Dog booster vaccinations are a crucial part of your dog's health plan. While puppy vaccinations provide the first layer of defence, their effectiveness will naturally decrease as they get older. Having your dog receive regular boosters is essential to maintain immunity against dangerous yet preventable diseases such as parvovirus, distemper, leptospirosis, and infectious hepatitis. At Gower Vets, our experienced veterinary team takes the time to understand your dog’s age, lifestyle, and individual risk factors before creating a tailored vaccination plan. By following evidence-based guidelines and the latest veterinary research, we ensure your dog gets exactly what they need, no more, no less. With annual dog booster vaccinations, you not only keep your dog protected all year round but also ensure they receive a full health check at every visit, helping us spot any early signs of illness that we can provide effective treatment for.
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The Importance of Dog Booster Vaccinations
Primary vaccination courses, usually given at around 8 and 10 weeks of age, provide your puppies with their first crucial layer of defence against disease. However, as we know that initial protection naturally fades over time, leaving dogs vulnerable again and in need of another layer of protection. This is why annual dog booster vaccinations are so important, they renew immunity and continue to guard against a range of serious, sometimes fatal illnesses such as:
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Parvovirus – a hard-wearing virus that attacks the gut and immune system, often fatal to puppies.
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Canine distemper – a historically devastating illness that is now rare in the UK thanks to widespread vaccination, but still present in some parts of the world.
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Infectious canine hepatitis – a serious liver disease that remains uncommon but can progress quickly and is often fatal.
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Leptospirosis – a bacterial infection spread via contaminated water; it can be life-threatening for dogs and is also transmissible to humans.
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Kennel cough (parainfluenza / Bordetella complex) – a highly contagious respiratory condition that spreads easily wherever dogs gather, from kennels to training classes.
Here at Gower Vets, we tailor dog booster vaccinations to reflect the latest veterinary guidelines and the individual needs of your dog. Our team of vets consider factors such as your dog’s age, health status, travel plans, and lifestyle before recommending which vaccines are necessary. This means your dog gets the protection they truly need, avoiding any unnecessary injections while ensuring their core immunity is always maintained as it should be. Every booster appointment also includes a thorough health check, giving you peace of mind that your dog is happy, healthy, and fully protected for the year ahead.
What to Expect at Your Dog Booster Vaccinations Appointment
When you bring your dog in for its booster vaccination at Gower Vets, you’re not just keeping their jabs up to date, you’re getting a complete health and wellbeing review to give you peace of mind. Our team uses these appointments as an opportunity to check your dog from nose to tail, answer any questions you may have, and provide any additional advice tailored to their age and lifestyle. During your visit, you can expect:
- A comprehensive health and wellness check, conducted by either a vet or experienced nurse. This helps detect early signs of illness or changes in health.
- Discussion of your dog’s lifestyle, environment, and risk factors to select the most appropriate vaccine components
- Booster doses, typically including core vaccines and non‑core components such as kennel cough if required
- A vaccine reminder and future appointment scheduling—including for parasite prevention and microchipping if needed
At Gower Vets, we view dog booster vaccinations as a vital part of responsible pet ownership, not only safeguarding your dog from preventable diseases but also reassuring you that their overall health is in safe hands. By combining vaccinations with a thorough wellness check and tailored advice, we help keep your companion happy, healthy, and protected all year round.
Book your pet vaccination here
Personalised Booster Schedules That Fit Your Dog
As we all know, no two dogs are the same. Here at Gower Vets, we understand this better than anyone. Which is why we approach every pet with fresh eyes. We take into consideration the following factors before making any medical decisions regarding your dog:
- Age, breed, and general health
- Level of exposure, e.g. social dogs, walking in parks, kennel stays
- Travel plans (such as EU travel requiring rabies vaccination)
Based on these details, we can include kennel cough (Bordetella) boosters or rabies vaccination for dogs travelling abroad. The kennel cough vaccine can be administered orally or via nasal spray, depending on your dog’s needs. Core vaccines may cover parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis and leptospirosis. Your vet will break all of these down for you during your appointment and explain why you're dog should receive the suggested vaccinations.
Benefits of Yearly Dog Booster Vaccinations
Keeping your dog’s booster vaccinations up to date offers far more than disease prevention; it delivers a wide range of health, safety, and practical benefits for both your pet and you. From protecting against life-threatening illnesses to meeting legal and lifestyle requirements, the advantages of annual boosters extend well beyond the vaccination itself:
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Maximises protection against potentially fatal diseases
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Early detection enables timely intervention for emerging health issues
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Reduces public health risks, especially for leptospirosis which is zoonotic
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Keeps your pet compliant with boarding, daycare, and travel requirements
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Prevent future costs by avoiding illnesses that require intensive treatment
There's nothing more reassuring than knowing your dog is fully protected all year round. So why not book your next dog booster appointment with Gower Vets and our team of vets can guide you through.
Book your pet vaccination here
Spread the cost of essential pet vaccinations
To spread the cost of routine and essential healthcare for your pet, we offer our Pet Health for Life plan, which includes pet vaccinations and an annual health check for your pet.
Click here to find out more and to sign up online
Trust the Experts: Our Team and Facilities
Everyone at our practice is committed to providing you with the very best in pet healthcare. Our veterinary team bring a wealth of experience to the practice and has individually obtained high standards of professional qualification. Whether you’re a new or returning client, our team ensures your dog receives tailored and compassionate care for each and every vaccination. Meet our team here to find out more about our friendly staff here at Gower Vets.
FAQs About Boosters at Gower Vets
Q: My dog had all their puppy vaccinations - why do they need a booster?
A: Initial immunity fades over time. Boosters ensure continued protection; otherwise, your dog remains vulnerable to serious conditions
Q: Can boosters include kennel cough vaccine too?
A: Yes. If your dog is in kennels, daycare, or social environments, we may recommend and administer the kennel cough vaccine either orally or nasally
Q: Are rabies vaccines provided here?
A: Yes. Although rabies is not endemic in the UK, we offer rabies boosters when required for travel to Europe or other destinations
Q: What if my dog is overdue for booster shots?
A: We can discuss the best course of action for your dog and ensure that they are back on track with the required vaccinations.
How to Book Your Dog’s Booster Vaccinations
Here at Gower Vets, we want to make booking as simple as possible. Either use our online appointment system or call us on 01792 299 111 to arrange a convenient visit. If you’re already a Pet Health for Life member, we’ll notify you when your next booster is due. Not yet a member? We’ll be happy to explain how the plan works and help you enrol.
Choosing Gower Vets for booster vaccinations means trusting in:
- A professional, qualified veterinary team committed to high standards and tailored care
- A vaccination approach based on evidence and official protocols, avoiding unnecessary vaccines
- Convenient pricing or plan-based access with reminders to keep your dog fully protected
- Preventive healthcare and early detection, not just vaccination, enhancing overall welfare
Keep your dog healthy, compliant, and ready for any adventure by staying up to date with booster vaccinations. At Gower Vets, your dog’s wellness is our top priority, and we provide expert care you can trust.
