Puppy vaccinations and worming in Australia

Vaccinations and worming protect your puppy from serious illness. Your vet will set the exact plan for your puppy. This guide helps you know what to expect, and what to ask.

The first vet visit

• Take your puppy to a vet as soon as you can after you bring them home. It’s a good idea to book before pickup day.
• The vet will give your puppy a full health check, and plan vaccinations and parasite care with you.
• Bring any vaccination and worming records you were given.

Puppy vaccinations

• Puppies usually have a course of vaccinations at about 6 to 8 weeks, 10 to 12 weeks, and 16 weeks of age.
• The Australian Veterinary Association recommends the last puppy dose is given at 16 weeks or older. Some vaccine brands use a shorter course, so ask your vet what your puppy needs.
• The core vaccine, often called C3, protects against parvovirus, distemper and hepatitis (adenovirus). A C5 vaccine also covers parainfluenza and Bordetella, the main causes of kennel cough.
• Your puppy will need a booster after the puppy course. Vets vary on the timing, from about 6 to 12 months later, so ask yours.
• If your puppy seems unwell after a vaccination, ring your vet.

When can my puppy go out?

• Until the puppy course is finished, keep your puppy away from dog parks and places where lots of unknown dogs go. Carry them when you’re out and about.
• Protection takes time to build. The Australian Veterinary Association advises waiting at least 7 to 14 days after vaccination before visiting risky places like dog parks. Your vet will tell you when.
• Well-run puppy preschool classes are fine before the course is finished, usually from the first vaccination.

Worming

• Puppies can pick up roundworms from their mum before they are born and through her milk, so worming starts young.
• A common schedule for intestinal worms is every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months old. After that, it’s every 3 months for life.
• Products differ, so follow your vet’s advice and the label.
• Dog roundworm can infect people too, especially children. Pick up your puppy’s poo straight away, and wash your hands after.

Other parasites

Ask your vet about heartworm, flea and tick prevention too. Heartworm prevention can start from about 6 weeks old, depending on the product. Paralysis ticks live along the east coast. If you live there, ask about tick prevention, and check your puppy all over for ticks every day.