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Vaccinations

Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis and Infectious Bronchitis (Kennel Cough) are the major infectious diseases of dogs that can cause death and suffering. Fortunately a simple vaccination programme can help prevent these diseases. Vaccines are given at:
* 6-8 weeks old
* 10-12 weeks old

After these initial vaccinations, we need to booster our dogs immunity every three years for continuing protection against parvo virus, distemper virus and hepatitis (although this may need to be done more frequently depending on boarding kennels requirements). Leptospirosis and infectious bronchitis should be boosted annually.

Because of the risk of disease it is important to keep puppies away from public areas such as parks, beaches and footpaths until they are fully protected by their vaccinations (7 days after their course finishes). At the same time it is important that puppies do mix with other dogs at a young age. This provides them with important social skills, which are hard to learn after 16 weeks old. This contradiction leads us to recommend that your puppy is encouraged to mix with other dogs, that are vaccinated, in a 'safe zone' (e.g. your garden). Our "Puppy Preschool" Classes are also an ideal place for your puppy to socialise as well as learn appropriate behaviour.

Canine Parvovirus A highly contagious disease, causing sudden and severe vomiting and diarrhoea. This is most severe in young dogs and can be fatal.

Canine Distemper Highly contagious. Symptoms include loss of appetite, runny eyes and nose, vomiting, coughing and/or nervous signs. Treatment is often unsuccessful. Survivors may have permanent nervous damage e.g. seizures or damage to the enamel of their teeth. This can also affect ferrets.

Infectious Canine Hepatitis A contagious viral disease which causes severe liver inflammation and death of liver cells. Dogs who survive the acute stage can become chronically infected and have long term liver problems. An affected dog will often develop a blue colouration in it's eyes.

Canine Leptospirosis

A severe liver and kidney disease. Fatal in over 50% of cases. Symptoms include high fever, jaundice, vomiting and sore muscles. Dogs that contract this disease are usually found in areas where rats are infected. Humans can catch Leptospirosis from infected dogs or other species. Dogs that come into areas where rats frequent e.g. around fresh waterways, rubbish dumps or visit farms are at greatest risk.

Infectious Canine Bronchitis (Kennel Cough)

A complex, highly contagious disease which is seldom fatal. Although a dog may be vaccinated it may still be possible for it to suffer with mild symptoms. It can be treated with prolonged antibiotic therapy, but this is expensive and not always effective. The infection is passed from dog to dog through the air. The main problem comes where dogs are grouped together e.g. in boarding kennels, at training classes, and dog shows. A vaccine given as drops up the nose is the most effective; this lasts 12 months.