While a mother's milk is full of protective antibodies, this natural immunity gradually wanes. From round 6-8 weeks of age, your puppy is susceptible to a number of diseases, so take your puppy to a vet as soon as possible for a check-up and vaccinations.
The breeder you got your puppy from may have given it the first vaccination. Make sure you get a vaccination record so your vet can see it.
Your vet will assess the puppy's general health and advise you on the vaccination programme. They also give great tips on tricky things like getting a tablet into snappy, stubborn puppy mouths!
Your puppy isn't fully protected until at least 10-14 days after its final vaccine so resist going to public places such as the park or the beach until this time. Vaccinate against these diseases.
Distemper (pointer to gastrointestinal system)
This highly contagious virus affects a dog's respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous system. It
can be fatal and is spread through the air or by contact with an infected animal or its faeces or
urine. Vaccination is the only effective control.
Infectious canine hepatitis (pointer to liver)
A viral disease that affects the liver and cells lining the blood vessels, causing high fever, loss
of appetite, abdominal pain, liver damage and haemorrhage. The kidneys, eyes and lungs can also be
affected and the disease can be fatal unless vaccinated.
Parvovirus (pointer to rear end or throat?)
This common and deadly viral infection can kill puppies very quickly. Symptoms include diarrhoea,
fever and vomiting. Vaccination provides excellent protection.
Kennel Cough (pointer to respiratory system)
This highly contagious disease attacks the respiratory system. It may be caused by infectious agents
such as parainfluenza virus and the bacteria Bordetella. Common signs include coughing and a runny
nose and eyes.
Leptospirosis (pointer to nasal passages)
An extremely contagious bacterial disease that spreads through contact with nasal secretions, saliva
or urine of infected animals. Early signs may not be apparent, but vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of
appetite, fever and liver and kidney damage can occur. Vaccination is only necessary in some regions,
and is through a series of vaccines.
