We encourage you to contact us to discuss a suitable vaccination schedule for your puppy or dog.
Newborn puppies receive temporary protection from diseases through antibodies obtained from their mother's milk. However, as these maternal antibodies decline within a few weeks, vaccinations are necessary to stimulate their own immune system. The timing for vaccination varies, which is why a series of vaccinations is crucial during puppyhood. To ensure adequate protection, puppies should receive at least two vaccinations, with a 3-4 week interval, against diseases such as canine parvovirus, canine distemper, canine cough (including Bordetella bronchiseptica and other associated viruses), and canine leptospirosis. Additionally, puppies with outdoor access should receive three vaccinations, 2-4 weeks apart, against canine infectious hepatitis (canine adenovirus type 1) and canine coronavirus.
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.
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.
The immunity obtained from puppy vaccinations weakens over time, making dogs susceptible to diseases once again. Annual health checks and booster vaccinations, as required, offer the best protection for the entire life of your pet.
Following vaccination, some dogs may experience mild symptoms such as temporary off-color, slight swelling, or tenderness at the injection site. Typically, access to food, water, and a comfortable resting area is all that is needed for a quick recovery. However, if the response appears severe or persists, we recommend contacting us for advice.
Each of these diseases poses a significant threat to your dog's health, and vaccination is essential for their prevention.
We invite you to connect with us to discuss the most suitable vaccination program for your dog. Our team is committed to ensuring the health and well-being of your canine companion.
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. Some infected dogs will die from parvovirus, even if they receiveintensive veterinary care.
Parvovirus is spread via dog faeces and is very persistent in the environment even after the faeces has been cleaned away. For this reason, it is not necessary to have direct contact with other dogs for the disease to be spread. The virus is so persistent that an infected dog’s environment needs to be cleaned with a potent disinfectant to prevent spread to other dogs. Outbreaks occur regularly especially in summer, with an estimated 20,000 dogs infected every year in Australia.
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 cough is a condition produced by several highly infectious diseases, which can be easily spread wherever dogs congregate, such as parks, grooming salons, doggy day care, 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.
Canine leptospirosis is a serious disease risk in some areas and can cause high death rates. This bacterial disease is spread by the urine of infected rats and is usually transmitted to dogs who ingest contaminated food and water (e.g. puddles), dogs who eat rats or from rat bites.
There’s an increased risk where high rat populations exist such as in cities, near rubbish dumps or around sugar cane areas. Incidence can also increase after long periods of wet weather or building activity, when rat populations are forced to move or concentrate. Leptospirosis is a ‘zoonotic disease’ meaning it is an animal disease that can be passed to humans. Human infection can occur through ingestion of contaminated food or water, or through open wounds.
Canine infectious 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 coronavirus is another contagious virus and causes depression, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea especially in young dogs. Diarrhoea may last for several days in some cases. Although most dogs will recover with treatment, coronavirus has the potential to be fatal, especially if other infectious agents such as parvovirus are present.
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