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Becoming a puppy parent is a big responsibility and a huge part of that is doing what you can to keep them healthy – which includes getting them vaccinated.
We’ll help you get to grips with exactly what vaccinations your puppy needs, and what your puppy’s vaccination schedule might look like.
Why do puppies need vaccines?
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Vaccinations are designed to protect against specific diseases. Preventative care, like vaccinations, along with parasite treatment and regular dental care, is one of the most important things you can do to look after your pup.
Once your puppy is going out for walks, they’re exposed to infectious diseases, but vaccinations help to stop them catching them or help them fight it off.
For example, if your pup’s immune system were to be challenged by one of these invading diseases, a vaccine would potentially help them mount an immune response sufficient to protect them from developing a serious illness or symptoms.
Vaccine effectiveness wanes over time which is why it’s important to get your puppy’s vaccines boosted as it grows into a dog.
Vaccines don’t just keep your own pup healthy – it helps protect other dogs as well.
What vaccines do puppies need? (core vs non-core)
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Your vet will help you decide what vaccinations are appropriate for your puppy based on things like their age, lifestyle, and risk factors.
That being said, there are a few common vaccinations that most puppies will receive because of the highly infectious nature of the disease and the severity of symptoms caused. These are known as core vaccines.
Core vaccines
Core vaccines are recommended for all puppies.
Canine parvovirus (CPV) – parvovirus is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to severe gastrointestinal symptoms and impact the immune system. The virus is especially severe for puppies and can be fatal without prompt treatment. Vaccination is the best defence against parvovirus.
Canine distemper virus (CDV) – Distemper is a serious disease that affects dogs’ respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. The disease is often fatal but many dogs that survive are left with permanent neurological damage. There is no cure for distemper, making vaccination (and boosters) critical.
Canine adenovirus type 1 and type 2 (CAV-1, CAV-2) – CAV-1 is the virus responsible for infectious canine hepatitis, which can cause liver failure. CAV-2 is associated with respiratory infections and is one of the causes of kennel cough. Adenovirus vaccines often cover both variants of the virus due to their similarities and it’s important to have your dog vaccinated regularly to prevent infection.
Leptospirosis – Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects both dogs and humans. Leptospirosis bacteria is spread through the urine of infected animals and can lead to kidney and liver damage. Dogs may be at higher risk of leptospirosis if they’re regularly exposed to a variety of mammals (like wildlife) or to standing water, or if they live on a farm. Several vaccinations are available to protect against different leptospirosis bacteria and boosters are given annually.
Non-core vaccines
Your vet may give non-core vaccinations to your puppy depending on their risk level.
Kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica) – Kennel cough is a term for infectious tracheobronchitis, a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects dogs. The best way to prevent kennel cough is by getting your dog vaccinated every 12 months. Vaccination is especially important for dogs that socialise a lot, including those that attend daycare, boarding, training classes, groomers, or dog parks.
Lyme disease – Lyme disease is spread by ticks. It causes fever, loss of appetite, lameness, stiffness, and joint swelling, and can eventually lead to kidney failure. Lyme disease only causes symptoms in 5–10% of infected dogs – so you might not realise your dog has it. Lyme disease vaccination is unusual in the UK. Your vet might discuss the pros and cons of Lyme disease vaccination for your puppy if it’s common in your area, but it cannot be given at the same time as their other injections. Tick prevention medication can also decrease the chance of your pup getting Lyme disease.
Leishmania – Leishmania is a parasite that can cause the disease Leishmaniasis in dogs – with symptoms that include weight loss, lethargy, skin lesions, and kidney failure. The parasite is spread by sandflies, which are not native to the UK but that are a danger to dogs that travel overseas. Because of this, the leishmania vaccine is rarely offered in the UK. The best ways to decrease the likelihood of acquiring the disease is to get the Leishmania vaccine for your dog before you travel, and to use pet safe sandfly repellent recommended by your vet.
Rabies – Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the central nervous system. All mammals, including humans, are at risk of contracting rabies if bitten by an infected animal. Vaccination is the best way to protect your dog or puppy against rabies, and rabies vaccination is required by law to travel to some countries. For those living in the UK which is still considered rabies-free, vaccinations are only needed for pets travelling to and from other countries.
How much are puppy vaccinations?
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The cost of your puppy’s initial vaccination course depends on how much your vet charges.
In January 2025 we checked prices at 75 vets all around the UK and found quite a wide variation. The cheapest price for an initial vaccination course was £30 and the highest was £156. But the average cost of puppy vaccinations in the UK is £102.
If kennel cough is included it’s normally cheaper than having it separately. The average cost for an initial course including kennel cough is £138.
First 12 months puppy vaccination schedule: core and non-core
Your vet will be able to recommend an appropriate vaccination schedule for your puppy, based on their specific needs and risks.
You should also be aware of when to get vaccine booster shots for your puppy in order to maintain their immunity over the course of their life.
| Vaccine | Core/non-core | Initial vaccination age | Booster schedule | Average vaccine cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus (DAP) | Core | First dose: 6-8 weeks. Second dose: 4 weeks later | First booster 1 year after initial course, then every 3 years | Part of initial puppy course. Average cost of £102 for full course (two injections) |
| Leptospirosis | Core | From 6 - 8 weeks for first dose Booster 2 - 4 weeks later depending on vaccine type (ideally 2nd booster given from 10 weeks of age, but varies by product type) | Annual | Part of initial puppy course. Average cost of £102 for full course (two injections) |
| Kennel cough (bordetella) | Non-core | From 6-8 weeks | Annual, although can be given every 6 months for high risk pets | £54 as a standalone vaccine |
| Rabies | Non-core | From 12 weeks | First booster given 1 year after initial vaccination, then every 1-3 years based on product type. | £50-100. May be incorporated into the cost of your puppy’s Animal Health Certificate for travel |
| Lyme Disease | Non-core | From 12 weeks Booster 2 weeks later | Annual | Rarely offered in the UK – check with your vet |
| Leishmania | Non-core | From 24 weeks | Annual | Rarely offered in the UK – check with your vet |
Giving your puppy the best start
Vaccinations lay the groundwork for your puppy's health, letting them play, socialise, and explore the world safely. By following the recommended initial vaccination schedule, you’re giving your pup a great start.
For illnesses and injuries you can’t prevent, there’s puppy insurance. It can help with the cost of unexpected trips to the vet for many years to come.
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