Vaccinations stimulate your dog’s immune system, so that if they come into contact with certain diseases, they have the best possible chance of fighting the disease and/or reducing the severity of the symptoms.
Puppies and dogs can be vaccinated against diseases such as Distempter, Hepatitis, Parvovirus (DHP), Leptospirosis (L4) , Bordetella Bronchiseptica and Canine Parainfluenza (Kennel Cough KC). Some of these diseases can be passed on from infected dogs and foxes and even healthy looking dogs could be harbouring the diseases.
A puppy vaccination course is normally given as two injections, 4 weeks apart. The first (DHP L4) at 6 to 8 weeks of age, and the second at 10 to 12 weeks of age. A second DHP can be given two weeks following the first DHP vaccination, with immunity for DHP one week later, to allow the puppy to socialise earlier. However, puppies must avoid rivers, farms and anywhere that rats could be present, as puppy would not be fully immune for Leptospirosis until three weeks following the second L4 vaccination. It is very important that the gap between the first and second L4 vaccinations is exactly 4 weeks. Dogs should have a yearly booster, the first booster at a year of age is particularly important. At the practice, we revaccinate with DHP every 3 years and Leptospirosis L4 every year.
The most important period for socialisation of puppies is prior to 16 weeks. In the weeks before your pet’s second vaccination, you should make every effort to introduce him/her to the world – traffic, people, sights and sounds. The more your pet encounters, the less likely he/she will be nervous later on. Carry your pet everywhere, if he/she is too heavy, find somewhere to sit with him/her on your lap. Supermarkets and schools are excellent places to socialise. Get your pet used to car travel by frequent short trips (most pups are car sick initially).
Kennel cough is an airway infection that causes a dry hacking cough in dogs. Similar to human colds, kennel cough can be caused by a number of different germs (viruses and bacteria). It’s most common in areas where lots of different dogs gather (such as kennels, dog shows, walking with other dogs and doggy day care) and can survive in the environment for several weeks. Kennel cough spreads by direct contact between dogs, in the air and on surfaces (such as food bowls and leads). Dogs with kennel cough should be kept away from other dogs and public spaces while they are coughing, and for two to three weeks afterwards. Dogs will be immune three weeks after vaccination.
Important – the contents of the kennel cough vaccine are closely related to whooping cough in people. The vaccine is known to shed for up to 35 days post-administration and this shedding can pose a risk to immunocompromised people. This includes; Very young children and the elderly, those being treated with chemotherapy, people with HIV, pregnant women. It is recommended by the manufacturers that immunocompromised individuals avoid any contact with the vaccine or vaccinated dogs for up to 6 weeks following vaccination. The vaccine poses no significant risk to people in good health.
Coughing is the most common symptom of kennel cough, but in more severe cases, it can cause symptoms such as a high temperature or a reduced appetite.