Robson Vets Ltd
VACCINATING YOUR DOG
Having your pet vaccinated provides protection against life threatening diseases that can
otherwise prove fatal. Ensuring your dog completes an initial course of vaccinations and
then receives regular boosters will help keep your dog fit and healthy.
When?
Puppies receive first milk from their mother (colostrum) which provides protection against
infectious diseases through antibodies, by week 7 this protection provided by the mother
begins to wear off. Until your puppy has received all its injections it should be kept
separate from other dogs and areas popular with other dogs.
Puppies usually receive their first vaccination from 8 weeks of age and are then given a
second vaccination at 10 weeks. Vaccinations are tailored to the individual, please
contact a Vet for advice.
Diseases covered:
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Canine Parvovirus – Is an infectious virus usually seen in young puppies, which
causes severe vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration and collapse. Many affected
puppies will die from the disease. The only protection is through vaccination.
Canine Hepatitis – A very contagious virus that can often be fatal attacking the
liver. Pets that recovery potentially can become carriers to the disease spreading
the disease amongst other dogs.
Canine Distemper – Serious virus affecting dogs, with symptoms such as
vomiting, coughing, snotty nose, diarrhoea and convulsions. The disease is often
fatal but those that survive can often be left with permanent disability. Vaccination
is very effective.
Leptospirosis – An infection caused by a bacterium, usually spread by rats
through water causing jaundice and liver failure or chronic kidney failure. Humans
can become infected by skin contact with infected urine.
Kennel Cough – Very infectious and rapidly spreading causing a nasty cough that
can last up to a month before clearing. Vaccine drops are placed up your dog’s
nose, stimulating a local immunity. Most kennels require dogs to be vaccinated
prior to boarding.
Rabies – Necessary as part of the Pet Travel Scheme, required for travel to a
number of countries because of the risk of passing the fatal disease to humans.
Details of each countries requirements and specifics at www.defra.gov.uk
Booster vaccinations are recommended to maintain your dogs protection
against these diseases, a single injection is given once a year throughout life
along with a general health check from your vet.