Dog Vaccinations

When Should You Vaccinate? 

Vaccinations should be completed annually the whole way through your canine friend’s life in order to give them the best protection. Vaccinations can be started when your puppy is between 8-10 weeks old however this can be done at 6 weeks if required. Adult dogs who have fallen behind on vaccinations can also restart the course at any time.  

The initial vaccination course is x2 injections 2-4 weeks apart with a 7-day wait period after the second vaccination until your puppy/dog can go out. It is important that during this time your pet does not go out on walks or mix with unfamiliar dogs before this time. 

Annual vaccinations are included as part of the Pet Health Club.

What Vaccinations Are Available? 

DHP - Distemper, Hepatitis & Parvovirus: DHP covers the Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvo viruses. If infected by any of the virus’s pets could suffer from severe liver, kidney, eyes and lung damage; pneumonia, vomiting, diarrhoea and brain damage/fitting. Often dogs that become infected can suffer fatal consequences as a result of catching any of the virus’s if unvaccinated.   

DHP vaccinations are given in the scruff of the next on a 2 yearly basis.

L4 – Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis or “Lepto” as it is commonly abbreviated to, is a bacterial disease with 4 strains. The most common strain of Lepto can be picked up by dogs swimming or drinking water that has been contaminated by rats infected with Lepto. If a dog has become infected with Lepto they can suffer from liver and kidneys problems, in more serious cases infection can lead to death. 

Lepto vaccinations are given in the scruff of the neck vaccinated on a yearly basis. 
    
Kennel Cough – Bordetalla & Parainfluenza: Kennel cough is a highly contagious disease that affects the dog’s respiratory system. As suggested by its name, dogs affected by the disease develop a dry cough that can last for up to several weeks. 

Kennel cough vaccination is administered as drops up the nasal passage and can take a minimum of 3 days to cover your pet. Kennel Cough is vaccinated against on a yearly basis. 

Rabies: Rabies is not commonly vaccinated for in this country as we have no present issues with the disease. In order to obtain a passport and travelling abroad however would require your dog to be vaccinated against the disease.

Rabies vaccination is administered through injection into the scruff of the neck from 3 months old. Rabies can be vaccinated against on a 3 yearly basis, however if travelling it is important to check the frequency of vaccination required by the country you’re travelling to according to the Pet Travel Scheme.  

Coronavirus: A common virus that can affect dogs of all ages, but puppies can have increased susceptibility to the virus. Often it causes diarrhoea and digestive upsets. Due to these upsets dogs can become dehydrated if over long periods of time.