Dog Vaccination
Dog Vaccination
Pet Vaccination
Vaccination has revolutionised control of infectious disease in our pets. It is essential that all pets are adequately vaccinated to help protect the pet population as a whole. Responsible pet care requires puppies to be given their initial course of vaccinations, but this cannot protect them for the rest of their lives. Adult dogs require regular vaccination to maintain immunity against disease.
For Puppies
Puppies are ‘temporarily’ protected against many diseases by antibodies received through their mother’s milk. These maternal antibodies decline in the first few months of their lives, however until they drop sufficiently they can also neutralise vaccines. This is why a series of vaccinations is necessary in a puppy.
Adult Dog Vaccination
The immunity from puppy vaccination weakens over time and your pet can again become susceptible to disease. Annual health checks and booster vaccinations, as required, will provide the best protection for the life of your pet. In addition, all kennels will require proof of current vaccination status before boarding your dog.
Canine Cough (also known as ‘Kennel Cough’) is usually self-resolving in healthy puppies and adults with no underlying health conditions. Encourage rest & stay away from other dogs as it’s highly infectious. If you’re concerned or your animal is flat/lethargic/vomiting/not eating please call to book an appointment.
We are happy to discuss your vaccination schedule with you further before you make a decision about which vaccinations may be best for your dog and suit your lifestyle and travel requirements.
After Vaccination Care
Following vaccination your dog may be off-colour for a day or two, or have some slight swelling or tenderness at the injection site. Access to food and water and a comfortable area to rest are usually all that is required for a quick recovery. However, if the response seems more severe, you should contact us for advice.
Give us a call to discuss a suitable vaccination regime for your puppy or adult dog.
Infectious Diseases Of Dogs That We Vaccinate Against
Canine Parvovirus
Canine parvovirus is a disease that affects dogs of all ages but is most serious in young pups and older dogs. The virus attacks the intestines causing bloodstained diarrhoea, uncontrollable vomiting and severe abdominal pain. Dogs often die from severe dehydration despite intensive veterinary care.
It is not necessary to have direct contact with other dogs for the disease to be spread. The virus is so persistent that the infected dog’s environment needs to be cleaned with a potent disinfectant to prevent spread to other dogs. Outbreaks occur regularly throughout Australia, especially in summer.
Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that can affect dogs of any age with young puppies being at highest risk.
Symptoms vary but can include fever, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and depression. Muscle tremors, fits and paralysis usually occur later in the disease. Treatment is usually ineffective and the recovery rate very low. Dogs that do recover may have permanent brain damage.
Canine Hepatitis
Canine hepatitis is a viral disease which, like distemper is extremely contagious and often fatal. Dogs of any age can become infected, however severe cases are rare in dogs over two years of age.
Symptoms include high fever, depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea and acute abdominal pain. In severe cases death can occur within 24 to 36 hours. Dogs that recover may develop long term liver and kidney problems and can act as carriers spreading the disease to other dogs for many months.
Canine Cough
Canine cough is a condition produced by several highly infectious diseases, which can be easily spread wherever dogs congregate, such as parks, shows, obedience schools and boarding kennels. Among the infectious agents associated with canine cough is the bacterium known as Bordetella bronchiseptica and the canine viruses parainfluenza, adenovirus type 2 and distemper.
Affected dogs have a dry hacking cough which can persist for several weeks. It is distressing for pet dogs and their owners. It is a major problem for working and sporting dogs. Pneumonia can also be a consequence of infection.
Cat Vaccination
Vaccinations are important for cats
A cat is an important member of your family. It is an owners responsibility to make sure that they are healthy, and part of doing that you need to make sure your kitten or cat gets vaccinated. This simple preventative measure will protect your cat and other cats from deadly diseases and viruses.
Veterinarians or trained team members administer vaccines in two different ways. Most commonly they inject the vaccine, but sometimes they put drops in the pet’s eyes, tongue or nose. This depends on the specific vaccination for the specific disease.
How do vaccines work
The pet’s immune system is triggered with scientifically designed vaccines. This stimulation teaches the immune system how to fight a disease and protects your kitty against infectious diseases. The vaccine will protect your cat against the effects of the disease in the event that they ever come in contact with the virus or illness.
What does a vaccine contain?
Some vaccines contain live organisms which simulate the disease. The scientifically modified organisms will trigger a good immune response by simulating the disease for a few days in a controlled manner as not to make cat ill.
There are vaccines which contain organisms that have been rendered inactive, combined with other agents to trigger an immune response in your cat’s body.
New and more advanced vaccines called, Recombinant vaccines are protein producing parts of an organism combined with a second organism. The organisms promote a good immune system in your cat’s body to prevent serious illness and reactions to illnesses.
Most important all vaccines have to go through a series of safety tests along with tests to determine effectiveness. The authorities that regulate the feline medicine industry only release vaccines that have been proven safe and effective.
There may be ‘herbal vaccinations’ that people may suggest to you, they have no scientific backing. It is not advisable to use these vaccines because they do not prompt the necessary immune responsibilities. Veterinarians only use regulated and scientifically proven vaccinations.
What diseases does my cat get vaccinated against
The regulations for vaccinations are not the same worldwide, different regions and countries will require different vaccinations. It all depends on what illnesses are found in those places. There are common vaccines that are available in most countries, it is in the best interest of your cat to consult your vet to get the right vaccines for your area. Kittens will have certain immunity that is provided by their mother’s milk but this wears off in time. Kittens will need to get their vaccines if they are to stay healthy. Booster shots are required annually in order to maintain the efficacy of some vaccines.
The most common vaccines are against
Feline Panleukopenia virus also known as FPV, Feline infectious enteritis, feline parvovirus.
Feline herpesvirus
Feline calicivirus or cat flu
Chlamydophila Felis
Bordetella bronchiseptica
If you decide to take your cat abroad, speak with your vets well ahead and we can organise a vaccination schedule for that country. Note for some countries this can take several rounds of vaccine so you should discuss this with your vet as soon as possible.
There are two different kinds of vaccinations. Core and non-core vaccines. Cats all receive core vaccinations, even indoor cats, non-core vaccines are given to cats that are high risk for contracting a specific disease.
Discuss with your vet which vaccines your cat needs and set up a schedule to keep your cat in the best health possible.
The core vaccines are for
Feline panleukopenia virus is a severe virus that can be fatal. It is not uncommon for cats to die from this haemorrhagic disease.
Feline herpes and feline calicivirus is a virus that combines to become the main cause for respiratory infections known as cat flu.
Rabies is very common in dogs and it can be transferred to humans. This is a potentially fatal disease that causes serious symptoms which has led to regulations being in place to protect us and our pets. Cats are vulnerable to rabies too and can transfer it to humans.
Make an appointment with your cat or kitten to keep them safe.
