Vaccines for Dogs
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Core and non-core vaccines specific to Singapore’s context are covered here. For FAQs regarding vaccination check out this article.
Some brief and basic facts on vaccinations here:
There are core vaccinations and non-core. Core vaccinations are crucial while non-core depends on your dog’s risk of exposure.
Dosage and timing does matters so follow the schedule given to you.
Boosters may be necessary to ensure the protection lasts.
Vets give the best advice because they assess every dog based on individual medical history, lifestyle, environment etc.
Here’s the list of vaccines that can help your doggo ward off some potentially fatal illnesses, organised by age and necessity.
Just click to read the section relevant to your pet:
For dogs age 4 - 16 weeks
For dogs over 16 weeks
Core Vaccines for Dogs: Age 4 - 16 weeks
Spread via infected urine and faeces. Canine hepatitis can lead to serious liver damage and can be fatal.
Dosage & Age:
Minimum 3 doses given as early as 6 weeks.
Booster shots:
Puppies need a booster after 1 year of completing initial series. Subsequent boosters every 3 years or more often.
Contagious and causes severe vomiting and bloody diarrhoea. Potentially fatal.
Dosage & Age:
Given early as 6 weeks, then every 3-4 weeks till 16 weeks of age.
Booster shots:
Puppies need a booster after 1 year of completing initial series. Subsequent boosters every 3 years or more often.
Spread via coughs and sneezes.
Dosage & Age:
Minimum 3 doses given as early as 6 weeks.
Booster shots:
Puppies need a booster after 1 year of completing initial series. Subsequent boosters every 3 years or more often.
Caused by an airborne virus. Effects are severe, including possible permanent brain damage.
Dosage & Age:
Minimum 3 doses given as early as 6 weeks.
Booster shots:
Puppies need a booster after 1 year of completing initial series. Subsequent boosters every 3 years or more often.
Non-core Vaccines for Dogs: Age 4 - 16 weeks
Not usually a serious condition, although it can be dangerous in young puppies. It is usually seen after engaging in activities that encounter many other dogs e.g. boarding or showing.
Dosage & Age:
Depends on the vaccine type; 2 doses are usually required.
Booster shots:
Yearly or 6-month boosters may be recommended for dogs in high-risk environments e.g. show dogs.
Not to be confused with canine influenza, this illness results in cough, fever. It may be associated with Bordetella infection.
Dosage & Age:
Around 2-3 doses. Given at 6-8 weeks of age, then every 3-4 weeks until 12-14 weeks old.
Booster shots:
A booster may be necessary after 1 year. Doing re-vaccination every 3 years is considered protective.
Similar to Bordetella. Not usually serious but can be dangerous in young puppies. High-risk activities or environments include dog shows and frequent boarding.
Dosage & Age:
Total 2 doses. First dose as early as 6-8 weeks; second dose given 2-4 weeks later.
Booster shots:
Yearly.
Fatal when contracted. There is no treatment available yet.
*Singapore is rabies-free so this vaccine is not necessary for dogs here.
Only relevant for pet owners who intend to bring their dogs overseas (to countries which may not be rabies-free)
Dosage & Age:
Single dose given to puppies from 12 weeks old.
Booster shots:
Yearly or every 3 years depending on the type of vaccine used.
Vaccination is generally restricted to established risk areas. Exposure to rodents and stagnant water can lead to an infection.
Dosage & Age:
Total 2 doses. First dose from 8 weeks onwards, with a second dose given 2-4 weeks later.
Booster shots:
Yearly for dogs living in high-risk areas.
Core Vaccines for Dogs: Age over 16 weeks
Spread via infected urine and faeces. Canine hepatitis can lead to serious liver damage and can be fatal.
Dosage & Age:
Total 2 doses, given 3-4 weeks apart.
Booster shots:
Boosters every 3 years or more often.
Contagious and causes severe vomiting and bloody diarrhoea. Potentially fatal.
Dosage & Age:
Total 2 doses, given 3-4 weeks apart.
Booster shots:
Boosters every 3 years or more often.
Spread via coughs and sneezes.
Dosage & Age:
Total 2 doses, given 3-4 weeks apart.
Booster shots:
Boosters every 3 years or more often.
Caused by an airborne virus. Effects are severe, including possible permanent brain damage.
Dosage & Age:
Total 2 doses, given 3-4 weeks apart.
Booster shots:
Boosters every 3 years or more often.
Non-core Vaccines for Dogs: Age over 16 weeks
Not usually a serious condition, although it can be dangerous in young puppies. It is usually seen after engaging in activities that encounter many other dogs e.g. boarding or showing.
Dosage & Age:
Via intranasal or oral - just 1 dose.
Via injections - total 2 doses.
Booster shots:
Yearly or 6-month boosters may be recommended for dogs in high-risk environments e.g. show dogs.
Not to be confused with canine influenza, this illness results in cough, fever. It may be associated with Bordetella infection.
Dosage & Age:
Only 1 dose.
Booster shots:
A booster may be necessary after 1 year. Doing re-vaccination every 3 years is considered protective.
Similar to Bordetella. Not usually serious but can be dangerous in young puppies. High-risk activities or environments include dog shows and frequent boarding.
Dosage & Age:
Total 2 doses, given 3-4 weeks apart.
Booster shots:
Yearly.
Fatal when contracted. There is no treatment available yet.
*Singapore is rabies-free so this vaccine is not necessary for dogs here.
Only relevant for pet owners who intend to bring their dogs overseas (to countries which may not be rabies-free)
Dosage & Age:
Only 1 dose.
Booster shots:
Yearly or every 3 years depending on the type of vaccine used.
Vaccination is generally restricted to established risk areas. Exposure to rodents and stagnant water can lead to an infection.
Dosage & Age:
Total 2 doses, given 2-4 weeks apart.
Booster shots:
Yearly for dogs living in high-risk areas.