Why should I vaccinate my dog?
What are the risks of vaccination?
When should I vaccinate my puppy?
What actually happens?
What is Kennel Cough?

Why should I vaccinate my dog?

Vaccination provides protection against several life threatening diseases which can be caught from unprotected dogs or the environment. These life threatening diseases still occur in unvaccinated dogs, but the heart breaking fact is that they can be so easily prevented. Most kennels insist on seeing an up to date vaccination certificate, and some insurance  companies will only provide cover if the pet is fully vaccinated.
The diseases that we can protect your dog from are: Distemper, Parvo Virus, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza and Bordatella (Kennel Cough) and Rabies (for the Pet Travel Scheme) .

What are the risks of vaccination?

Puppies may occasionally feel unwell; they will be less playful, and possibly not interested in food. Most of the time they are back to normal within 24 hours.
Occasionally a lump can be felt at the site of vaccination; this disappears within a few weeks.
Serious reactions to dog vaccines are extremely rare.

When should I vaccinate my puppy?

The vaccine regime we reccomend is:

8 weeks old:                                                                  First vaccination

10 weeks old (2-4 weeks after the first vaccination):           Second vaccination

1 year, 3 months old (ie a year later):                               First Booster vaccination

Each subsequent year:                                                   A Booster vaccination.

After the first booster vaccination, we only vaccinate against Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza and, if required, Kennel Cough on an annual basis.Distemper, Parvo and Hepatitis vaccines are only given every three years.

What actually happens?

A single injection is given just under the skin of the scruff, using a fine, disposable needle. Dogs and puppies often don't even notice.
A key part of the vaccination consultation is the full health check that is included in the price. This is an opportunity for the vet to take a medical history and perform a complete physical examination. Usually the result is reassurance that all is well, but sometimes important, previously undetected problems are discovered enabling treatment and a better chance of full health being restored.

What is Kennel Cough?

This is a highly infectious condition that results in a harsh, wretching cough which is sometimes confused with the dog being sick. The vaccine is seperate from the other injection and is an intra-nasal vaccine; that means that 0.5mls of a watery liquid that is dropped directly into your dog's nose. A quick sniff and sometimes a sneeze and its all over! Your dog is particularly at risk through attending boarding kennels, dog shows, agility competitions or anywhere that involves mixing with other dogs. However, there is a risk present in the dog population at large, which occasionally results in epidemics of the illness. There is a strong case for having this vaccine regularly, so please discuss this option with your vet, since it is not given routinely.

In summary:

1. All puppies and adult dogs should be vaccinated.
2. All dogs need annual boosters.
3. Elderly dogs still need their vaccinations.
4. These diseases are still around and they can be fatal.
5. A full health check is included in the price of the vaccination.
6. Rabies vaccinations are available for pets travelling abroad.
7. Vaccination is a safe, reliable way of protecting your pet from these fatal, distressing illnesses.