Dog and Puppy Vaccination Guide

Written by Dr John S, BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian, 13 years clinical and mobile practice experience

Vaccination protects dogs from serious infectious diseases. These diseases spread through saliva, urine, faeces and contact with contaminated surfaces. Many of them carry high mortality. Some cause long term organ damage. Vaccination builds immune memory and lowers the risk of severe illness.

Mobile vet near me visits make vaccination easier for dogs that feel stress in clinics. The dog stays in a familiar space. This lowers anxiety and improves the accuracy of the health check.

This guide explains which vaccines your dog needs, the correct schedule, what happens during an in home visit and how to keep your dog protected throughout life.

Core Vaccines for Dogs

Core vaccines protect against diseases that occur widely in Australia and have serious health impacts.

C3 Vaccine

The C3 vaccine protects against:

Parvovirus
A severe disease that affects the gut and immune system. It causes vomiting, diarrhoea, blood loss and extreme dehydration. Parvovirus survives in the environment for long periods. Mortality is high without rapid treatment.

Distemper
A virus that affects the nervous system, lungs and gut. It causes coughing, seizures, fever and eye discharge. Survivors often have long term neurological issues.

Adenovirus (Canine Hepatitis)
A virus that affects the liver and causes abdominal pain, fever and bleeding disorders. It spreads through urine and nasal secretions.

These diseases are widespread across Australia. Vaccination is essential for all dogs.

C5 and C7 Vaccines

C5 Vaccine

The C5 vaccine includes the C3 components plus protection against canine cough.

Bordetella bronchiseptica
A bacteria that causes coughing, nasal discharge and airway irritation.

Parainfluenza virus
A virus that increases airway inflammation and makes dogs more vulnerable to secondary infections.

This vaccine is required for boarding, grooming and day care.

C7 Vaccine

The C7 vaccine includes the C5 components plus two strains of leptospirosis.

Leptospira interrogans
A bacteria spread through contaminated water, wildlife and rodents. It causes kidney failure and liver failure.

This vaccine suits dogs in high risk areas such as farms, rural properties and flood regions.

A mobile vet helps owners choose the correct vaccine based on lifestyle and location.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Puppies need a structured series because maternal antibodies decline at different rates.

• First vaccination at 6 to 8 weeks
• Second vaccination at 10 to 12 weeks
• Third vaccination at 14 to 16 weeks
• Annual booster after the first year
• C5 or C7 based on lifestyle

Puppies should avoid dog parks until two weeks after their final vaccination.

If your puppy is due for their next vaccine, our at-home puppy vaccination service makes it quick and convenient.

Adult Dog Vaccination Schedule

If your dog has an unknown history, the vet may restart the full course.

• One or two doses depending on previous exposure
• C5 for boarding or grooming requirements
• C7 for dogs in high leptospirosis areas
• Annual boosters for respiratory protection
• Three yearly boosters for some distemper, parvovirus and adenovirus vaccines depending on the brand

The mobile vet reviews age, health, travel plans and environment before deciding the correct booster pattern.

Why Dogs Need Annual Boosters

Some components of the vaccine, especially those targeting respiratory infections, provide shorter immunity. These diseases spread quickly in social settings. Annual boosters keep protection strong for:

• Doggy day care
• Grooming salons
• Boarding kennels
• Dog parks
• Group training classes
• Multi dog households

Boosters prevent rapid outbreaks.

Benefits of Mobile Dog Vaccination

Dogs become stressed in clinics due to noise, smells and unfamiliar animals. Stress increases cortisol levels and makes handling harder. In home visits remove these triggers.

• No travel stress
• No waiting rooms
• Calm and predictable environment
• Better behaviour for the health check
• Safer for anxious or reactive dogs
• More accurate assessment of lifestyle risks
• Suitable for senior dogs and mobility issues
• Convenience for busy owners

You can book a mobile vaccination visit here:
https://www.pawssum.com.au/mobile-vet-services

What Happens During a Mobile Vaccination Visit

1. History Review

The vet asks about behaviour, diet, travel plans, previous illness and exposure to other dogs.

2. Physical Examination

The vet checks heart, lungs, abdomen, temperature, hydration, joints and weight. This ensures your dog is healthy enough for vaccination.

3. Vaccine Selection

The vet explains C3, C5 and C7 options. The choice depends on your dog’s lifestyle.

4. Vaccination

The injection is given under the skin. Most dogs tolerate it well during home visits.

5. Post Vaccination Monitoring

The vet checks for immediate reactions. Side effects are rare.

6. Care Plan

You receive booster dates, parasite control advice and lifestyle recommendations.

Possible Side Effects

Most side effects are mild and short.

• Tiredness for a few hours
• Mild fever
• Tenderness at the injection site
• Temporary loss of appetite

Rare but serious reactions need urgent care.

• Facial swelling
• Vomiting
• Collapse
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe pain at the injection site

If you see any of these signs, contact a vet immediately.
https://www.pawssum.com.au/emergency-vet-service

Trusted information:
Australian Veterinary Association
https://www.ava.com.au
RSPCA Knowledgebase
https://kb.rspca.org.au

Why Vaccination Protects More Than Your Dog

Vaccination reduces disease in the wider dog community.

• Lower risk in shelters
• Reduced outbreaks in dog parks
• Protection for puppies and seniors
• Reduced environmental contamination
• Lower treatment costs across regions

High vaccination rates limit the spread of parvovirus in community hotspots.

Do Senior Dogs Still Need Vaccination

Yes. Immunity declines with age. Seniors also have weaker organs and less ability to fight infection. Annual health checks ensure vaccination remains safe and suitable.

Can Vaccination Be Done When a Dog Is Sick

Vets avoid vaccinating sick dogs to protect their immune response. If a dog has fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing or pain, the vet delays the vaccine and treats the illness first.

Preparing Your Home for the Visit

• Keep your dog in a secure room before the vet arrives
• Remove clutter for safe handling
• Use a non slip mat if floors are smooth
• Have lead and treats ready
• Tell the vet about any behaviour concerns
• Keep noise low to reduce anxiety

This supports a smooth and low stress visit.

Choosing the Right Vaccine Plan

The correct plan depends on:

• Age
• Breed
• Travel habits
• Boarding needs
• Exposure to wildlife or rodents
• Social activity
• Past health issues
• Location and risk level

Pawssum mobile vet near me builds a tailored schedule for strong, long term protection.