mild tiredness is the immune system's reaction, not an infection. The biggest risk is contact with other dogs, not the visit itself.
How to reduce the risk even further for a puppy that hasn't finished its course:
- The first appointment of the day: that's when it's quietest.
- Not on the floor. Carry your puppy or let it sit on a blanket, and don't let it sniff shared bowls and toys.
- Special puppy appointments: ask your practice.
- After the visit go home, not to the dog park. Protection develops in 10–14 days.
- Wash your hands and shoes afterwards, especially if there are unvaccinated animals at home.
Important: the vaccine isn't contagious. Modern vaccines are safe for healthy dogs; mild tiredness is the immune system's reaction, not an infection. The biggest risk is contact with other dogs, not the visit itself.