ASK DR.CLAIRE

Is it safe to introduce a 9 week puppy to our home with an 15 year old dog overdue for vaccination?

It’s great that you’re checking on this.

Puppies should be fully vaccinated before playing and interacting with dogs of unknown vaccination history. They can play with healthy, vaccinated dogs in safe environments.

Other dogs at home should also be up to date with vaccination, to protect the puppy, but to also to protect themselves from the puppy!

If your 15 year old is healthy and it’s safe to do so, consider having your veterinarian vaccinate him. Another option is to do a blood test to check his antibodies to the diseases that are vaccinated against. Some vaccines induce a longer acting immunity and three-yearly is common for many vaccines for adults now, so it’s possible although overdue he is still protected. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

If you’d like to chat in person, you can get a vet on a live video call or start a chat to discuss in more detail now.

We’re here to help!

Chat soon,

Dr Claire