Mandatory dog vaccinations protect against canine distemper virus and parvovirus and rabies. Optional vaccines protect against leptospirosis, parainfluenza, kennel cough caused by bordetella, and coronavirus.

A vaccine that is optional in one country may be mandatory in another where the disease is common.

This is the basic vaccination schedule for dogs.

• At 6 weeks: Primary vaccination or first vaccination.

• At 8 weeks: Multipurpose.

• At 12 weeks: Reminder of the Multipurpose.

• At 18 weeks: Rabies.

• Annually: Reminder of the Multipurpose and Rabies.

For more information, consult your veterinarian to update his vaccinations.