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 required for dogs, especially for travel and legal compliance. The rabies vaccine is nearly 100% effective, providing a considerable immune response in over 95% of dogs.
Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before the departure date, but no more than 12 months prior. Standard brands include Rabisin and Imrab, which are both licensed for local use and international travel. Administration must be performed by a licensed veterinarian.
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. Full immunity is achieved about 2 weeks after the final round of boosters.
DHPPi/L is highly effective, nearing 100%. Common brands utilized in the UAE include Nobivac and Canigen. These are approved within the region and are offered by licensed veterinarians.
Non-Core Vaccinations
Bordetella
This preventive treatment protects against Bordetella bronchiseptica, the primary cause of kennel cough. The Bordetella vaccine is highly effective at reducing the severity of the symptoms and risk of disease. Administration can be via an intranasal spray, an oral liquid, or an injection.
Canine Influenza
A vaccine recommended for dogs at risk of infectious dog flu strains (H3N8 and H3N2). It’s offered as a lifestyle vaccine for dogs who frequent public spaces and participate in grooming sessions, park activities, and group training.
Lyme
The Lyme vaccine is advised for dogs at risk of Borrelia burgdorferi, bacteria transmitted by deer ticks. This includes dogs in high-risk areas such as sandy or bushy areas, outdoor parks, and hiking adventures.
It works by targeting the outer surface proteins on the bacteria, eliminating them while they’re still in the tick’s midgut.
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.
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 nervous system, causing neurological issues.
Canine Distemper. Canine distemper is a highly contagious disease that affects a dog’s respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis and Respiratory Disease. CAV-1 targets the liver, kidneys, and lungs, while CAV-2 is a common component of kennel cough.
Canine Parvovirus. CPV is a severe disease that destroys the intestinal lining of dogs, causing intense vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and dehydration.
Canine Parainfluenza. A contagious respiratory disease that causes inflammation in the upper respiratory tract, easily spreading to dogs in close proximity.
Leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is a fatal disease caused by Leptospira bacteria that can damage the kidneys and liver. It is also zoonotic.
Kennel Cough. A highly contagious respiratory infection primarily caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica, common in unclean boarding facilities and daycares
Canine Influenza. Also known as dog flu, canine influenza is caused by specific Type A influenza viruses (mainly H3N8 and H3N2).
Lyme Disease. A bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi that’s transmitted by deer ticks. Lyme disease causes lameness, joint pain, and fever.
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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