Vaccinations are crucial to maintaining your dog's overall well-being since some vaccines are mandated by law in Dubai. As a responsible pet owner, you must ensure your dog receives its vaccine on schedule.

According to a study, dog vaccinations are most effective when given on time, especially for puppies developing immunity after one or two shots.

Let's discuss the vaccination schedule for your puppy until it reaches adulthood, its importance, and how to keep your furry best friend healthy.

Why Vaccinations are Crucial for Dogs

We've already established the importance of vaccination for your dog's health. Now, let's dive into its detailed benefits.

• Prevents serious diseases

Vaccines help protect your dog against fatal diseases like the canine parvovirus and rabies.

• Promotes community health

Vaccinated dogs are less likely to spread infectious diseases to people and other dogs in the community.

• Ensures travel safety

Traveling with your dogs is no problem if they have complete vaccinations. Many countries and cities, like Dubai, require proof that a dog is vaccinated before entry. This ensures that your dog can travel safely during your trip.

• Supports longevity

Vaccinating puppies gives them a fighting chance to grow into healthy adult dogs without complications or acquiring any life-threatening disease.

• Reduces veterinary costs

Vaccines are much cheaper to spend on as a form of prevention than vet treatments and hospitalization, which can cost thousands. 

What Are the Common Dog Vaccinations?

There are two kinds of dog vaccinations: core and non-core vaccines. Each vaccine addresses particular diseases.

Core vaccines are essential immunizations given to all dogs. These protect them from diseases that are commonly fatal.

• Rabies: This vaccine is required by law in Dubai as it protects your pet, other dogs, and people who might get infected in the worst circumstances.

• DA2PP: This combination vaccine protects dogs against distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza.

There are also non-core vaccines, which are optional immunizations that dogs are not required to receive. These are only given when needed.

• Bordetella: This protects dogs against kennel cough, a common illness acquired in doggy boarding, hotels, and daycares.

• Leptospirosis: Dogs can get leptospirosis when they unknowingly drink contaminated water, but this vaccine protects them from contracting it.

• Lyme disease: Ticks are preventable, but you can never be too sure nowadays, especially if your dogs love socializing with others. When your dog gets ticks, they might get Lyme disease, so this vaccine can help prevent this from happening.

Puppy Vaccine Schedule

Puppies have very weak immune systems and are at risk of getting different diseases. That's why a puppy vaccine schedule includes many rounds of vaccinations to ensure they receive maximum protection.

6-8 Weeks

• DA2PP (First dose)

• Bordetella vaccine (Optional first dose)

10-12 Weeks

• DA2PP (Second dose)

• Leptospirosis (Optional)

• Lyme disease (Optional)

14-16 Weeks

• DA2PP (Third dose)

• Rabies (First dose)

• Bordetella (Optional second dose)

• Leptospirosis (Optional)

• Lyme (Optional)

Adult Dog Vaccine Schedule

Once your dog reaches adulthood or one year old, its vaccination schedule changes with fewer visits to the vet. Here's a typical adult dog vaccine schedule:

Annual

• DA2PP (Booster)

• Rabies (Booster)

Every 1-3 years (Depending on exposure risk)

• Leptospirosis

• Lyme disease

• Bordetella

Vaccinations for Senior Dogs

Dogs become seniors depending on their breed and size. Small breeds are considered seniors at around 10 years old, medium breeds at 8, and large or giant breeds at about 6.

When your dog reaches its senior years, its vaccination needs might differ

• Their booster shots for core vaccines will continue annually.

• Non-core vaccines may become essential for senior dogs. Your vet will assess your dog's health status, risks, and lifestyle to know what additional vaccines it needs.

How to Maintain a Pet Vaccination Record

To keep track of your pet's vaccination schedule, you need to create a record where you can find all the information on the vaccines your pet already has and the schedule for its next doses.

Here are some tips so you can be organized with your dog's vaccine records:

Create a Vaccination Log or Document

When you take your puppy to a vet clinic to get its first vaccine shots, the veterinarian usually provides a vaccination record booklet. 

This is like a small journal wherein vets would note the date and type of vaccine a dog receives during their vet clinic visit. The vet will also write the next vaccine your dog should receive on your next visit. Using this might be enough to keep your dog's vaccine on track. But you may also create your own record, digitally or physically, as a backup. 

Set Alarms and Reminders

Understandably, you may sometimes forget your dog's vaccine schedule. To ensure that you follow your dog's vaccine schedule, you may set alarms or calendar reminders. This will ensure that your dog will receive maximum protection and efficacy from the vaccines.

How Much Do Dog and Puppy Vaccination Cost?

Dog and puppy vaccine prices depend on the vet clinics in Dubai and the additional services they offer. Some vet clinics even offer discounted vaccine and service packages.

However, you should generally prepare around AED 100 to 500 for core vaccines and a few more hundreds if your dog needs non-core vaccines.

Potential Side Effects and What to Expect

Most dogs can handle vaccinations without any issues, but like other medications, there's always a risk that your puppy or dog may experience side effects. 

Here are the potential side effects that dogs may experience after a vaccination shot.

• Swelling or pain at the injection site: You may notice your dog feeling uncomfortable or rejecting your touches after a vaccine shot. It could mean that there's some minor swelling in the area where it was injected. When this happens, you just need to let it be for a few days.

• Slight fever: This is a natural response after your dog receives vaccination. It should go away after a day or two.

• Sluggishness: Don't worry if your dog seems less active following a vaccination schedule, as this is a common immune system response.

• Breathing difficulties: If this happens, bring your dog to the vet immediately, as it could be an allergic reaction to the vaccine.

• Constant vomiting: A dog continuously vomiting after a vaccination can become dehydrated and cause serious problems, so call for emergency vet services as soon as possible if this happens.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are puppy vaccinations in Dubai?

Puppy vaccinations in Dubai may cost from AED 100 to 500 per shot, depending on the vaccine type and vet clinic. Puppies need a series of vaccinations in the first year, which can accumulate to about AED 500 to 1000 in total.

What is the puppy vaccine and deworming schedule?

Puppies should receive their first vaccine shots between 6 and 8 weeks. Then, the next doses should be given every 3 to 4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. Deworming could start at 2 to 4 weeks, then be repeated every 2 weeks until they are 12 weeks old.

What are the most important dog vaccinations?

The core vaccines are rabies and DA2PP, a combination vaccine for distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza.

Where can I find a dog vaccine clinic?

Dog vaccine clinics are found in most areas of Dubai. Most pet hospitals and clinics offer vaccination services, so you can easily research or ask for recommendations on the best places to bring your dog or puppy.

Do dogs need vaccines every year?

Not all vaccines aren't needed and given annually. However, core vaccines are recommended to be administered annually throughout the dog's life.

Can I bathe my dog 2 days after vaccination?

It's often safe to bathe your dog 1-2 days after vaccination. However, some veterinarians recommend waiting at least a few days to monitor for any side effects and to allow your dog's immune system to adjust.

What happens when my puppy misses a vaccination?

When your puppy misses a vaccination, consult your veterinarian immediately, as its vaccine schedule may need adjustments. Delaying vaccinations for too long can leave your puppy vulnerable to illnesses.

Can I take my puppy out after the first vaccination?

It's recommended that you don't take your puppy outside until it has completed the complete series of vaccinations, which is usually at 16 weeks old. Taking your puppy outside too early can expose it to health risks.