Most puppies will have received either a C4 or C3 vaccination at 6 weeks of age while still with their breeder. This is a temporary vaccine which will protect them until their C5 vaccination at 10-12 weeks of age.
The C5 vaccination protects against canine parvovirus, canine distemper, canine adenovirus, Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza.

Canine distemper
This is a viral disease which causes vomiting and diarrhoea, a soft cough and a discharge from the eyes and nose. They can also develop rough skin on their feet leading to the old fashioned name of ‘hard pad’. Distemper can be fatal in young puppies and animals that recover can go on to have fits or other brain abnormalities as they get older.

Canine parvo virus
This virus causes profuse often haemorrhagic vomiting and diarrhoea. Affected animals have a high temperature and often die despite intensive treatment. Parvo is very infectious and the virus can remain in the environment for many months

Canine adenovirus (hepatitis)
Causes an acute liver infection. This can cause a high temperature, lethargy, loss of appetite, palegums, abdominal pain and eventually death.

Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus
Both these infections cause tracheobronchitis (canine cough) resulting in a cough which persists for several weeks if not treated. Secondary bacterial infection can contribute to more severe disease, with occasional deaths.

Vaccinations can protect your dog from all of these diseases. Puppies are not fully protected until 2 weeks after their 10-12 week vaccination. These diseases are passed on by direct contact with other dogs or contact with their faeces.