Vaccinating your Dog

There is still no treatment for most viruses that affect dogs today. We believe that ‘prevention is better than cure’. We frequently see unvaccinated puppies with parvovirus, which can be very rapidly fatal, and Kennel Cough is another extremely common illness that we see in dogs of all ages. Both of these and many other diseases can be prevented or kept to a minimum just by a simple vaccination.

We recommend yearly booster vaccinations to ensure that your dog’s immune system is always prepared in its constant fight against disease. Some of the diseases mentioned below are treatable but some can be fatal which is why it is wise to vaccinate against them to help protect your dog.

Vaccinations for dogs

Normally, it is advisable for puppies to be given an initial course of two vaccination injections, from eight weeks old. These should then be followed by a booster vaccination on an annual basis. A multivalent vaccine is used which means that with one injection we are actually vaccinating against a variety of diseases.

The vaccination will help protect your dog against:

Parvo virus

A viral infection that causes painful and severe diarrhoea and vomiting leading to dehydration, with over 25% of cases proving fatal
Mostly affects puppies although adult dogs can be infected
Damages dog’s immune system
It is highly contagious

Distemper

A viral infection that has symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, respiratory and neurological disease
Can be fatal

Canine Hepatitis

Causes severe damage to the liver and kidneys
Can be fatal
This is now rare due to vaccinations, but still present

Leptospirosis

The canine equivalent of Weil’s Disease

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection which can cause organ failure and require antibiotics, rehydration and organ damage control which can be expensive
To make it worse, Leptospirosis can be transmitted to humans as well – so if your pet catches it, so could you

Kennel Cough

Infectious bronchitis

Extremely contagious between dogs
Harsh hacking cough

Adenovirus

Causes hepatitis

Para-Influenza

A respiratory virus that is another component of Kennel Cough. Vaccination reduces the likelihood of your dog contracting this infection and reduces the severity of the illness if your dog does become infected.

A vaccination programme can be started any time.

It is never too late to start a vaccination programme even for an older dog and your vet will be able to advise you on this. Elderly dogs have a weaker immune system so it is especially important to keep their boosters up to date. In addition, most kennels will not take dogs for boarding unless they have an up to date vaccination record.

Accordingly, it is wise to ensure that your pets have their annual booster. If more than 12 months pass between boosters, your pet may have to start the primary vaccination course again, as its immunity to disease will have deteriorated.

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