The Whys and Whens of Dog Vaccinations

There is a lot of talk these days about whether we over-vaccinate our dogs.  This is something you and your vet need to discuss.

There are four diseases most commonly vaccinated for in dogs:-

• Distemper - highly contagious with young puppies at most risk.  Begins with respiratory problems and can lead to tremors, fits, paralysis and permanent brain damage.
• Infectious Hepatitis - extremely contagious though rare in dogs over two years old.  Signs are depression, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea and sometimes jaundice.  Dogs that recover can be left with permanent damage to liver, kidneys and heart muscles.
• Parvovirus - the most common disease that can affect a young pup or much older dog.  Can strike without warning with very fast and sometimes fatal attacks.  A particularly painful and persistent virus.
• Canine cough - a very contagious, viral based disease which is normally complicated by secondary bacterial infection.  It is easily transmitted through social contact at kennels, schools, the beach, parks etc.  Affected dogs show a hacking cough, sore throat, occasional vomiting and wretching.

Timing is a very important factor in insuring that your dog is fully protected against preventable disease.  At birth, a puppy may receive a degree of immunity from it's mothers natural antibodies.  These fade quickly and the young animal must produce it's own to be properly protected.  Because of the uncertainty of exactly when the mother's antibodies decline, it is recommended that the breeder vaccinate the puppies at 6 weeks and that they are vaccinated again at 12 - 14 weeks and again at  16 - 18 weeks, by which time their own antibodies have started producing.  After that  the immunity tends to decrease, so a yearly booster may be needed to maintain protection levels, especially for Canine Cough.  

Check with your vet for the best vaccination protocol for your dog.

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