Essential Vaccinations for Your New Puppy

Bringing home a new puppy, whether a Pomeranian, a Chihuahua or another breed, is full of excitement — but it also comes with important responsibilities. One of the first priorities is making sure your puppy receives their vaccinations on time. Vaccinations protect them from serious and sometimes fatal diseases.

Here’s everything you need to know about essential puppy vaccinations in the UK.

1. Why Vaccinations Matter

Puppies are born with some immunity from their mother’s milk, but this protection fades after a few weeks. Vaccinations help your puppy’s immune system develop its own defences against dangerous illnesses.

Vaccinations are essential to:

• Prevent life-threatening diseases

• Protect other dogs and animals in your community

• Allow safe socialisation (e.g., puppy classes, walks)

2. The Core Puppy Vaccinations

In the UK, the primary vaccinations for puppies usually protect against:

• Canine Parvovirus: A highly contagious and often fatal virus causing severe vomiting and diarrhoea.

• Canine Distemper Virus: A deadly disease affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems.

• Canine Adenovirus: Causes hepatitis, a liver disease.

• Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection that can also spread to humans.

• Parainfluenza: Part of the causes of kennel cough.

Your vet may also recommend vaccination against Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough) if your puppy will attend classes, boarding kennels, or busy dog areas.

3. Typical Vaccination Schedule

A common vaccination schedule for puppies in the UK looks like this:

• 6–8 weeks old: First vaccination (often started by the breeder)

• 10–12 weeks old: Second vaccination

• 2 weeks after second vaccine: Safe to go for walks and social outings

• Annual boosters: Required to maintain protection

Your vet will create a personalised vaccination plan for your puppy based on their health and lifestyle.

4. After Vaccination: What to Expect

Some puppies experience mild side effects after vaccination, including:

• Sleepiness

• Mild swelling at the injection site

• A slight decrease in appetite

These usually pass within 24–48 hours. Serious reactions are rare, but always contact your vet if you notice anything unusual.

5. Don’t Forget the Annual Boosters

Puppies need annual boosters to maintain immunity throughout their lives. Keeping up to date ensures your dog remains protected — and many pet insurance policies require proof of vaccination.

Final Thoughts

Vaccinating your puppy is one of the most important steps you’ll take to secure their healthy future.

A few simple injections now can prevent a lifetime of heartbreak later.

At Tiffany Puppies, all our puppies receive their first vaccinations before leaving us, and we provide full veterinary records to new families. We’re always here to guide you on next steps for keeping your little one safe and sound.

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