Puppies are protected against many infectious diseases through compounds called antibodies, which they receive in the first few hours from their mother's milk (colostrum). Early vaccination is pointless because these antibodies prevent vaccines working properly. However, by about seven weeks the immunity provided by the mother begins to wear off. Some puppies do not have good protection from their mother and these may benefit from earlier vaccination. For most of the above diseases, puppies are given their first vaccination at about eight weeks and then given a second vaccination at ten to twelve weeks. Your vet may advise starting vaccination earlier depending on individual circumstances and the product used, so always contact them for advice.

Until your puppy has received all its injections (and for a few days after), it should not mix with other dogs unless you can be certain that they are fully vaccinated and free of disease.