Vaccination for Dogs

Vaccination is the process by which we can protect your dog against some of the most serious dog diseases, by giving injections as a puppy and by "topping up" the cover with the all important annual boosters.

In addition, dogs can be protected from most forms of "kennel cough", a distressing but not usually fatal disease, contracted during boarding, at dog shows or classes, or simply from exercising your dog in the park.

The injection vaccine contains five components.

This is an extremely unpleasant dysentery type of disease. Affected dogs are profoundly depressed, vomit, have abdominal pain and pass large amounts of foul smelling, bloody diarrhoea.

When we see cases, prompt and aggressive treatment is the only hope of a cure and most estimates give only a 50% chance of survival. The mainstay of treatment is replacing the fluid loss by intravenous drip, whilst the infection runs its course. It is not uncommon to give more fluids than the whole body weight of the the patient during treatment. Those dogs lucky enough to survive, take a long time to recover, fully, as they lose a tremendous amount of weight.

This is one of the oldest dog diseases known and is still to be found in virtually every city in the UK. Usually, dogs start with a runny nose and eyes and have a cough. Later on they develop vomiting and diarrhoea. If they survive, they can go on to develop thickening of the foot pads (this is why distemper is sometimes called hard pad), and damage to the teeth, which become yellowed and are lost, prematurely. The most sinister long term consequence of distemper, in those dogs who survive, is the damage to the nervous system which can lead to fits in later life. In my experience, most of the older dogs presenting with fits are those who have not been vaccinated or where the annual boosters have been neglected.

This disease attacks the liver and can be rapidly fatal. Even prompt and aggressive treatment often fails to save an affected dog.

This is a bacterial disease spread by the urine of affected animals and carrier animals such as rats. The disease affects and can be spread to people and is extremely unpleasant. It is often called Weil's disease.

The disease attacks both the liver and kidneys and in some cases dogs die within a few hours of going down with leptospirosis. Dogs who survive often have kidney scarring, leading eventually to premature death through kidney failure.

This virus accounts for some dogs affected with "Kennel cough" syndrome. The hepatitis part of the vaccine protects against adenovirus 2, another virus involved in "kennel cough".

In addition to the partial cover included in the normal injection vaccine, there is a specific Bordetella vaccine, the organism thought to be the main culprit in the "kennel cough" disease.

This vaccine is given as drops up the nose and gives six months' protection. It is often done before boarding or before the dog show season. Ideally the vaccine is given at least 14 days before the anticipated risk but even five days before will give good protection.

This is given, in addition to the normal injections, sometimes at the time of a booster but it can be given alone. Please ask for further information.

Normally, we vaccinate puppies from eight weeks of age.

We can give an extra temporary vaccine at six weeks of age to high risk puppies. Please ask, if you are worried. In addition, we offer a free check up to apparently healthy puppies under vaccination age and we can discuss whether your new puppy needs this extra protection

Puppies normally receive two vaccinations, the second one being two weeks after the first, or at ten weeks old, whichever is the later.

Adult dogs who have had no vaccines or where the boosters have been neglected receive what we call an "adult starter" This comprises two injections, given two to six weeks apart and this will bring the protection up to scratch.

As part of any vaccination, we include a full clinical examination and discussion of any matters arising. At Oak Tree Veterinary Centre, we shall make a 20 minute appointment for your dog's vaccination, giving you ample time to talk about any aspect of your dog's care

As you will have read, vaccination is the only way to protect your friend from these serious or fatal diseases.

Your dog depends upon you and only you for all his or her needs and this is not limited to feeding, exercise and companionship.

Part of being a responsible guardian is arranging preventative measures such as vaccination and worming as well as seeking help when accident or illness strikes.

Even if you choose not to vaccinate your dog, we shall support you and offer prompt and conscientious treatment should your dog contract parvovirus, distemper or any of these serious diseases. We have the ability to hospitalise pets and provide round the clock care having both the facilities and most importantly, dedicated staff.

However, I can assure you that from my experience, the most pain the owners feel comes from the fact that the illness or loss of their pet could have been so easily avoided.

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