What Vaccinations Does My Puppy Need?
Posted in: Companion Animals
Getting a new puppy is exciting – and one of the first things we’ll talk to you about at Aorangi Vets is their vaccination schedule. Vaccines protect your puppy against some serious and potentially fatal diseases, and getting the timing right matters.
Here’s what you need to know.
The Core Vaccines for Puppies in NZ
In New Zealand, the core puppy vaccination protects against three diseases, often combined in a single injection:
- Parvovirus – a highly contagious and often fatal disease, particularly in young puppies. It causes severe vomiting and bloody diarrhoea and can kill quickly. Parvovirus survives in the environment for a long time, so even puppies that haven’t had contact with other dogs can be exposed.
- Distemper – a serious viral disease affecting the nervous system and respiratory tract. Uncommon in NZ now largely because of vaccination.
- Infectious Canine Hepatitis (Adenovirus) – a viral disease affecting the liver. Less common than parvovirus, but still included in core vaccination.
These three are considered essential for every puppy in New Zealand, regardless of lifestyle.
What About Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza virus) is a highly contagious respiratory infection – the canine equivalent of a bad cold that spreads easily wherever dogs mix. It’s not usually life-threatening in healthy adult dogs, but it can be serious in puppies and older dogs.
We recommend the kennel cough vaccine for any dog that:
- Goes to dog parks, puppy classes, or doggy daycare
- Is boarded or groomed regularly
- Has contact with other dogs in any shared space
If you’re in any doubt, it’s worth including – the vaccine is straightforward and the disease is unpleasant and disruptive.
The Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Timing is important with puppy vaccines. Puppies are born with some protection from their mother’s antibodies, but this wears off over the first weeks of life – and while maternal antibodies are fading, they can also interfere with vaccine response. The schedule is designed to work around this window.
A typical puppy vaccination schedule in New Zealand looks like this:
- 6–8 weeks: First vaccination (distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis)
- 10–12 weeks: Second vaccination – this is often when puppies come home and have their first visit with us
- 14–16+ weeks (one or two more visits): The final puppy vaccination must be given at 16 weeks or older, to ensure full protection once maternal antibodies have cleared. Depending on when your puppy had their second vaccination, they may need one visit at this stage or two – we’ll always let you know what’s needed when we see them
- 12–15 months: Booster vaccination, then on a regular schedule from there
Until your puppy’s course is complete, it’s best to avoid places where unvaccinated dogs may have been – including dog parks and pet shops. Puppy classes run by reputable trainers that require proof of vaccination are generally fine and actually really valuable for socialisation during this window.
What Happens at the Vaccination Appointment?
A vaccination visit isn’t just about the injection. Our vets use it as an opportunity to give your puppy a full nose-to-tail health check – checking their heart, eyes, ears, teeth, joints, and overall development. It’s also a great chance to ask any questions about feeding, worming, flea treatment, desexing, and what to expect in the weeks ahead.
We’re always happy to take the time – getting things right from the start makes a real difference to your puppy’s long-term health.
After the Vaccination – What to Expect
Most puppies sail through their vaccinations without any issues. Some may be a little quiet or have mild tenderness at the injection site for a day or so – this is normal and short-lived.
Signs that are worth calling us about include:
- Facial swelling or hives
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Collapse or difficulty breathing
- Lethargy lasting more than 24 hours
Severe reactions are rare but do occasionally happen – if you’re concerned at any point, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should I get my puppy vaccinated in New Zealand?
The first vaccination is typically given at 6–8 weeks of age by the breeder, with the second at 10–12 weeks – often your puppy’s first visit with us. The final vaccination must be given at 16 weeks or older, so depending on when we see your puppy for their second vaccination, they may need one or two more visits to complete the course. We’ll always confirm what’s needed at each appointment. If your puppy missed their early vaccination, don’t worry – bring them in and we’ll work out the best schedule from where they are now.
Can my puppy go outside before they’re fully vaccinated?
It’s best to avoid high-risk areas – dog parks, pet shops, and places where unknown dogs have been – until two weeks after the final puppy vaccination. That said, socialisation during this window is really important for your puppy’s development. Carrying your puppy in areas where they’re not walking on potentially contaminated ground, visiting friends with vaccinated dogs, and attending reputable puppy classes (that require vaccination proof) are all good options.
How often does my dog need booster vaccinations after the puppy course?
After the initial puppy course, a booster is due at 12–15 months. From there, your dog will need regular boosters – the frequency depends on the specific vaccine components. Some are given every year, others every three years. We’ll set up a reminder schedule and let you know what’s due and when at each visit.
Is the kennel cough vaccine essential, or just recommended?
It’s not considered a core vaccine in the same way as parvovirus and distemper, but we strongly recommend it for any puppy that will have contact with other dogs. Most boarding kennels and doggy daycares require it. Given how easily kennel cough spreads and how miserable it makes dogs feel, it’s a worthwhile addition for most puppies.
My puppy came from a breeder – do I need to start the vaccine course again?
Not necessarily. Bring your puppy’s vaccination records to your first appointment and we’ll take it from there. As long as the previous vaccines were given at the right ages and intervals, we can continue the course rather than starting over.
Where can I get my puppy vaccinated in Timaru, Geraldine, or Fairlie?
You can book a puppy vaccination appointment at any of our three Aorangi Vets clinics – Highfield Timaru, Geraldine, and Fairlie. We’d love to meet your new puppy. Get in touch through our website or give us a call to book.