You need to make sure that your canine companion has been vaccinated and that you get a vaccination card/record from your vet, dog breeder or animal shelter.
Why vaccinate?
Canine vaccines protect your dog from some of the most common and contagious dog illnesses, including Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis and Rabies.
Canine illnesses
| Distemper | An airborne viral disease of the lungs, intestines and brain. |
| Hepatitis | A viral disease of the liver. |
| Leptospirosis | A bacterial disease of the urinary tract. |
| Parainfluenza | Infectious bronchitis. |
| Parvovirus | A viral disease of the intestines. |
| Rabies | A viral disease fatal to humans and other animals. |
| Corona | A viral disease of the intestines. |
| Bordatella | A bacterial infection of the upper respiratory system, also called kennel cough. |
South African vaccination schedule for puppies (6 weeks to 1 year)
| 6-8 weeks | 1st puppy shot (DHPP) + Corona |
| 11-12 weeks | 2nd puppy shot (DHPP) + Corona |
| 15-16 weeks | 3rd puppy shot (DHPP) + Corona |
| over 4 months | Rabies (repeat 1 year later) |
South African vaccination schedule for adult dogs
| DHLPP | Annually |
| Corona | Annually |
| Rabies | Annually to Biannually depending on region. |
| Bordatella (Kennel Cough) | Annually when going to Kennels |
| Leptospirosis | Annually |
Additional South African vaccines
- There are additional puppy shots that your vet may recommend. These include vaccinations for Bordatella (Kennel Cough) and Leptospirosis.
- Whether or not your pup needs these particular puppy shots will depend on variables, such as what area you live in, and whether or not he/she will be spending a lot of time at puppy day care, etc.
- Some dog kennels will not accept dogs into their care without current, up-to-date vaccination certificates.
- Some breeds are particularly vulnerable to Canine Parvovirus and should have a 4th Parvo vaccination to improve protection. This is usually given at around 16 weeks of age.