1300 489 873
Getting a new puppy is exciting — but along with all the cuddles and play, there’s responsibility. One of the first and most important jobs: making sure your pup gets vaccinated at the right times. In Australia, vaccination is vital not just for your dog’s health, but also for community health. Here’s a guide to help you understand the vaccination schedule for puppies and why it matters.
Why Vaccinations Matter for Puppies
Vaccinations protect puppies from common, potentially serious diseases — from viral infections to parasites. Even indoor pups benefit, because some diseases can spread via other pets or be carried in on shoes/clothing. Early vaccination builds a foundation for long-term health.
Typical Puppy Vaccination Timeline (Australia)
While the exact schedule may vary depending on your vet and your region, a general guideline is:
- 6–8 weeks: First round of core vaccines including protection against viruses such as canine distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, plus de-worming.
- 10–12 weeks: Second booster — often includes same core vaccines.
- 14–16 weeks: Final core vaccination to ensure full immunity.
- Around 6 months: Check-up and possibly start non-core vaccines depending on lifestyle (e.g. leptospirosis, kennel cough) and de-sexing if planned.
- Annually (or per vet advice): Revaccination boosters & health check-ups.
Note: Your vet may tailor the schedule based on your puppy’s health, breed, lifestyle (indoor vs outdoors), and local disease risks.
Non-Core Vaccines & Lifestyle Considerations
If your dog will be boarded, socialised with other dogs, or spending time in bushy/park areas — your vet may recommend extra protection such as against kennel cough, leptospirosis or regional parasites. Always discuss lifestyle and travel patterns when planning vaccinations.
What to Do When You Get Your Puppy
- Ask your vet for a written vaccination schedule and stick to it.
- Keep a record of vaccines, doses, and dates — some dog-owners use a “pet health journal”.
- Plan ahead: know when each booster is due so you don’t miss them.
- Combine vaccination with other preventive care: worming, flea/tick prevention, microchipping, de-sexing (if appropriate).
- Pair vaccination schedule with good nutrition, socialisation, and basic training to set up healthy habits early.
A proper vaccination schedule helps give your puppy the best start in life — defend against common illnesses and build resilience for their future. Early care and planning can save you heartache (and vet bills) down the track.
Get a quote for pet insurance.
Disclaimer: This post is general information. Always follow the vaccination advice given by your vet.
FAQ
- What happens if I miss a vaccine booster? — Talk to your vet; they may restart the schedule or adjust timing based on age and prior shots.
- Are vaccinations painful for puppies? — Most handle it well — initial discomfort is short-lived and far outweighed by the health protection.
- Does my puppy need deworming and flea prevention too? — Yes, these often go hand-in-hand with vaccinations for full preventive care.
