To control the spread of highly infectious and potentially life threatening diseases, it is important that your pet be vaccinated. This protects your pet and other animals they may come into contact with. Initial protection is obtained from a course of vaccinations while the dog is still young. This needs to be followed up with regular vaccinations for the adult dog to maintain immunity.

Puppy Vaccination

Puppies have some immunity from the antibodies they obtain from mother’s milk. These antibodies can also neutralize the effect of the vaccinations which is why it is important for the puppy to have the full course of vaccinations. A few weeks after the final dose, they will have some immunity to certain infectious diseases.

Adult Dog Vaccination

After the initial course of vaccinations, your puppy is reasonably well protected from the risks of contracting certain diseases. This does weaken over time, so it is important that your dog have booster vaccinations. This is often done at the annual check-up. Keeping up to date with vaccinations offers the best protection for your dog against these potentially fatal diseases.

After Vaccination Care

For a couple of days after vaccination, your dog may seem a little under the weather. There may also be some tenderness and/or swelling at the site of the vaccination. Allow your pet to rest comfortably with easy access to water and food. If you are concerned or the reaction seems to be quite severe, please contact your vet for advice.

We are available to help set up a vaccination schedule for your dog or puppy.

Dog diseases that have vaccines available include:

  • Canine Parvovirus (aka Parvo)

    Canine parvovirus can be contracted by dogs at any point in their lives but senior dogs and puppies are most vulnerable. This disease attacks the intestines and results in severe abdominal pain, diarrhoea containing blood as well as vomiting. Even with intensive veterinary care, dogs often die from becoming dehydrated as a result of this virus. The virus persists in an environment and can be carried in a number of ways. Intensive disinfecting is needed to prevent the spread of the virus. This disease is still commonly seen in Australia, especially in the warmer months.

  • Canine Distemper

    Canine distemper is a very contagious viral disease. It can affect dogs at any point in their lives but puppies are most at risk. Symptoms include: coughing, nasal discharge, sneezing, fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, depression and loss of appetite. Later stages can include paralysis, seizures and muscle tremors. Treatment is generally ineffective. There is minimal recovery and those that do recover often have damage to the brain.

  • Canine Hepatitis

    Canine hepatitis, like distemper, is viral and very contagious. Dogs of any age can become infected and the disease is often fatal. The disease is more prevalent in dogs under two years old. Symptoms include acute abdominal pain, loss of appetite, depression, high fever, diarrhoea and vomiting. The disease can be fatal in as little as 24 hours after contracting the disease. While some dogs do recover, they are often left with kidney and liver problems. They will also be carriers of the disease for an extended period after they have recovered.

  • Canine Cough (aka Kennel Cough)

    Canine cough is actually as a result of infection from a number of viruses. The disease is easily spread, especially in areas where a number of dogs are in close proximity. Boarding kennels, shows, parks and obedience schools can be breeding grounds for this illness. Viruses associated with kennel cough include adenovirus type 2, canine parainfluenza and distemper. The bacteria, Bordetella bronchiseptica, is often seen as one of the factors of this disease. Symptoms include a hacking cough which is generally dry. This can be distressing for the owners as well as the dogs, especially for working dogs. The infection can also lead to pneumonia.

  • Canine Coronavirus

    Canine coronavirus is generally not fatal unless there are other infectious agents present but can lead to death if not treated. Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of appetite and depression and is most often seen in puppies and young dogs.

  • Canine Leptospirosis

    Canine leptospirosis is spread in rat urine or through rat bites and has high fatalities. Dogs often consume food or water contaminated by the urine or are bitten. There is increased risk to dogs in areas close to places where the rat populations are high such as sugar cane fields or rubbish dumps. It is also seen more often after extended periods of rainfall when rats move or concentrate in higher areas. This disease can pass to humans and cause a persistent flu like illness.