Dog Vaccination

Puppy Vaccinations

Vaccinating your puppy is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure they live a long, healthy life. Puppies are born with temporary immunity that they receive through their mother’s milk, known as maternal antibodies. These antibodies provide initial protection against certain diseases, but over time, this passive immunity begins to decline. As maternal antibodies fade, it becomes essential to vaccinate your puppy to ensure they are protected from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.

Because the maternal antibodies can interfere with the effectiveness of vaccines, puppies require a series of vaccinations to ensure optimal protection. These vaccines are typically administered in a series of doses, with each dose given at the appropriate age to maximise their immune response.

• First Vaccinations – Starting at 7 Weeks:
  The first round of vaccinations is generally given at 7 weeks of age, when the maternal antibodies are beginning to decline, but before they have fully worn off. This is a critical time for vaccination, as the first dose helps to stimulate the puppy’s immune system to begin developing its own long-term immunity.
• Subsequent Vaccinations:
  After the first vaccine at 7 weeks, your puppy will need additional vaccinations to build a strong immune defence. These follow-up vaccinations are typically administered at 10 weeks and 14 weeks of age. Each dose reinforces the immune system’s response to the disease-causing agents and ensures that your puppy is thoroughly protected as the maternal antibodies continue to diminish. The second and third doses of vaccines further boost immunity, creating a robust defence that will protect your puppy throughout their life.
• Boosters:
  Following the initial series, annual booster vaccinations are required to maintain protection as your puppy grows into adulthood. Regular boosters help keep your pet’s immunity at optimal levels, and we’ll guide you on the proper schedule to ensure they remain safe and protected.
• Socialisation and Protection:
  It’s important to remember that while vaccinations are critical for disease prevention, puppies should not be exposed to areas where other animals gather—such as dog parks, public places, or pet stores—until they have completed their full vaccination series. This precaution helps minimize their risk of contracting diseases during the vulnerable period before their immune system is fully protected.

Adult Dog Vaccinations

While the initial vaccination series during your dog’s puppyhood provides important protection, the immunity conferred by these early vaccines gradually weakens over time. As your dog matures, their immune system becomes less responsive to the protection provided by puppy vaccinations, which is why ongoing care is crucial.

Why Annual Boosters are Important:

• Declining Immunity: As your dog grows older, the protective immunity gained from their puppy vaccinations starts to diminish. Without regular booster vaccinations, your pet may become vulnerable to diseases they were previously protected against.
• Disease Risks: Diseases such as canine parvovirus, canine distemper, and canine hepatitis remain a threat to adult dogs, especially those who have not had their annual boosters. Additionally, other non-core vaccines for diseases like kennel cough (bordetella), leptospirosis, and lyme disease may become more relevant depending on your dog’s lifestyle and exposure risks.
• Annual Health Check and Boosters: To ensure that your dog stays fully protected, annual health checks and booster vaccinations are necessary. These regular visits are an opportunity not only to refresh your pet’s immunity but also to monitor their overall health, detect any early signs of illness, and address any concerns you may have about your dog’s well-being.

What to Expect During an Annual Health Check:

• During your dog’s annual visit, we will review their vaccination history, assess their current health, and discuss any lifestyle changes or potential exposure risks. We will then recommend a vaccination schedule and booster shots tailored to your dog’s needs.
• If your dog has specific risk factors, such as frequent travel, boarding, exposure to other dogs, or living in areas with certain disease outbreaks, we may recommend additional non-core vaccines to provide further protection.
• We will also take this time to perform a thorough physical exam, checking for any signs of health issues such as dental disease, joint problems, or heart conditions that may need attention.

Ongoing Protection for a Lifetime: By keeping up with regular vaccinations, you can help ensure that your adult dog remains protected throughout their life. In addition to vaccinations, annual health checks provide a proactive approach to preventing disease, managing chronic conditions, and promoting your dog’s overall health and longevity.

Post Vaccination Care

It’s common for puppies and dogs to experience mild, temporary side effects following vaccination, and most reactions are mild and resolve on their own within a day or two. These effects are usually a sign that your pet’s immune system is responding to the vaccine as intended.

Common Reactions After Vaccination:

• Mild Lethargy: Your dog may appear a little o-colour, tired, or less active than usual. This is typically a temporary response as their body starts building immunity.
• Swelling or Tenderness at the Injection Site: Some mild swelling or tenderness may occur where the injection was administered. This is a normal reaction and usually resolves within a couple of days.
• Decreased Appetite or Mild Digestive Upset: Occasionally, pets may experience a slight decrease in appetite or mild stomach upset, such as a soft stool. These symptoms are generally short-lived.

Post-Vaccination Care:

• Rest and Comfort: Ensure that your pet has a quiet, comfortable area to rest in. Avoid strenuous activity, such as running or playing, for the first 24 hours after vaccination to help your dog recover.
• Access to Food and Water: Offer your pet fresh water and food. If they aren’t eating right away, try not to worry; many pets will resume eating once they feel better. Ensure they have access to food and water when they’re ready.

In most cases, these minor reactions are completely normal and will resolve without intervention. However, if you notice more serious or prolonged symptoms, or if your dog appears unusually uncomfortable, please contact us for advice.

When to Contact Us: While most reactions are mild, there are rare cases when a pet may experience a more severe reaction, such as:

• Severe swelling or redness at the injection site
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or a significant loss of appetite
• Difficulty breathing, excessive drooling, or signs of severe discomfort
• Lethargy that lasts more than 48 hours or becomes progressively worse

If you are concerned about any symptoms or if you have any questions about your dog’s recovery, please don’t hesitate to call us for guidance.

Vaccination Schedule and Consultation: We recommend discussing a suitable vaccination schedule for your puppy or dog based on their age, health status, and lifestyle. Our team is happy to help create a tailored vaccination plan that ensures optimal protection for your pet throughout their life.

Please give us a call on (08) 8524 2260 to discuss the appropriate vaccination regimen for your pet or to schedule their next vaccination appointment.

Infectious Diseases of Dogs That We Vaccinate Against

Vaccination is crucial to protecting your dog from a variety of serious and potentially fatal infectious diseases. At Noah’s Crossing Vet Clinic, we ensure that your dog receives the necessary vaccinations to protect against these dangerous conditions. Below are some of the key infectious diseases we vaccinate against:

Canine Parvovirus (Parvo)

Canine Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that affects dogs of all ages, but it is particularly dangerous for puppies and older dogs with weaker immune systems. Parvo primarily attacks the intestines, leading to severe symptoms including:

• Bloodstained diarrhoea
• Uncontrollable vomiting
• Severe abdominal pain

Dogs suffering from Parvo are at risk of dehydration, which can be fatal despite intensive veterinary care. The virus is incredibly resilient and can survive in the environment for long periods, making it easy for infected dogs to spread the disease without direct contact. The virus can even be carried on human shoes, clothing, and equipment. Outbreaks are common, especially in warmer months, and are a significant health risk to unvaccinated dogs. Effective cleaning of contaminated environments with potent disinfectants is critical in preventing further spread.

Canine Distemper

Canine distemper is a viral disease that affects dogs of all ages but is most dangerous for puppies. This highly contagious disease can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Fever
• Coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite and depression

As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms such as muscle tremors, seizures, and paralysis may occur. Unfortunately, treatment is often ineffective, and the disease has a high mortality rate. Even dogs that survive distemper may experience permanent brain damage.
Given its serious consequences and high transmissibility, vaccination is crucial for protecting your dog from this potentially fatal disease.

Canine Hepatitis

Canine hepatitis is another highly contagious viral infection that can affect dogs of any age. The disease primarily affects the liver and is often fatal, particularly in puppies and young dogs. Symptoms can include:

• High fever
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain

In severe cases, dogs can die within 24 to 36 hours of showing symptoms. Even if a dog survives, they may experience long-term liver and kidney damage. Furthermore, recovered dogs can remain carriers of the virus and may continue to spread it to other dogs for many months. Vaccination is essential to prevent this dangerous disease and its long-lasting effects.

Canine Cough (Kennel Cough)

Canine cough, also known as kennel cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease complex caused by several infectious agents, including:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica (bacteria)
• Canine Parainfluenza virus
• Canine Adenovirus Type 2
• Canine Distemper virus

Dogs with kennel cough typically exhibit a dry, hacking cough that can last for several weeks.
While it is usually not life-threatening, the condition can be distressing for both dogs and their owners. For working dogs, sporting dogs, and those in close contact with other dogs (e.g., in boarding facilities or dog parks), kennel cough can become a significant issue. In some cases, the infection can lead to pneumonia, which requires immediate treatment. Vaccination
helps protect dogs against this highly infectious condition, reducing the likelihood of spreading the disease and alleviating symptoms.

Canine Coronavirus

Canine coronavirus is a viral infection that primarily affects the gastrointestinal system. It can cause symptoms such as:

• Loss of appetite
• Depression
• Vomiting and diarrhoea

While most dogs recover with appropriate care, canine coronavirus can be severe, especially when other infections such as Parvovirus are present. In some cases, the disease can be fatal, particularly in puppies. Early vaccination can help prevent infection and reduce the risk of complications, ensuring your dog remains healthy and protected.

Canine Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that poses a serious health risk to dogs in certain environments. The bacteria are typically transmitted through contact with the urine of infected animals, particularly rats. Dogs can contract leptospirosis by drinking contaminated water, eating contaminated food, or being bitten by an infected animal. Common symptoms
include:

• High fever
• Lethargy and loss of appetite
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

In severe cases, leptospirosis can lead to kidney and liver failure, and it can be fatal without prompt treatment. The disease also poses a risk to humans, who can contract leptospirosis through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated water. Vaccination is essential in areas with high rat populations or after periods of wet weather, when the risk of infection increases.