There are many diseases which can be fatal to dogs; however, we can aid in the prevention of these diseases using very effective vaccines.
The core vaccine helps to protect against the dreaded Parvovirus, which is the most commonly known virus to affect puppies. Distemper and Hepatitis are also covered by the core vaccine but are seen less often. There are also vaccines available against Tracheobronchitis and Leptospirosis.
Parvovirus causes severe gastroenteritis (vomiting and bloody diarrhoea) and has a high mortality rate in puppies.
- It is a very “hardy” virus and can survive in the environment for a number of years.
- The virus particles are spread by infected dogs’ faeces and are transmitted by the ingestion or inhalation of these particles.
- Older dogs and puppies are most susceptible to disease (those with a lowered immune system).
- Clinical signs can include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Vomiting and/or bloody diarrhoeaD
- Depression and lethargy
- A loss of appetite
- There is no specific treatment for the virus, only supportive treatment.
Tracheobronchitis is often referred to as “Canine Contagious Cough” or “Kennel Cough” although this affects many dogs that have never been near a kennels. This vaccination helps prevent infections with parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bacteria. It can be carried out at the same time as the other injections and may be given as an injection or involves drops inserted into the nose. Kennel Cough is highly infectious, although not fatal, and is spread by aerosol effect.
Leptospirosis is a bacterium which is often carried by rats and can be transmitted to dogs via rat urine. It is recommended to vaccinate against Leptospirosis in situations where the dog may be near a dairy farm or visit the river regularly, however new research shows that even dogs living in an urban area are equally at risk. Leptospirosis can also be fatal, and treatment relies heavily on supportive care. This vaccination is also given by a series of primary injections followed by annual boosters.
When do I vaccinate?
To be effective in puppies, these vaccines must be given in a series of at least two vaccines, three to four weeks apart, with the last primary vaccine being given at 16 weeks of age or older. In most situations, the vaccine protocol is, or is similar to, as follows:
8 weeks of age – core vaccine for Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus
12 weeks of age – core vaccine for Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus, +/- Leptospirosis
16 weeks of age – core vaccine for Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus, +/- Leptospirosis, +/- Kennel Cough
A booster is required 6-12 months after completion of the primary course, and then yearly or three yearly vaccines are required thereafter. Your vet will advise you of the recommended protocol for your particular dog based on risk factors and the vaccinations used.
Why do we give vaccinations?
While puppies are suckling from their mother, they receive a temporary form of immunity from disease primarily through the mother’s colostrum. This immunity is in the form of proteins called antibodies and for the first 12 to 24 hours after birth, the puppy’s intestine allows the absorption of these antibodies directly into the blood stream.
This maternal immunity is only of benefit during the first few weeks of life and, at some point during the first few weeks of life, the level of immunity falls, and the puppy must begin to produce its own long-lasting protection against disease – vaccines are used for this purpose. As long as the mother’s antibodies are present, vaccinations do not have such a good chance to stimulate the puppy’s immune system, which is why we wait until at least six weeks of age to begin the vaccination course.
