Vaccinating your dog is extremely important. Without vaccination, he is at risk of developing a number of severe and most probably fatal diseases, one of which can even be transmitted to humans. Vaccination is the only safe way to provide immunity against these illnesses and diseases.
Immunity is the body’s natural ability to fight infection. Puppies normally gain immunity to many infectious diseases from their mother’s “first” milk (colostrum) but the amount of immunity depends on how much colostrum the pup gets and if the mother has been vaccinated and received regular boosters. This immunity only lasts for the first few weeks of a puppy’s life and rapidly fades leaving the puppy at risk of disease. The speed at which immunity fades varies from puppy to puppy which is why it is important that a puppy receives two sets of vaccine. Vaccination against Leptospirosis also requires the immune system to be primed by the first injection to give a full level of immunity.
Recently, there has been a lot of press attention and discussion as to whether yearly vaccinations are necessary. Some parts of the vaccine do give protection for up to 3 years, but other parts only protect for one year. Immunity to illness and disease does not last forever and if levels of immunity fall, you risk leaving your dog vulnerable. Every dog responds differently to vaccination and most vets will, therefore, advise boosters based on the minimum period of protection for each specific vaccine.
There have been major studies carried out to determine if the minimum period can actually be increased and sometimes the time interval between boosters can be increased – but only for certain diseases and normally on the recommendation of the authorities. For Leptospirosis, this is particularly important as no vaccine will protect your dog fully for more than a year for this disease.
Going for a yearly booster also allows your vet to fully examine your dog, giving him an annual “MOT” and allows you the opportunity to discuss any concerns you might have.
Puppies will normally receive their first vaccination at 8 weeks old and then their second vaccination at 10-12 weeks old. This can vary from vet to vet depending on the vaccine they are using, so it’s important that you talk to the vet that you intend registering your new puppy with for his advice.
Regular yearly boosters will be required.
The most common form of this illness is a gastroenteritis with persistent vomiting and profuse, bloody diarrhoea. It has been described as looking like raspberry jam (apologies if you’ve just eaten!!)
The virus causes a widespread ulceration of the intestine and dogs that survive are often left with very sensitive tummies.
The symptoms lead to a serious fluid loss, resulting in dehydration.
If not treated promptly and aggressively, death may result.
Also known as “hard pad”, distemper is caused by a virus and also affects ferrets and foxes. It is normally transmitted directly between dogs by either direct contact or breathing in infected particles. The virus is then carried round the body in the blood stream and multiplies in particular body tissues.
First signs of distemper include a raised body temperature (pyrexia), depression, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, coughing, vomiting and diarrhoea. The name “hard pad” came about because of the abnormal thickening and cracks that can (but not always) occur in the pads of the feet.
After a few weeks, many dogs can go on to develop nervous signs or seizures and paralysis. The early stages of distemper can be fatal and if a dog does actually survive it, then long term neurological problems can result in euthanasia.
It is not possible to treat the virus itself but other treatment and nursing are vital and early supportive treatment may allow your dog to make a recovery, but unfortunately, around 80% of dogs do not survive. This is why it is extremely important to vaccinate your dog and ensure he has yearly boosters.
This is a disease caused by a bacteria and can occur in three forms. It may be transmitted directly between dogs in close contact or via the urine of infected rats. The bacterium can be transmitted either directly through infected urine or indirectly via contact with contaminated water (eg swimming in rivers, ponds, etc).
It results in a serious disease that can be fatal.
Leptospirosis can also be transmitted to humans in the same way that it is transmitted to dogs.
This disease usually affects the kidneys or liver and may present initially with varying signs and symptoms, which can include jaundice, raised temperature, severe thirst, lethargy, abdominal pain, vomiting and bloody diarrhoea. Liver or kidney failure may result.
Unfortunately, death often occurs within a matter of hours in severe cases and puppies are commonly more susceptible than adult dogs.
The diagnosis of Leptospirosis may be difficult and a high percentage of infected pets may develop long-term infections. These pets pose a significant risk for cross-infection to other dogs and humans.
If your puppy or dog shows any abnormal symptoms, you should seek the advice of your veterinary surgeon immediately to allow them to start any necessary treatment. Early treatment is vital to prevent permanent liver or kidney damage, however, despite treatment, many dogs do not survive. This is why it is vitally important that you ensure your dog is vaccinated against Leptospirosis and that he does get his annual boosters.
This is a highly contagious disease caused by canine adenovirus. It can be transmitted directly between dogs in close contact or may be transmitted indirectly via contaminated objects. It can be particularly severe in young dogs and is often fatal in puppies. A carrier dog may recover but can continue to spread the virus in his urine for up to six months.
It results in a serious disease, ranging from mild clinical signs to sudden death.
Affected dogs usually have a loss of appetite, raised temperature (pyrexia), depression, bloody diarrhoea and vomiting, tonsillitis and acute abdominal pain due to an inflamed liver. They may become pale with small haemorrhages visible on their mucous membranes. Death may result within 36 hours.
During recovery, opacity of the cornea (front of the eye) may be seen – this is often referred to as “blue eye”.
It isn’t possible to treat the virus itself, but early supportive treatment is essential and may allow your dog to make a full recovery, but it should be noted that very few dogs do recover.
Again, vaccination against this potentially fatal illness is possible and is vital to prevent your puppy or dog becoming infected. Annual boosters are also required.
This is a highly contagious disease of the respiratory tract caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria. It’s commonly spread by airborne droplets from coughing, sneezing or direct nose-to-nose contact. It often occurs following close contact with other dogs or a contaminated environment at boarding kennels, rescue centers, shows, training classes and on walks.
Kennel cough is primarily caused by bordetella bronchiseptica, though there are a variety of viruses and bacteria that can cause respiratory disease. These include canine parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus 1 and 2, canine influenza and canine herpesvirus.
It can last for up to 6 weeks and, on occasion, more serious complications such as pneumonia can develop which may prove fatal in old, weak or very young dogs.
The classic symptom of Kennel Cough is a harsh, hacking cough that often finishes with gagging – it can sound like a dry, whooping-type cough. The coughing is usually made worse by exercise, excitement or pressure on the throat area. Severely affected dogs may also suffer from loss of appetite, raised temperature, tiredness and occasionally, pneumonia.
Kennel cough is highly infectious and it is strongly advised to keep infected dogs away from healthy dogs. Ventilation and hygiene are important in reducing the risks of this disease. Vaccination is recommended in “at risk” dogs – for example going into boarding kennels, dog shows, breeding environments and dog training clubs.
If you suspect your dog has Kennel cough and are taking him to the vet, it is always advisable to let the vet staff know that you suspect kennel cough as they will not normally want you to sit about the waiting room!
Note: many boarding kennels require your dog to have had the kennel cough vaccination and it requires to be given at least 7 days prior to the start of their stay. All vaccinations should be recorded as many boarding kennels and training clubs require to see proof that your dog has been vaccinated.
Rabies is a horrific viral disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. This disease can affect all mammals, including dogs, cats, rodents and wild animals and can also be passed on to humans. Thankfully, quarantine controls mean that the UK continues to be free of rabies.
Asia, America and Africa are the countries most affected by rabies, although some European countries are also affected.
Symptoms can vary but include loss of appetite, raised temperature, seizures, drooling, paralysis, aggression, fear of water and ultimately death. The incubation period can be anything from 9 days to a few months, although symptoms normally occur within 4 weeks of being infected.
There is no treatment for rabies. Post-exposure vaccination can be helpful if administered early enough in human exposure cases.
If you intend traveling abroad with your dog, he must be vaccinated against rabies. In the UK, your pet must also have a Pet Travel Scheme passport to allow him to travel abroad. Further information can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/index.htm or by contacting the Pet Travel Scheme Helpline on 0870 241 1710