Paws-itive Protection: Why Your Dog Needs Their Shots!

Infectious diseases pose a significant risk to animal health, with some having the potential to be fatal. Animal vaccination serves as the most effective defense against these diseases, functioning in a manner similar to human vaccines. These vaccines are designed to stimulate the animal’s immune system, training it to recognize and respond to specific pathogens. As a result, the animal becomes immune to those diseases, providing ongoing protection. Should the animal encounter the pathogen in the future, its immune system is ready to identify and neutralize the threat, thereby preventing illness or the onset of symptoms.

Some key things to remember:

• If you are planning to board your pet at a kennel or cattery, it is key to ask about their vaccination protocols, as these can vary between facilities,
• Vaccinations are not a one and done. They are an ongoing health priority that must be completed either yearly or three yearly, depending on the vaccine, once they reach adulthood. While they are still puppies, they require more,
• All dogs receive a health check first! If there are any health concerns that could be affected by the vaccination, the vet may recommend not vaccinating your dog and waiting a month or so until they are well!

And for our canine furry friends, we use Vanguard 5 plus injection, which protects the puppy against

• Parvovirus (diarrhoea and vomiting)

• Canine distemper (respiratory and neurological disease)

• Canine hepatitis (liver disease)

• Canine parainfluenza (respiratory disease)

 

Puppies should be vaccinated at 8, 12 and 16 weeks old OR  6, 9, 12 and 16 weeks old if the breeders start vaccinating them early. Puppies are considered ‘fully vaccinated’ 2 weeks after the last vaccination, and until this point should not mix with dogs of unknown vaccination status. After this, we recommend a health check around six months of age to access antibody status. This may require a booster vaccination. After this assessment, Vanguard 5 Plus only requires boosters every three years!

 

We also strongly recommend vaccinating dogs against kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory disease often contracted in environments with close dog-to-dog contact, such as kennels and dog parks. While the disease typically presents as a mild dry cough in healthy dogs, it can pose serious risks to puppies, senior dogs, and those with compromised immune systems. There are a few different types of vaccination options available;

• Injectable CCI: This vaccination is recommended starting at 8 weeks of age, with a booster administered 4 weeks later. It requires annual boosters and provides slightly stronger immunity compared to other options.

• Intranasal KC: This option offers immunity for approximately 1 year and provides rapid protection within 72 hours, making it suitable for use during an outbreak.

• Oral CCB: This vaccination provides 1 year of immunity specifically for Bordetella bronchiseptica and is an effective option for targeted protection against this bacteria.

We also offer a leptospirosis vaccination for dogs that are considered to be at higher risk. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can lead to severe health complications. This vaccination provides essential protection for dogs exposed to environments where the bacteria may be present. 

 

To conclude, vaccinations are a vital tool in safeguarding our animals’ health and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. By ensuring your pet is properly vaccinated, you’re helping them stay healthy and protected. If you have any concerns or need more information, feel free to contact the clinic for more expert advice.