Vaccines are an essential part of a dog’s routine care. Like vaccines for people, dog vaccinations prepare the immune system to recognize pathogens and fight infections before they worsen. They do this by introducing a safe, inactive form of the pathogen.
Key Takeaways
Dog vaccinations offer long-term protection, reduce disease spread, are cost-effective, comply with regulations, and allow access to local services.
They target pathogens and diseases such as rabies, distemper, adenovirus-1 & -2, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis.
Core vaccinations are required for all dogs, starting at 6-8 weeks of age. Non-core vaccines will be provided if needed.
Why Should You Vaccinate Your Dog?
Dogs need vaccines to stay safe against severe diseases that lack specific cures. They are valuable in preventing the spread of disease, especially for dogs that frequent boarding facilities and dog parks. This significantly reduces the need for costly emergency treatments.
Vaccinated dogs may also enjoy the aforementioned local services, including grooming and daycares. Additionally, dog vaccination is legally required in many countries, including the UAE. They are needed to complete the vet health certificate for local and international travel.
Here’s a brief overview of dog vaccinations as explained by our head veterinarian, Dr. Soheyl Simaei.
What Vaccines Do Dogs Need?
Core vaccines are required for preventive care and compliance, while non-core variants will be provided as needed. Our veterinarians will recommend them based on your dog’s location, disease risk, lifestyle, and overall health.
Core Vaccinations
Rabies Vaccine: This protects against the rabies virus and is needed for dogs, especially for travel and legal compliance.
DHPPi/L: A combination vaccine that offers protection against several viruses, including CDV, CAV-1 and -2, CPV, CPIV, and leptospirosis. This is also called DHLPP and DA2PP-L.
Non-Core Vaccinations
Bordetella: This preventive vaccine protects against Bordetella bronchiseptica, the primary cause of kennel cough.
Canine Influenza: Recommended for dogs at risk of infectious dog flu strains (H3N8 and H3N2).
Lyme Disease: Advised for dogs at risk of Borrelia burgdorferi, bacteria transmitted by deer ticks.
When Should Dogs Get Vaccinated?
The dog vaccination schedule starts with puppies at 6-8 weeks of age, with a DHPPi/L dose. Additional shots will be provided every 3-4 weeks until they reach 14-16 weeks of age. Additionally, the first dose of the rabies vaccine may be administered at 14-16 weeks of age.
The next dose for the core vaccines will be provided one year after. To strengthen the level of immunity, annual rabies booster shots are required. For DHPPi/L, this can be provided every 1-3 years, but annual vaccination is recommended by our veterinarians.
6-8 weeks | 10-12 weeks | 14-16 weeks | Annual Boosters |
|---|---|---|---|
Core Vaccines | |||
DHPPi/L | DHPPi/L | DHPPi/L | DHPPi/L |
Non-Core Vaccines | |||
Bordetella | Canine Influenza | Canine Influenza | Bordetella |
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Our veterinarians will assist you with your dog’s vaccination schedule, so don’t worry. We'll help you prepare your puppy's records and send you reminders for their next appointments.
Age | 6-8 weeks | 10-12 weeks | 14-16 weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
Core Vaccines | DHPPi/L | DHPPi/L | DHPPi/L |
Non-Core Vaccines | Bordetella | Canine Influenza | Canine Influenza |
Adult Dog Vaccination Schedule
Adults will require annual boosters to strengthen their immune system over time. Here’s what you can expect:
Frequency | Annually | |
|---|---|---|
Core Vaccines | DHPPi/L | |
Non-Core Vaccines | Bordetella | |
How Much Do Vaccines for Dogs Cost?
Our initial DHPPi/L vaccination costs AED 360, while booster shots and additional vaccines (DHPPi/L, Rabies, and Dubai Municipality tag and registration) cost AED 510. Both prices come with a complete vet exam.
What Diseases Do Dog Vaccinations Protect Against?
Now that we know which ones dogs need, let’s discuss what they actually protect against.
Rabies
A fatal viral disease that affects the dog’s brain and nervous system, causing neurological issues, seizures, and paralysis. This virus spreads when saliva enters bite wounds. Once the clinical symptoms appear, the disease is virtually fatal in almost all cases.
Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is a highly contagious disease that affects a dog’s respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets from infected dogs or animals. In advanced stages, neurological damage is expected.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis and Respiratory Disease
CAV-1 causes infectious canine hepatitis, a disease that targets the liver, kidneys, spleen, and lungs of affected dogs. The disease is transmitted through direct contact with infected feces, urine, and saliva.
On the other hand, CAV-2 causes severe respiratory disease and is often a common component of kennel cough. It primarily spreads through the inhalation of respiratory droplets, particularly in unclean boarding facilities and kennels.
Canine Parvovirus
CPV is a severe and contagious disease that destroys the intestinal lining of dogs, causing intense vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and dehydration. The virus is extremely resilient and can spread through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, feces, and soil.
Canine Parainfluenza
A contagious respiratory disease that causes coughing, nasal discharge, and fever. Canine parainfluenza causes inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and can easily spread to other dogs in close proximity through respiratory secretions.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a fatal disease caused by Leptospira bacteria. This disease may damage the kidneys and liver and is contracted through contaminated soil, water, and urine. Leptospirosis is also zoonotic, meaning it can be passed from dogs to humans.
Kennel Cough
A highly contagious respiratory infection primarily caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica. Kennel cough is generally common in places where dogs are close together, such as unclean boarding facilities and daycares. Symptoms include a dry, hacking cough, nasal discharge, and gagging.
Canine Influenza
Also known as dog flu, canine influenza is a respiratory infection that causes fever, fatigue, and reduced appetite. It’s caused by specific Type A influenza viruses (mainly H3N8 and H3N2). In some cases, it can progress to severe pneumonia.
Lyme Disease
A bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi that’s transmitted by deer ticks. It commonly causes lameness, joint pain, and fever. While other dogs won’t have any symptoms, Lyme disease can progress to long-term issues such as kidney failure.
Do Vaccines Have Any Adverse Effects?
In some cases, these may cause mild, short-lived side effects. These often resolve within 24-48 hours. Still, it’s very important to monitor your dog at home after we’ve provided the dose. Common adverse reactions include:
Lethargy
Reduced appetite
Soreness on the injection site
Mild fever
However, there are rare instances when severe symptoms may occur. These include:
Severe vomiting or diarrhea
Facial swelling
Hives or itching
Difficulty breathing
Fainting or collapse
Anaphylaxis
If you notice these signs, bring your dog to the clinic for emergency care. Let our team know right away so we can give your dog the help they need.
What Is the Dubai Municipality Tag and Registration?
It’s a mandatory requirement for all dog owners in Dubai. It involves annual registration, microchipping, and updated vaccinations. The tag is a small plastic disc that features a unique ID number that can be scanned to return lost dogs to owners.
Registration should be renewed annually in line with your dog’s booster vaccinations.
“Keeping up-to-date with your dog’s vaccinations means keeping their defenses up.”
- Dr. Lidija Krvavac
Dog vaccinations are simple, but effective treatments designed to strengthen your dog’s defenses and protect the entire community. Schedule an appointment with our veterinarians so we can get your best friend’s protection started.
With a consistent schedule, you can help your dog live a safe, happy life.
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