Besides the many benefits of having a physical examination every year, maintaining vaccinations for your dog has revolutionised control of infectious disease in our pets. Australian dogs are fortunate that we have excellent efficacy in our vaccines, which means they are very effective. Our core vaccines vaccinate against Parvovirus, Hepatitis and Distemper. These diseases can be extremely serious, spread easily between infected individuals, and may cause death in dogs. Parvovirus in particular can live in the soil for a prolonged period of time after exposure, which is why it is widely recommended not to take puppies out in public places until they are protected. Puppies require at least two doses of the vaccine for protection. As adults, we administer this booster every 3 years. We also vaccinate against Canine Cough (Parainfluenza and Bordatella). Canine Cough, also called Kennel Cough, is a respiratory disease spread between dogs. Symptoms can include; coughing and sneezing, gagging, retching or vomiting, discharge from the eyes and/or nose, fever and lethargy. This booster is repeated annually. When given together, this vaccine is called a "C5", and is the minimum required for dogs attending boarding kennels and many sporting events.
Heartworm
We can also vaccinate against deadly Heartworm. Heartworm is spread by mosquitos, who introduce heartworms directly into your pet's blood stream when they stop to take a sip. These worms then migrate to your dog's heart, lungs and blood vessels where they cause organ damage which can persist long after infection is cleared. Symptoms usually become apparent after the worms have been infecting your dog for a long time, and/or grown to huge numbers. They include, lethargy, weight loss and coughing. They can cause heart failure and even block arteries, causing cardiac collapse. While there are plenty of oral and topical preventatives available for heartworm, these must be given consistently to maintain protection. Annual vaccination for Heartworm is available, can be started in puppyhood and given annually. This ensures continuity of protection.
Heartworm vaccination is particularly recommended for any pets living in or travelling to Queensland and New South Wales, however, with our changing climate, it is predicted that we will see an increase in Victorian cases in the coming years. Currently (2024), cases have been documented in the South Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, around Eltham and Doncaster. Please give us a call to discuss a suitable vaccination regime for your pet puppy or dog.
Puppies are temporarily protected against many diseases by antibodies received through their mother’s milk. These maternal antibodies decline in the first few weeks of their lives, after which they need a vaccination to induce immunity. The age at which maternal antibodies drop enough to require vaccination is highly variable, which is why puppies are vaccinated at 6-8 weeks, 10-12 weeks and 14-16 weeks of age.
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.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF DOGS THAT WE VACCINATE AGAINST
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. 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 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.
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