Diseases like parvovirus and distemper can be fatal, especially in puppies. Vaccination stimulates your dog’s immune system to produce protective antibodies, giving them the best defence against these serious illnesses. Staying up to date also means your dog can safely socialise at parks, attend training classes, and stay in boarding kennels.
Core Canine Vaccines (C3)
The C3 vaccine protects against three life-threatening diseases that are prevalent in Australia. This core vaccination is recommended for all dogs.
Canine Distemper Virus
Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Symptoms include fever, coughing, eye and nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhoea, and neurological signs such as seizures and paralysis. Distemper is usually fatal.
Canine Adenovirus (Infectious Canine Hepatitis)
This viral disease causes liver and kidney damage. It can cause sudden death in young puppies, while older dogs may develop fever, abdominal pain, lethargy, and jaundice. Recovery is possible with intensive treatment, but prevention through vaccination is far safer.
Canine Parvovirus
Parvovirus is a highly contagious and often fatal virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include severe vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, lethargy, and rapid dehydration. The virus is extremely resilient and can survive in the environment for months or even years.
Non-Core Canine Vaccines
These vaccines are recommended for most dogs in Australia based on their lifestyle and exposure to other dogs.
Canine Cough (Kennel Cough)
Canine cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by multiple pathogens, primarily Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria and canine parainfluenza virus. Dogs develop a persistent, harsh cough that can last for weeks.
- C5 vaccine: The most common combination vaccine, including C3 protection plus Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza virus. Recommended for dogs that socialise with other dogs.
- C4 vaccine: Combines C3 protection with parainfluenza virus only.
The C5 vaccine is highly recommended for puppies and dogs that visit dog parks, attend training classes, go to doggy daycare, or stay in boarding kennels.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Puppies receive some temporary immunity from their mother’s milk, but this protection fades from around 6 to 8 weeks of age. A series of vaccinations is needed to build your puppy’s own immune protection.
- 6–8 weeks: First vaccination (C3)
- 10–12 weeks: Second vaccination (C5)
- 14–16 weeks: Third vaccination (C5) — final puppy shot
If a puppy begins their vaccination program after 10 weeks of age, only two vaccinations may be required. However, this is not a reason to delay vaccination — puppies are unprotected and vulnerable between 6 and 10 weeks of age.
Your puppy should avoid public areas where unvaccinated dogs may have been until 10 to 14 days after their final vaccination (usually around 16 to 18 weeks of age).
Adult Dog Vaccination Schedule
After completing their puppy vaccinations, dogs require regular boosters to maintain lifelong immunity.
- 15 months (first annual booster): All dogs require a booster 12 months after their final puppy vaccination to reinforce immunity.
- C3 vaccination (every 3 years): In adult dogs, the core C3 vaccine provides immunity for three years.
- Canine cough vaccination (annually): Protection against Bordetella and parainfluenza wanes more quickly and requires an annual booster.
This means your dog will visit us annually for a health check and canine cough vaccination. Every third year, they will also receive their C3 booster. Our team will send reminders when your dog is due for their next vaccination.
Vaccination with Best Mates Wellness Plan
Best Mates is a comprehensive pet wellness plan built for Australian pets, available across our national network of Apiam veterinary clinics. Annual vaccinations are included for all Best Mates members as part of your membership benefits.
In addition to vaccinations, Best Mates members choose one of three packages:
- Desexing — standard surgical desexing, with the option for chemical castration
- Dental Scale & Polish — comprehensive dental care including x-rays and dental charting
- Flea, Tick & Worm Prevention — complete parasite protection covering heartworm, fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms
All Best Mates members also receive unlimited consultations at any participating Apiam clinic across Australia. Whether you’re at home in Maffra or travelling interstate, your dog receives the same high standard of care at any network hospital.
Learn more about Best Mates or ask our team at Gippsland Veterinary Hospital if the wellness plan is right for your dog.
When is Vaccination Required?
Many pet services require proof of current vaccination to protect all animals in their care.
- Puppy preschool and training classes: Puppies can usually attend 1 to 2 weeks after their first vaccination.
- Boarding kennels and doggy daycare: C5 vaccination is the standard requirement across all states. Proof of vaccination at least 10 to 14 days before boarding is usually mandatory.
- Airlines (interstate travel): C5 vaccination is often required. A veterinary “fit-to-fly” certificate may also be needed.
- Grooming salons: Many require proof of vaccination, especially for canine cough.
