Vaccinating Your Dog
What we vaccinate againstVaccinations are a very important part of preventative health care. Distemper and Hepatitis are fatal, contagious diseases, which have become quite rare in this area. However, we still see a significant number of puppies affected with Parvovirus and adult dogs affected with Kennel Cough.
Parvovirus affected puppies suffer severe and sudden sickness with vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration. The virus persists for over twelve months in the environment and spreads readily via infected dogs and their droppings as well as dog bowls, shoes, clothing, handlers etc. Intensive and expensive hospital treatment is required to try and save these puppies but is not always successful. Fortunately, the vaccination schedule outlined below is very effective in preventing Parvovirus in the majority of cases and we consider it essential health care for all puppies and new adult dogs of unknown vaccination history. Puppies prior to completing their full vaccination course are the most vulnerable to this disease.
Kennel cough is a very contagious acute bronchitis. Affected dogs get a harsh hacking cough but are usually otherwise well. Vaccination may not completely prevent infection but helps minimise signs of the disease. As treatment is highly successful in otherwise healthy dogs, kennel cough vaccination is optional. However, many boarding kennels and some obedience trainers request proof of current Kennel Cough vaccination.Vaccination against Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus is called DHP or C3.
Vaccination for DHP plus Kennel Cough is called C5.
Whilst vaccinations are available to protect dogs against leptospirosis and coronavirus, we do not consider these vaccinations are routinely required in this area. Our Recommended Schedule
We are using a new generation of safer and more effective vaccines which has resulted in some changes to our vaccination schedule.
| Vaccine | 6-8 weeks | 10 weeks | 12 months later | Every three years |
| Distemper (essential) |  |
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| Hepatitis (essential) | |
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| Parvovirus (essential) | |
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| Kennel cough (optional) | |
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(annual) |
It is important that puppies complete their ten week vaccination. They should be kept away from public places for seven days to allow the vaccine to take effect. This also applies to adult dogs receiving their first vaccination. Our new vaccine stimulates immunity at ten weeks of age, despite the presence of maternal antibodies which interfered with previous puppy vaccines. This allows puppies to socialise earlier, which helps them develop into calm and well behaved dogs.Rottweilers and some other black and tan breeds appear to be particularly susceptible to parvovirus, however tests have shown that they are also protected using the above Nobivac schedule.
After receiving their ten week vaccination, pups require their next booster vaccination twelve months later, and then every three years.
Those pets also requiring Kennel Cough protection are given a single intra-nasal dose of vaccine. This results in protection after three days and gives an immunity lasting for twelve months. Protection against Kennel Cough still requires annual boosters.
Vaccinations are only given to dogs checked to be in good health. We are able to do a blood test that measures the level of your dog’s protection against Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus and check whether their revaccination is required. This option is preferred for animals whose past or present health conditions make vaccination unwise and for owners who are keen to know their pet’s protection status and avoid unnecessary vaccinations. Our vets are happy to advise you on options for your pet.
Next: Worming your dog.
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