Puppy vaccination guide: Everything you need to know

Bringing a new pet home is an exciting time, but it also comes with plenty of questions, particularly around vaccinations and their costs.

Having your puppy vaccinated after they leave their mother might not seem like a big deal, but it’s vital to a dog’s health, particularly in the first 12 months of their life.

Not only do vaccinations play a key role in helping your puppy grow into a strong, healthy adult, but they also help stop the spread of serious illnesses to other pets.

To help you give your puppy the best start in life, we’ve put together a handy guide covering all the key points you need to know, including how much puppy shots cost.

Understanding puppy vaccination costs can help you budget ahead of adopting a pet and provide peace of mind, knowing you’re able to invest in your dog’s long-term health.

Puppy vaccination costs typically range from £60 to £100, while regular booster shots usually cost between £50 and £80. However, if you're wondering how much puppy shots cost in your local area, it's best to check with your vet, as prices can vary depending on your location and the vaccines needed.

Vaccinating your puppy is an essential step in protecting their health, particularly during the first year of life when they are most vulnerable.

Vaccinations safeguard your puppy against potentially fatal diseases, such as hepatitis and canine distemper virus, and ensure they don’t pass these diseases on to other animals.

Besides their wellbeing, keeping your puppy up-to-date with vaccinations is also often required for puppy insurance coverage.

Puppy vaccinations are designed to protect your dog from the most common and dangerous diseases, including:

• Canine distemper virus: A virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems. It’s highly contagious and can be fatal.
• Infectious canine hepatitis: Often affecting younger dogs, this disease attacks the liver and other organs.
• Leptospirosis: A bacterial disease that’s spread through infected water or urine, and can cause serious kidney and liver damage.
• Canine parvovirus: A highly contagious and severe viral infection that’s particularly dangerous to puppies under six months old.
• Canine parainfluenza: The viral component of kennel cough, a contagious respiratory illness.
  

Alongside these core vaccines, your puppy may need a kennel cough vaccination if they’re booked to board in kennels.

If you’re planning any trips abroad, remember that a rabies vaccination is usually required, and your puppy must be at least 12 weeks old before receiving it.

Most puppies will receive their first vaccination at around eight weeks old, with a second vaccination given two to four weeks later.

Until your puppy has received all their required vaccinations, it’s best to limit their exposure to other dogs and avoid walking them outside, as this can be risky to health until their immunity has built up.

Your puppy’s vaccination schedule doesn’t end after the initial doses. After the first year, they’ll need an annual booster shot to keep their immunity strong.

As puppies grow into adult dogs, regular boosters help maintain long-term protection. If more than 15 months has passed since the last booster, your vet might recommend restarting the vaccination process, to ensure your dog is fully protected.

Remember, if you have any questions about vaccinations or costs, and you have dog insurance with Petplan, you can access our Pet Expert Chat by logging into your My Petplan account. There, you can chat to an expert for advice and support.

Puppy vaccinations are typically given as an injection, with the exception of the kennel cough vaccine, which can be administered either orally or as a nasal spray.

Most of these vaccinations will take place during a regular visit to your vet’s office, but some vets may offer home visits if necessary.

Bringing your puppy home and exploring the world together is exciting, but it’s important to wait until they’ve completed their vaccinations before venturing out.

Speak to your vet to find out when it's safe to take your puppy on walks or out to public places following their vaccinations.

Vet visits can often be intimidating for new puppies, but with a little preparation, you can help your pet to feel less anxious.

Try to introduce your puppy to the vet’s office early, and make each visit a positive experience by giving treats and verbal praise, while staying calm yourself.

The more your puppy associates the vet with positive experiences, the easier it will be for them to handle future check-ups.

Vaccinations are one of the first steps on your puppy’s journey to becoming a healthy, happy adult dog.

While the cost of puppy vaccinations can set you back, think of it as an investment in your pet’s future wellbeing. By keeping up with their vaccinations, you’re setting them up for a long life full of happy walks and adventures.