A guide to puppy vaccinations in New Zealand

Welcoming a new puppy into your whānau is an exciting time. But with all the cuddles and playtime comes the important responsibility of keeping your forever friend healthy – and vaccinations are a vital part of that. Protecting your puppy against common but serious illnesses can help ensure they grow into a happy, confident adult dog. 

But where do you start? What vaccines does your puppy need? And when? This guide in conjunction with our expert Dr Rosalind Holland (BVSc, MVM, MANZCVS), will answer some of your questions and will set you up for success as a responsible dog owner in Aotearoa. 

Essential vaccinations for puppies 

Dr. Holland says: “It is essential that all puppies receive effective vaccinations to protect them from dangerous and potentially fatal illnesses.” 

The core puppy vaccinations in New Zealand include protection against the following diseases:

• Distemper: A highly contagious virus that affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
• Parvovirus: A severe and often fatal disease that causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. 
• Infectious Canine Hepatitis: Affects the liver and other organs, leading to a potentially life-threatening illness. 

Most core vaccines also protect against parainfluenza virus, which is a common cause of kennel cough. Optional vaccines include:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica: Another contributor to kennel cough, especially for dogs that will interact with other dogs often.
• Leptospirosis: A serious disease associated with exposure to infected animals or water contaminated by rodents. 

These vaccines may be recommended by your vet based on geographic location or animal’s lifestyle that place animal at higher risk. They can help protect not just your puppy but also the wider dog community from the spread of preventable diseases.   

Understanding the vaccination schedule 

The puppy vaccination schedule is an important roadmap for keeping your pet protected. 

According to Dr. Holland, most puppies require a series of 3-4 vaccinations, beginning at 6-8 weeks of age. In order to trigger full immunity, these vaccines are given approximately 2-4 weeks apart and end with the final dose at 14-16 weeks. 

Here's an example of what a typical NZ puppy vaccination schedule may look like:

• 6-8 weeks: First vaccinations
• 10-12 weeks: Booster
• 14-16 weeks: Final core vaccine
• 12 months later: Annual booster 

Dr. Holland explains, “When puppies are still suckling, they receive antibodies from their mothers – known as passive immunity – that can interfere with vaccines. The final shots at 14-16 weeks ensure no maternal antibodies remain, giving the vaccine its full effect.” 

It’s important to discuss the recommended puppy vaccination schedule with your veterinarian, as certain factors like geographic location, breed, environment, and lifestyle may affect specific needs. 

Diseases to put on your radar 

Despite vaccinations offering strong protection, it’s still important to recognise the signs of diseases like distemper, parvovirus, and kennel cough so you can act fast if your dog is exposed. Symptoms may include vomiting, coughing, lethargy, or loss of appetite – any of which warrant an immediate trip to the vet. 

The importance of puppy vaccinations 

Vaccinations are vital to your puppy's health – not just to prevent illness but to allow them to grow up healthy and thrive. 

Some of the key benefits of vaccinations include:

• Protecting against deadly diseases: Conditions like parvovirus can kill puppies in days, but they are highly preventable with proper vaccination. 
• Reducing the spread of contagious diseases: By getting the right dog vaccination, you’re also helping to protect other dogs they interact with. 
• Peace of mind: Knowing your pup is safe allows you to focus on enriching their life – through adventures, training, and bonding time. 

Additionally, vaccinations are key to enabling your dog to socialise safely, an important aspect of growing up. Socialisation – the process of introducing your puppy to new experiences, people, and environments – plays a huge role in shaping their temperament and behaviour.

Why are repeat vaccinations so important? 

Often referred to as boosters, repeat vaccinations are key to maintaining your dog’s immunity. While your puppy’s initial series of vaccinations provides protection for up to a year, annual boosters ensure their immune system remains ready to fight off diseases. 

What to expect after vaccinating your puppy 

"Many puppies appear to be totally unaffected by vaccination," notes Dr. Holland. However, side effects can occasionally occur. Here’s what you might notice after your puppy receives their shots:

• Slight tiredness: Your puppy may seem a bit sleepier than usual in the hours post-vaccination. 
• Localised pain: Though rare, your puppy might experience mild discomfort around the injection site. 
• Allergic reactions: Very uncommon but possible. Symptoms like swelling, hives, or vomiting can appear shortly after vaccination, so be sure to observe your pup while they’re still at the vet. 

If your puppy seems unwell for an extended period post-vaccine, don’t hesitate to contact your vet for reassurance and advice. 

Your puppy’s health, our priority 

Keeping up with your puppy’s vaccination schedule is one of the most important responsibilities of dog ownership. It helps your pooch thrive, stay protected from preventable illnesses, and grow into a social, confident, and healthy dog. 

Your puppy deserves the best care throughout their life, and SPCA Pet Insurance is here to help you cover the unexpected. With three levels of cover available, you can find the option to best suit your furry friend’s needs. Get a quote online today.