Distemper virus - can be fatal, causing fits, uncontrolled muscle contractions (tics) or muscular weakness. It often permanently damages the dog’s nervous system, smell, eyesight and hearing. It can cause a discharge from the dog’s eyes or nose, as well as sickness and diarrhoea. Other symptoms include coughing, a temperature, weight loss and loss of appetite.
Canine hepatitis virus – (Adenovirus) is a potentially fatal disease most commonly found in young, unvaccinated pups. It causes discharge from the nose or eyes, coughing and serious liver and/or kidney disease, appetite loss, sickness, as well as a change in drinking and urination behaviour. The disease is spread by contact with urine from infected dogs.
Parvovirus (Parvo) - is most likely to infect pups up to six months of age but can infect older dogs and is often fatal in the very young and old. It can cause severe vomiting and blood stained diarrhoea, high temperature and sudden death from damage to the heart. It is easily spread by direct contact between dogs or via owner’s clothing and shoes.
Leptospirosis - is a bacterial disease which causes loss of appetite, sickness, high temperature and discharge from the eyes. The dog may develop liver disease, kidney damage, diarrhoea and increased urination. Infected dogs may die rapidly or much later from kidney failure. If they survive they can remain carriers. Carriers can shed the disease and infect other dogs without showing signs of disease themselves. It is an infection frequently carried by rats and mice and contamination of water or feed and is common where hygiene measures are insufficient.
Parainfluenza virus and Bordetella (Kennel Cough) - are a few of the infectious organisms that can cause Kennel Cough. In the early stages there is a harsh dry coughing which may be followed by gagging. It is highly infectious and can be carried on clothing or from walking where an infected dog has coughed. If it gets into kennels it spreads very quickly, hence the name Kennel Cough.
Rabies Vaccination - is required for the pet passport scheme. Rabies is a fatal disease that can affect a lot of animals including dogs and cats and if an animal bites a person they will also become infected. Rabies can have an incubation period of up to 6 months before showing symptoms. Animals can have a range of abnormal behaviours. They can become mad or dumb and quiet.
When do I vaccinate my puppy?
We usually vaccinate from 8 weeks of age, however in some situations Parvovirus may be started earlier. The first vaccination is followed up 2- 4 weeks later with a booster injection.
Annual injections are necessary to keep all dogs protected against the diseases covered in the vaccinations. The vaccination protocol may be varied depending on the pet.