Dog & puppy vaccinations

Why vaccinate your dog?

Vaccination has revolutionised the control of infectious diseases in our pets. It is essential that all pets are adequately vaccinated to help protect the pet population as a whole. Responsible pet care requires puppies and kittens to be given their initial course of vaccinations, but this cannot protect them for the rest of their lives. Adult cats and dogs require regular vaccination to maintain immunity against disease.

Dog and puppy vaccinations at Blackburn Animal Hospital

Puppy Vaccination: C3 and C5

Puppies are ‘temporarily’ protected against many diseases by antibodies from their mother’s milk. These maternal antibodies decline in the first few months of their lives; however, until they drop sufficiently, they can also neutralise vaccines. This is why a series of vaccinations is necessary for a puppy.

Adult Dog Vaccination: C5 (or C7 when given together with C2i)

The immunity from puppy vaccination weakens over time, and your pet can again become susceptible to disease. Annual health checks and booster vaccinations, as required, will provide the best protection for the life of your pet.

Canine Leptospirosis: C2i (called C7 when given together with C5)

Canine Leptospirosis is uncommon but is a potentially fatal disease. It is caused by bacteria, Leptospira and is transmitted to our pets if they drink water contaminated by the urine of infected rats, mice and native wildlife. Rarely it can be spread from bites from infected rodents. The vaccine, Protech C2i protects against Leptospira and canine Coronavirus.

After Vaccination Care

Following their vaccination, your pet may be off-colour for a day or two or have some slight swelling or tenderness at the injection site. Access to food and water and a comfortable area to rest are usually all that are required for a quick recovery. However, if the response seems more severe, you should contact us for advice.

See our cat & kitten vaccination page for information about vaccinating your cat

Infectious diseases for dogs that we vaccinate against

Canine Parvovirus

Canine parvovirus is a disease that affects dogs of all ages but is most serious in young pups and older dogs. The virus attacks the intestines causing bloodstained diarrhoea, uncontrollable vomiting and severe abdominal pain. Dogs often die from severe dehydration despite intensive veterinary care. It is not necessary to have direct contact with other dogs for the disease to be spread. The virus is so persistent that the infected dog’s environment needs to be cleaned with a potent disinfectant to prevent its spread to other dogs. Outbreaks occur regularly throughout Australia, especially in summer.

Canine Distemper

Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that can affect dogs of any age, with young puppies being at the highest risk. Symptoms vary but can include fever, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and depression. Muscle tremors, fits and paralysis usually occur later in the disease. Treatment is usually ineffective, and the recovery rate is very low. Dogs that do recover may have permanent brain damage.

Canine Hepatitis

Canine hepatitis is a viral disease that, like distemper, is extremely contagious and often fatal. Dogs of any age can become infected. However, severe cases are rare in dogs over two years of age. Symptoms include high fever, depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea and acute abdominal pain. In severe cases, death can occur within 24 to 36 hours. Dogs that recover may develop long term liver and kidney problems and can act as carriers spreading the disease to other dogs for many months.

Canine Cough

Canine cough is a condition produced by several highly infectious diseases, which can be easily spread wherever dogs congregate, such as in parks, shows, obedience schools and boarding kennels. Among the infectious agents associated with canine cough is the bacterium known as Bordetella bronchiseptica and the canine viruses parainfluenza, adenovirus type 2 and distemper. Affected dogs have a dry hacking cough which can persist for several weeks. It is distressing for pet dogs and their owners. It is a major problem for working and sporting dogs. Pneumonia can also be a consequence of infection.