Dogs Trust reveals over 1 in 3 dogs may not be protected from diseases
Our research highlighted the worrying trend that many dogs may not be receiving the necessary annual vaccination boosters
Last year, we conducted research* which indicates that worryingly, 37% of dogs in Ireland have not received their annual vaccinations. This comes after we have seen too many dogs coming into our care and getting sick, and in some cases, sadly passing away from preventable diseases over the past two years.
We advise that puppies should be vaccinated at around six-weeks of age (before they are rehomed) and should receive their second round of vaccinations four weeks later. After this initial course of vaccinations, dogs need to receive an annual booster to keep them protected. The vet administering the vaccines will advise what’s needed, as it will depend on the individual risk to your dog, as well as the type and brand of vaccines used.
Every year, we take in hundreds of dogs and puppies, many of whom are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status may be unclear. One case that stands out was of a two-year-old crossbreed named Jade, who arrived in to our care with her eight puppies, who were just two days old.
Upon arrival, Jade’s vaccination status was unclear. Despite staff taking every precaution to protect them, sadly, Jade and her puppies tested positive for parvovirus. With quick veterinary intervention, Jade was strong enough to fight the disease, but devastatingly, her pups were not, despite best efforts to save them. Just one of the puppies, now named Bruce, survived, and thankfully, is now thriving in his forever home.
Niamh Curran-Kelly, Veterinary and Welfare Manager, Dogs Trust Ireland, advises: “It is incredibly upsetting to see so many dogs coming into our care and getting sick, and in some terrible cases passing away, all because they have missed out on vital vaccinations.
We’re urging dog owners to ensure that their dogs have received their annual booster shots, or to contact their vet if they are unsure what their dog needs. With longer evenings, and hopefully nicer spring weather on the horizon, people and their dogs are likely to be out and about and coming into more contact, so now is the perfect time to make sure your dog is properly protected.”
To learn more about the vaccinations your dog needs, and for lots of helpful advice on caring for your dog, go to DogsTrust.ie/Advice
*The Happy Dog Project 2025 - Research by Ipsos B&A.
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