What diseases are dogs vaccinated against?
At Alfreton Park Veterinary Hospital, our routine dog vaccine, made by Pfizer, protects against a total of 7 diseases:
- Distemper
- Parvovirus
- Leptospirosis (caused by Leptospira canicola and Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae)
- Adenovirus (which causes infectious canine hepatitis and CAV-2 respiratory disease)
- Parainfluenza virus (a cause of kennel cough)
Dogs can also be vaccinated against the main cause of kennel cough, Bordetella bronchiseptica. This disease can be caused by several types of infectious agent, but the worst cases are due to a bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica . The kennel cough vaccine protects against this bacteria, and also Parainfluenza virus.
How long does kennel cough (KC) vaccine last, and how is it given?
This vaccine lasts a whole year, and is given by a small squirt of fluid (less than 1/2ml) into the nose. The Bordetella part will be effective after 3 days, but the parainfluenza part takes about 3 weeks to be effective. Therefore, dogs should be vaccinated at least 3 weeks before going into kennels.
Which dogs should be vaccinated against kennel cough?
Many people think that dogs only need KC vaccine if they are going to kennels, but dogs catch KC by inhaling droplets (much like people catching a cold), so KC is spread between dogs by coughing and sneezing over each other. Any situation where dogs come in close contact with each other could put them at risk – such as dog shows, training classes, and if they are exercised where lots of other dogs go, such as in a local park. Dogs can be vaccinated against KC from 3 weeks of age. It can be given to pregnant bitches.
When can my puppy have its first routine vaccination?
From 7 weeks of age, although it is sometimes better to wait until 8 weeks old. The puppy MUST be 10 weeks old or over before it can have the second vaccination, and the interval between injections must be at least 14 days, but less than 6 weeks.
Will my dog need more vaccinations after the first course?
Yes, we recommend that all dogs have a primary vaccination course, followed by annual booster vaccinations. The booster should be given within 6 weeks of the due date, otherwise the course may need to be restarted (ie a course of 2 injections again).
My dog had its puppy vaccinations but hasn’t had any for a while, does he need to start the course again?
Yes, as above, the initial course will need to be given, ie 2 injections 14 days apart (but less than 6 weeks).
My dog is pregnant, can she be vaccinated?
No, you would need to wait until she has had the puppies.
My dog is a rescue, they told me he had been vaccinated but I haven’t got a vaccination card for him, what’s the best course of action?
This situation is surprisingly common. Our recommendation is to start the course again. It is possible to take a blood test to determine if they already have immunity against distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus, but this is expensive and would require further visits to the surgery for vaccination should immunity to any of these diseases be low. For most clients, we do not believe this is a practical option as it involves extra expense and visits to the surgery with little or no benefit to your pet.
Why do dogs need vaccinations every year?
For some of the diseases mentioned above, immunity is short-lived, particularly against Leptospirosis, so dogs need annual vaccinations against Lepto. For other diseases, such as distemper and adenovirus, the immunity lasts longer, so we recommend vaccinating against these diseases every 2 years.
Is there a risk of side effects? I’ve heard that vaccinations can be harmful.
All interventions, whether surgical or medical, have a risk of undesirable effects, and vaccination is no different. However, it is important to understand that the risk of these side effects is very low, less than 1 in 20,000, and the consequences of these are generally short lived and far less serious than if any of the diseases mentioned are contracted. Vaccination of cats and dogs has been a huge success story in veterinary medicine. Diseases which used to be real killers in dogs are prevented by vaccination, and we now only see these diseases in unvaccinated dogs and those whose vaccinations have lapsed. Vaccination also helps prevent other unpleasant diseases such as kennel cough.
So it’s best to vaccinate my dog?
Yes, vaccination is essential to prevent potentially life threatening diseases, so we strongly recommend it. Also, when your dog is vaccinated, it will ALWAYS receive a thorough health check. Annual check ups are strongly recommended in all animals - don’t forget that animals age must faster than humans, so having an annual check up for your dog is a bit like having a check up with your doctor every 7 years!! Often we detect problems on these annual check overs, such as heart murmurs, teeth/gum disease, ear problems, skin disease (including fleas), lumps, etc - the early treatment of which can be life-saving in some cases. It also gives you the chance to discuss any problems you may be encountering, and to receive advice and up-to-date information about new products or treatments from a highly-trained, dedicated professional, who is committed to helping you and your pet!
