Dog Vaccinations: Vaccination Schedule, Core Vaccines and Recommendations for the Toy Poodle
In Spain, vaccination requirements may vary slightly depending on the
autonomous community.
When you pick up your puppy, you will receive a document (health record
or passport) where all administered vaccines are recorded.
At the first veterinary visit, your vet will tell you exactly which vaccines are
required in your area and how to continue the schedule.
Here, we will focus on something just as important:
which serious diseases you are preventing by vaccinating your dog.
Parvovirus ⚠️
One of the most dangerous diseases in puppies. It causes severe diarrhea,
vomiting, and rapid dehydration. In a Toy Poodle, things can become critical
within hours. But there is something very important
that many owners don’t know:
No vaccine provides 100% protection.
A puppy is considered truly protected only after completing the full vaccination
series (usually three properly timed doses). When you receive your puppy,
it usually already has: a puppy vaccine, one or two additional “adult” vaccines.
Types of vaccines (simple explanation): Trivalent → protects against 3 diseases.
Tetravalent → protects against 4. Heptavalent → protects against more diseases.
No one option is always “better” — it depends on the protocol and the veterinarian.
When can the puppy go outside? The safest approach is to keep the puppy at home until the next vaccination or until your veterinarian confirms it is safe to go out. Even after completing all vaccinations: ⚠️ Avoid contact with unknown or unvaccinated dogs.⚠️ Especially stray dogs. Because yes — infection is still possible. The difference is that, when vaccinated, the puppy is much more likely to recover… rather than the disease becoming fatal.
Canine Distemper.
A very serious viral disease that affects multiple body systems. It often starts with cold-like symptoms It can affect the lungs, intestines, and nervous system. In advanced stages, it may cause tics, seizures, and permanent damage.
⚠️ It is highly contagious and can be fatal, especially in puppies A dog that survives may never be the same.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis.
A viral disease that primarily affects the liver. It can cause fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain. It may also affect the eyes and kidneys.
In puppies, it can progress very quickly.⚠️ In severe cases, it can be fatal. It may go unnoticed at first, but can worsen rapidly..
Canine Parainfluenza.
A respiratory virus that is part of the “kennel cough” complex. It causes a dry cough, nasal discharge, and general discomfort. It spreads easily between dogs. It is common in places with many animals.⚠️ Usually not severe, but highly contagious.
The main issue is not just the illness, but how quickly it spreads.
Leptospirosis.
A bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated water (puddles, damp areas). It can affect the liver and kidneys. It causes fever, vomiting, and lethargy. In some cases, it progresses rapidly.⚠️ It can also be transmitted to humans.
Even a simple puddle can be enough for infection.
Bordetella (Kennel Cough).
A bacterium that causes highly contagious respiratory infections. Persistent dry cough (as if the dog is choking). May be accompanied by mucus. Spreads very easily between dogs. ⚠️ Common in kennels, grooming salons, parks, and shows.
Although usually mild, it can become serious in puppies or weakened dogs.
Ringworm (fungal skin infection).
This is not part of every standard vaccination protocol, but a vaccine does exist and can be useful in certain cases. It is a fungus, not a virus. It causes hair loss, scaling, and sometimes itching. It is highly contagious between animals… and can also spread to humans.
Something interesting (real experience). In some cases, dogs with dermatitis: test negative for ringworm and appear not to have a fungal infection. But in practice: 👉 antifungal vaccination can sometimes improve or even resolve the skin condition.
This does not mean it is always the solution, but it is something many breeders and veterinarians have observed in specific cases.
Ringworm is not as dangerous as parvovirus, but: it is highly contagious, it can be slow to eliminate, it can affect humans as well. That’s why, in environments with many dogs or puppies, prevention and early action make a big difference.
How does a dog get infected?
Many people think a puppy only gets sick through direct contact with other dogs. But in reality, it’s much easier than it seems.
Contact with other dogs. Playing, sniffing, or simply being close to a sick dog or a carrier. Contaminated ground. Streets, parks, sidewalks… A puppy can get infected just by stepping on or licking an area where a sick dog has been. Feces and vomit. Especially dangerous with diseases like parvovirus. Direct contact with the dog is not even necessary. Contaminated objects. Shoes, clothes, hands, carriers… Yes, you can unknowingly bring a virus home. Contaminated water. Puddles, fountains, or damp areas (very important in leptospirosis).
The most important point: A puppy doesn’t need to “see other dogs” to get infected. Contact with the wrong environment is enough.
That’s why extra caution in the first weeks is not overreacting — it’s protection.
What can a cat transmit to a dog?
In general, dogs and cats do not share most major viruses (such as parvovirus or distemper).
However, there are some conditions that can be transmitted between them.
Ringworm (fungal infection), The most common. Causes hair loss and scaling.
Highly contagious between animals. Can also spread to humans. This is the most typical
condition a dog can catch from a cat. External parasites (fleas). If the cat has fleas,
the dog may get them too. Itching. Skin problems. Risk of other associated parasites.
Mites (mange, in some cases). Certain types can be transmitted between species.
Intense itching. Skin irritation. Internal parasites (less common). In poorly controlled
environments, indirect transmission is possible.
The key point: Not everything a cat has can be transmitted to a dog. But they do share skin issues and parasites
If one animal shows symptoms, all pets in the household should be checked. “Can a cat transmit parvovirus to a dog?” NO.
What can a dog transmit to a person?
Most serious canine diseases are not transmitted to humans, but there are some important exceptions.
Ringworm (fungal infection) — the most common. Parasites (fleas, mites) — can pass to humans. Leptospirosis (rare, but important). Transmitted through contact with infected urine . Puede ser grave. Más riesgo en entornos húmedos. Rabies (extremely rare in Europe). But it is a fatal disease. That’s why vaccination exists.
⚠️ The key point. It is not common to get sick from your dog. But hygiene and prevention do matter.
What can a person transmit to a dog?
This surprises many people. Colds and respiratory viruses (in some cases). Not very common,
but possible. Skin bacteria or wound infections. Through direct contact.
Parasites (indirectly).
For example, bringing fleas on clothes or shoes.
⚠️ The key point: If you are sick, it’s best to limit close contact.
Especially with puppies or vulnerable dogs.
Yes — we can also transmit things to our dogs.
👉 “In a clean and controlled environment, living with dogs is completely safe.”
⚠️Common mistakes with vaccinations:
“My puppy has had one shot, so it can go outside.” No. A single dose does not provide full protection. The puppy is still very vulnerable. This is one of the most dangerous mistakes.
“The more vaccines, the better.” Not true. Vaccinating without a plan makes no sense. Vaccines should be adapted to the real risk. It’s not about quantity, it’s about strategy.
“My dog doesn’t go outside, so it doesn’t need vaccines.” A common mistake. You can bring viruses home on your shoes or clothes. A puppy can get infected without ever leaving the house.
The risk is not only outside.
“My dog is fully vaccinated, so nothing can happen.” Not exactly. Infection is still possible. Vaccination reduces risk and severity. Protection does not mean total immunity.
“It can play with any dog.” Especially dangerous for puppies. Unknown dogs = unknown risk
Even more so if you don’t know their health status.
“Vaccines are just a formality.” A serious mistake. You are protecting against very serious diseases. Some can be fatal within hours. It’s not just a shot — it’s real prevention.
“The veterinary clinic is clean and safe.” A critical mistake. Don’t put your puppy on the floor. Don’t let other dogs approach or sniff it. Avoid contact with unfamiliar people.
Clinics do not disinfect the floor after every sick animal. The risk is not only outside… it can also be at the clinic. Carry your puppy in your arms or in a carrier. Always.
Do you know how people end up learning about vaccines?
Imagine you have three dogs. Not forty like we do... just three. 😄
You vaccinate them on time, exactly as your veterinarian recommends. Everything seems perfect... until one day the neighbour's cat, which wanders wherever it likes, brings ringworm into the area. Suddenly you have shaved dogs, perhaps even children undergoing treatment at home, and you discover that there is a vaccine against ringworm... although it is not part of the routine vaccination schedule and is only used in specific situations. That's when you start asking a lot of questions. Over the years we have learned that vaccination is much more than a list of dates. There are core vaccines for every dog, while others depend on the country, the dog's lifestyle, the risk of exposure or even local outbreaks. If you would like to learn more, here are some of the veterinary organisations whose recommendations are followed by veterinarians around the world:
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WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association). International vaccination guidelines for dogs and cats based on the latest scientific evidence.
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AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association). Recommendations on core and non-core vaccines, vaccination schedules and preventive medicine.
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Merck Veterinary Manual. Veterinary reference on infectious diseases, vaccination and disease prevention.