Dog Vaccinations

Vaccinations prevent dogs from very serious and fatal diseases. We highly recommended that your dog be vaccinated as recommended by your veterinarian.

When does my dog need to be vaccinated?

Puppies require three core (C3) vaccinations. In addition to the C3 we give a vaccine that covers against canine cough or infectious tracheobronchitis. We refer to this combination as a C5 vaccination. 

• 6-8 weeks of age
• 10-12 weeks of age
• 14-16 weeks of age

Protecting your dog against what diseases?

Parvovirus

• This is a highly infectious disease that affects the gastrointestinal system and cardiovascular system. Dogs mainly become infected by ingesting infected faeces or coming into direct contact with an infected dog. The virus is highly resilient against detergents and heat therefore it can remain in the environment for up to 2 years. The virus can easily be spread from your dogs hair or paws and even your own clothing therefore your dog does not have to come into direct contact with and infected dog to contract the virus. The signs and symptoms of parvovirus can include bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite. Young puppies are highly susceptible to the virus.

Distemper

• This disease is highly fatal and treatment can almost be ineffective. Distemper is highly contagious and causes watery discharge from the eyes and nose, vomiting and diarrhoea, seizures and brain damage.

Hepatitis

• Infectious Canine Hepatitis causes acute liver failure in dogs. The disease is spread through saliva, faeces, urine, blood and nasal discharge. Symptoms include loss of appetite, coughing, depression and sore abdomen leading to blood disorders and liver failure.

Bordetella and Parainfluenza

• Commonly known as kennel cough causes coughing and gagging. It is an infection of the upper respiratory system. It is spread through viral and bacteria airborne particles and is highly contagious.

Should I get my dog’s titre tested?

Our dogs are vaccinated to protect them against many harmful infections and diseases. When a dog is vaccinated the body’s immune system recognises foreign antigens and stimulates an immune response and this includes making antibodies (disease fighting proteins). These antibodies bind to the antigens of the virus and destroy and deactivate its cells. This is known as ‘humoral immunity’ and during the processes of virus destruction ‘memory cells’ are produced and it’s these memory cells that the body relies on for protection to respond to any future exposure of a virus or disease that affects our dogs.

The Immunofluorescent Antibody test (IFA) detects the level of antibodies to distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus and whether your dogs antibody level is considered protective. The test requires a small sample of your dog’s blood and is a quick and simple process. Speak with your Veterinarian to book in a blood test.