Dog vaccinations: lifetime protection guide

Vaccinations help your dog's immune system to fight dangerous diseases and are essential to keeping them healthy. This guide covers everything from first vaccinations, boosters, and what to do if your dog's vaccinations lapse. 

This guide covers everything from first vaccinations, boosters, and what to do if your dog's vaccinations lapse. 

What vaccinations do dogs need? 

In the UK, all dogs need core vaccines. Your vet might suggest extra vaccines for your dog's lifestyle. 

Core vaccines protect against: 

• Parvovirus – A highly contagious virus spread through infected dog poo, causing severe vomiting, bloody diarrhoea and sometimes death, especially in puppies. 
• Distemper – A serious viral disease that affects the lungs, gut and brain. 
• Infectious hepatitis – Affects the liver and can cause sudden death, especially in puppies. 
• Leptospirosis – Spread through water contaminated by rat urine, common in wet or rural areas. This infection can cause kidney and liver failure.  

Extra vaccines include: 

• Kennel cough – Recommended if your dog mixes with other dogs in kennels, training classes or dog shows. 
• Rabies – Required to be given at least 21 days before departure by law for international travel. 

When should dogs be vaccinated? 

For puppies: First jabs are given at eight to ten weeks old, with a second dose two to four weeks later. Puppies aren't fully protected until about two weeks after their second vaccination. For puppy-specific guidance, see our puppy vaccinations timeline guide. 

For adult dogs: After the puppy course, first boosters are needed at around 12 months old, Leptospirosis needs an annual booster. Distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis boosters can last for three years however, depending on the advice of the vaccine manufacturer and disease rates in your area, your vet may give the booster annually. 

For rescue or adopted dogs: If your dog's vaccination history is unknown, your vet will likely recommend a full vaccination course (two doses, like puppies). This ensures protection against UK diseases. 

How long can you leave between dog vaccinations? 

Leptospirosis boosters are needed annually. The other core vaccines typically last three years but may be given annually depending on manufacturer recommendations and local disease rates. 

If your dog's boosters are very overdue (over three months late), they may need to start again from scratch. This means two doses, which costs more than a simple booster. Keeping on top of annual vet visits saves money and keeps your dog protected. 

What if my dog's vaccinations have lapsed? 

If your dog hasn't had vaccinations for several years, speak to your vet. They'll likely recommend restarting the course with two doses over two to four weeks, just like a puppy. 

During this time, keep your dog away from unknown dogs and public areas where disease risk is higher. Once they've had both doses and waited two weeks, they're fully protected again. 

Can unvaccinated dogs be around vaccinated dogs? 

Yes, but only in controlled spaces you trust, like your own home. An unvaccinated dog can be around vaccinated dogs that are healthy. 

Avoid public spaces. Even if a vaccinated dog isn't sick, they could carry germs on their fur or paws. Dog parks, beaches and public pavements should be avoided until your dog is fully vaccinated. 

If you're bringing a new unvaccinated dog home, make sure your other dogs are up to date with their boosters first. 

Can my puppy meet other dogs after first vaccination? 

Your puppy isn't fully protected after just one vaccination. However, early socialisation is important. 

The safest approach is to let your puppy meet dogs you know are fully vaccinated and healthy, in clean spaces like your home. Avoid public spaces until your puppy has had both vaccinations and waited two weeks. 

You can still help your puppy experience the world by carrying them when you go out. Many puppy classes accept puppies after their first vaccination. 

Do dogs need vaccines every year? 

• Leptospirosis – Annual booster needed
• Kennel cough – Annual booster recommended if your dog mixes with other dogs
• Distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis – Booster every three years or annually depending on manufacturer recommendations and local rates of disease
• It's still worth visiting your vet annually for a health check, even in years when not all vaccines are due. 

Vaccinations for travelling dogs 

Rabies vaccine: Required by law for international travel. The vaccine typically lasts three years, but some countries need it more often. Your vet can advise on requirements for each country. 

Other travel requirements: Some countries require additional vaccinations or treatments (e.g. tapeworm). Always check at least three months before travel, as some requirements take time to complete. 

Pet passports: Pet passports are no longer issued in the UK. Instead, your dog will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued from your vet for each individual trip. 

Can dogs with parvovirus vaccine get parvovirus? 

It's very rare for a fully vaccinated dog with up-to-date boosters to develop parvovirus.

The vaccine works best when your dog has completed both doses and gets regular boosters. If vaccinations have lapsed for a long time, protection may have weakened.

How much are dog booster vaccinations?

Annual booster costs average £70-£76, depending on location and vet practice. Prices are often higher in cities and lower in rural areas. 

Many vets offer Pet Health Club memberships to spread costs across monthly payments. For full vaccination cost information including puppy courses, see our puppy vaccinations guide.