Do dogs really need vaccines?

Pets should receive core vaccines—those medically necessary for all pets—and may need others depending on their lifestyle. No medication is without risk, but the benefits of vaccinating pets outweigh the risks. Vaccinations in pets protect against devastating and life-threatening diseases, such as rabies and distemper.


What happens if you don't vaccinate your dog?

If dogs aren't vaccinated at a young age, they will be vulnerable to diseases such as rabies, canine distemper, hepatitis, canine parvovirus, Lyme disease, canine influenza, leptospirosis, and kennel cough.

Can a dog survive without vaccinations?

Dogs can live perfectly well without shots and it is the personal decision of the dog owner as to whether to get the dog inoculated or not. However, if you do decide not to have your dog inoculated you may be putting it at increased risk of contracting certain conditions that could, in effect, pose a risk to its life.


Which dog vaccines are absolutely necessary?

Core vaccines are considered vital to all pets based on risk of exposure, severity of disease or transmissibility to humans. For Dogs: Vaccines for canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis and rabies are considered core vaccines.

Do dogs really need to be vaccinated every year?

Primary vaccination is essential in order to prevent the once common deadly puppy diseases. However, recent research indicates that not all vaccines require yearly boosters. There is no evidence that annual booster vaccination is anything but beneficial to the majority of dogs.


Vaccinating Your Dog- Does Your Dog Need Vaccinating?



How long can my dog go without vaccine?

Minimum recommended interval (dogs and cats) between any 2 vaccine doses is 2 weeks. Maximum recommended interval (dogs) is 6 weeks. Current feline vaccination guidelines recommend 3- to 4-week interval between doses during initial vaccination series for kittens.

What happens if you miss your dogs booster?

If your pet's vaccinations are overdue by more than around 3 months, your veterinary surgeon is likely to recommend that your dog restarts their vaccination course. This generally means that they repeat the vaccination course that they had as a puppy – two injections usually 2-4 weeks apart.

What vaccines are optional for dogs?

Optional vaccines for puppies
  • Bordetella. Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacteria that causes the respiratory disease Bordetella. ...
  • Canine parainfluenza virus. Canine parainfluenza virus (CPV) is one of the most common causes of canine cough. ...
  • Leptospirosis. ...
  • Lyme disease. ...
  • Canine influenza.


How often do I really need to vaccinate my dog?

Core vaccines are required for all dogs and puppies. A core combination vaccine should be given at 8, 10 and 12 weeks of age, and then repeated annually. Some veterinarians may switch to a three-year vaccination schedule after a dog reaches two years of age.

What are the 5 core vaccines for dogs?

Core vaccines for puppies and dogs include:
  • Rabies.
  • Parvovirus.
  • Canine hepatitis.
  • Canine Parainfluenza.
  • Canine distemper virus.


Should I vaccinate my dog UK?

There's no legal requirement to give your dog vaccines in the UK. However, vets recommend core vaccines for every dog to keep them safe and healthy. The exception to this is the rabies vaccine, which is a legal requirement if your dog is travelling in and out of the UK.


What happens if you dont get your dog jabbed?

Vaccinations: the basics

Sadly, a lot of the diseases your pet can catch if they aren't vaccinated are fatal in most cases. Even if your pet catches one and is able to recover, they will often be left with long-term problems which can put them through a lot of pain and distress and leave you with some costly vet bills.

Are unvaccinated dogs safe?

But it's also important to keep your puppy safe. Unvaccinated puppies are vulnerable to dangerous illnesses like parvovirus, leptospirosis and distemper, which they can get from both contact with other dogs and from feces left on the ground by other dogs.

Can I vaccinate my dog every 3 years?

If your pet is a puppy or kitten, they will usually be vaccinated three times in a period of six months, and after that, it could be yearly or even triennially top ups. In most cases, core vaccines are administered every three years, or even longer if the animal's conditions and environment support it.


Do dogs only need to be vaccinated once?

For most recommended vaccinations, your dog will need a booster shot one year after they receive an initial vaccination series as a puppy. Afterward, veterinarians typically recommend boosters once every three years.

Is it okay to be late on puppy shots?

Missing a vaccination or booster

If your puppy or kitten is more than 2 weeks late for booster vaccination, their immune system will no longer be as active, and this means that there will be less of an immune response from the subsequent vaccination.

What are the 3 mandatory vaccinations for a dog?

Mandatory vaccinations for dogs protect against canine distemper virus, parvovirus and rabies. Optional vaccines are used to protect against leptospirosis, parainfluenza, kennel cough caused by Bordetella, Lyme disease and coronavirus. Vaccination against leishmaniasis is another optional vaccine.


What vaccines shouldn't dogs get?

The Non-Core vaccines include:

Lyme Disease. Leptospirosis 4-way (this is sometimes included in combination vaccines with core vaccines, but it is a non-core vaccine and should be considered separately) Canine Influenza.

Can unvaccinated dogs be around vaccinated?

Can unvaccinated puppies be around vaccinated dogs? If you have another dog at home and they're up to date with all their booster vaccinations, then it's fine for them to socialise with your new puppy.

How Long Can dogs go without booster?

How much leeway is there in delaying booster jabs? According to WSAVA (The World Small Animal Veterinary Association) there is currently a three-month leeway period.


Do dogs need a booster every year UK?

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.

How much are dog vaccinations UK?

Cost of Puppy Vaccinations

The average cost of a puppy vaccination course in the UK is £70.4, but typically ranges from £50 up to £85. In some cases, the price includes additional value such as flea, tick and wormer treatments.

Can unvaccinated dogs go on walks?

If you take your unvaccinated puppy to a public place do not place them on the ground. Be cautious about letting your puppy meet another dog unless they are fully vaccinated. Start their vaccinations at 8 weeks. Wait 1-2 weeks after their second vaccination before walking them outdoors.


Can my unvaccinated puppy go in my garden?

We advise that your puppy is not allowed out until after the second vaccination. However, you puppy may go out in your own garden for toilet training and can mix with other healthy, fully vaccinated friend's and family's dogs within their own gardens.

What are the chances of a vaccinated dog getting parvo?

“Dogs who have three to five encounters with the vaccine will typically develop the highest amount of antibodies to protect from infection,” Dr. Burch said. And while some fully-vaccinated dogs can still get parvo — remember, this is rare — the vaccine will usually keep your pup completely safe.