Protection against infectious disease and parasites keeps your dachshund safe at home, in parks, and on holidays. A simple calendar that matches your location and lifestyle prevents gaps. Use the guide below to build a clean plan you can follow all year.
Core vaccines
Core vaccines protect against high-risk, widespread diseases with serious outcomes.
- Canine parvovirus
- Canine distemper virus
- Canine adenovirus
In Australia, these are often combined as a C3. Your vet may use a C4 or C5 when adding canine cough components. Rabies vaccination is not routine in Australia, but it may be required for specific travel.
Life stage schedule
Puppies
- Series starting around 6 to 8 weeks, then every 3 to 4 weeks until at least 16 weeks
- A booster at 12 months after the final puppy shot
Adults
- Booster at 12 months, then triennial for core components where your vet uses longer duration products
- Canine cough components are often annual if your dog attends classes, daycare, groomers, or boarding
Seniors
- Follow adult schedules, with the vet considering titre testing in some cases to confirm protection
- Review medical history at each visit to time vaccines around existing conditions
Non-core vaccines by lifestyle and location
- Canine cough (Bordetella and parainfluenza): advised for dogs that mix with others in classes, daycare, shows, or boarding
- Leptospirosis: region and risk dependent, more likely if your dog has access to standing water, farms, or wildlife areas
- Your vet will advise what is relevant for your suburb and travel plans
Parasite overview
Keeping a long-back dog lean and healthy includes consistent parasite control. Match products to weight, age, and local risks.
- Fleas: itch, allergy, and tapeworm transmission
- Ticks: local disease and paralysis risk in some regions
- Heartworm: spread by mosquitoes
- Intestinal worms: roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, tapeworm
Prevention schedule at a glance
Work with your vet to tailor the brands and exact timing. This template shows common intervals in Australia.
- Heartworm: monthly chew or topical, or annual injection given by your vet
- Intestinal worms: at least every 3 months for adults, more often where children are present or scavenging occurs
- Fleas: monthly or every 3 months depending on product
- Ticks: as per label, often monthly or every 3 months in risk areas
- Canine cough: usually annual
- Core vaccines: per your clinic’s protocol after the 12-month booster, often every 3 years
Building your calendar
- List what you use now with exact product names and dose dates
- Mark due months for heartworm, fleas, and ticks, then add worming and vaccines
- Set phone reminders two days before each dose and on the day
- Keep a one-page log in your kitchen and update it after each treatment
Example month template
- Week 1: Heartworm chew
- Week 2: Rest
- Week 3: Flea and tick dose if monthly, or note the next quarterly date
- Week 4: Intestinal wormer if this is your 3-monthly due month
Choosing products safely
- Match weight range and never split a single dose between pets
- Use dog-only products for dogs and cat-only for cats
- Avoid doubling up on the same drug class from two different products
- If your dog has sensitive skin, consider oral options where appropriate
- Keep all medicines locked away from children and pets
Travel and seasonal adjustments
- Coastal and bush trips: check local tick risk, increase hands-on checks, and keep long grass exposure short
- Summer: keep heartworm and flea control consistent, walk early or late, and rinse after beach swims
- Camping: store food in sealed tubs, avoid wildlife feeding zones, and use a portable ramp rather than jumping from car boots
Tick checks in risk areas
Run a daily head-to-tail check after walks. Use fingerpads to feel through the coat.
- Start at the muzzle and lips, under the collar, then ears and neck
- Work along the back, armpits, belly, groin, and tail base
- Check between toes
- If you find a tick, follow your vet’s removal advice or visit the clinic promptly
Side effects and what to do
Most dogs tolerate vaccines and preventatives well.
- Mild: a little soreness, sleepiness, or reduced appetite for 24 hours
- Call your vet if you see facial swelling, hives, repeated vomiting, collapse, or persistent lethargy
- For topical products, prevent licking until fully dry and avoid bathing for the period listed on the label
Dachshund specifics
- Keep your dog lean to support immunity and lower inflammation
- Use a harness for walks so the neck is not stressed after vaccine visits
- If your dachshund is under the weather, ask your vet whether to delay non-urgent vaccines for a short period
Frequently asked questions
Can I combine vaccine and parasite visits with nail trims
Yes. Many clinics bundle weight checks, nail trims, and parasite refills, which is handy for small dogs.
What about titre testing
Titre tests measure antibody levels for core diseases and can help tailor vaccine intervals. Ask your vet if this fits your clinic’s protocol.
Do puzzle feeders and enrichment matter here
Yes. Calm, predictable routines reduce stress around vet days, and a settled dog bounces back faster after visits.
Quick checklist to print
- Current weight and last dose dates
- Next due: heartworm, fleas, ticks, intestinal worms
- Next vaccine due and which type
- Phone reminders set
- Travel plans noted with local parasite risks
- Log sheet updated and stored in a visible spot
Keeping vaccines and parasite control on time protects your dachshund from preventable problems and keeps adventures simple.
