DOG VACCINATIONS

Our vets are passionate about maintaining the health and wellbeing of your dog.

Vaccinating your dog is an important step in helping them to lead a long, healthy life by protecting them against preventable diseases.

An annual booster vaccination is required to maintain protection.

When your pet is vaccinated, they will also receive a full health check.  This is very important when you consider that one human year is the equivalent of anywhere from 5-15 years for your pet.  Pets are unfortunately unable to talk and let us know what's going on with their health and so the annual health check assists with picking up any health issues nice and early.

As well as the core vaccinations that are recommended for all pets,  your pet’s lifestyle, health and where you live, may affect whether additional vaccinations are necessary for your pet. One of our friendly vets will be able to discuss this with you during your consultation.

The common diseases we are vaccinating against include:

Parvovirus:

A viral disease that is spread through the faeces of an infected dog and can live in an environment for long periods of time. It can be easily transferred to new environments through the paws of animals, off the shoes from our own feet or off any other contaminated items. Parvovirus is potentially fatal and causes diarrhoea, vomiting, anorexia and severe dehydration.

Distemper:

A viral disease that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and neurological system and can be fatal. Symptoms of distemper include coughing, diarrhoea and occasionally twitching, seizure, loss of balance and blindness.

Hepatitis:

This is a viral disease that attacks the functional parts of the organs including liver, kidneys, eyes and blood vessels and is shed through faeces and saliva of an infected dog. Possible symptoms of Canine Hepatitis include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and liver failure.

Canine (Kennel) Cough:

The KC vaccination provides protection against two organisms that cause the contagious respiratory disease known commonly as kennel cough (which your dog can actually catch anywhere! Not just at kennels), these organisms are Parainfluenza Virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica. Symptoms of kennel cough include a harsh, dry cough and lethargy but can progress to more serious respiratory infections if not treated. Your vet may give this injection via the nose to stimulate mucosal immunity which is the most effective way to give the injection.

Leptospirosis:

We had our first case of Leptospirosis in Canberra detected in a dog in July 2022. Since this date we have been recommending dogs who are at risk be vaccinated for this bacterial disease. Rats and mice transmit this disease in their urine. If your pet is in contact with vermin and / or may drink stagnant water then get in touch with us, and we can discuss vaccinating your pet dog. Currently there is a nationwide shortage of this vaccination. We expect stock to arrive early November.