Puppy Vaccinations
Giving your puppy the best start in life
Vaccinations are one of the most important things you can do to protect your puppy’s health. They guard against serious, often life-threatening diseases and help your puppy grow into a healthy, confident adult dog. At PetPeople Vets, we make the process simple, gentle and positive for both you and your puppy.
Our whole team loves meeting new puppies, and your visits are a great opportunity to ask questions, build good habits and start your puppy off on the right path.
Why puppy vaccinations matter
Puppies explore the world with enthusiasm, and this naturally puts them in contact with other dogs, parks, pavements and shared spaces. Vaccinations protect against diseases that are still present in the UK and can be extremely dangerous for unvaccinated dogs.
Alongside protection from disease, early visits help us get to know your puppy, check their development, and offer guidance on feeding, training, behaviour and early socialisation.
More about puppy vaccinations
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Puppies receive protection against:
Parvovirus
Distemper
Hepatitis (also known as canine adenovirus)
Leptospirosis
Parainfluenza
Kennel cough (usually recommended)
These diseases can cause severe illness, long-term health problems or even be fatal without vaccination.
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Your puppy’s vaccinations usually follow this schedule:
First vaccination: around 8 weeks of age
Second vaccination: 2 to 4 weeks after the first vaccination
Full immunity: 1 week after the final vaccine for distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis, and 2 weeks for leptospirosis
Kennel cough vaccine: can be given from 8 weeks of age, with protection starting 1 week later
Your puppy will then need a booster every year to stay protected.
If your puppy is older than 8 weeks but has not yet started their vaccinations, please contact us. We can tailor a safe and effective catch-up schedule.
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Puppy vaccination appointments are calm, gentle and designed to give your new companion the best possible start. During each visit, your vet will examine your puppy from nose to tail, checking their heart, lungs, eyes, ears, skin and joints, as well as monitoring their weight and development. We will also give any vaccines that are due, provide parasite protection if needed and offer clear guidance on feeding, toilet training, behaviour and socialisation. It is an ideal time to ask questions and build your confidence as a new puppy owner.
If your puppy is a member of our PetPeople Health Plan, their primary vaccination course, annual boosters and unlimited consultations with our vets and nurses are included.
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Your puppy can go outside for toileting in a private garden straight away, but we recommend avoiding contact with unvaccinated dogs and busy dog walking areas until they are fully protected. Controlled socialisation with healthy, fully vaccinated dogs is safe and very beneficial.
Frequently asked questions about puppy vaccinations
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Most puppies can go out on pavements and in parks 1 week after their final vaccine, usually from around 11 weeks of age. If your puppy will be near lakes or rivers, we recommend waiting 2 weeks for full protection against leptospirosis. We will confirm the exact date at your appointment.
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Some puppies may be a little sleepy for a day. This is normal and nothing to worry about.
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It is strongly recommended. Kennel cough is very common and spreads easily in parks, training classes, day care and grooming salons. A cough can be very debilitating and last many weeks or even months.
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If your puppy has a fever or is significantly unwell, we may delay the vaccine until they have recovered.
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Yes. Your puppy’s primary vaccination course, annual boosters and unlimited consultations are included on all plans.
If your puppy is due for their vaccinations or you would like advice on starting their schedule, our team would be delighted to help. We are open seven days a week and always happy to meet a new member of the PetPeople family.