VACCINATING YOUR DOG

Puppies, and dogs which have not been vaccinated before, require an initial vaccination course. The course consists of two injections, two to four weeks apart. The second part of the vaccination cannot be given before the puppy is 10 weeks of age but the first can be given as early as six weeks of age. We routinely recommend that the initial vaccination course is given at eight and ten weeks of age.

After the initial course, an annual booster vaccination is required to boost your dog's immunity to the diseases which we have vaccinated against.

Our practice uses Intervet Nobivac vaccines.

Our canine vaccine is a seven in one vaccine incorporating vaccines for:
Canine Distemper Virus [D]
Canine Adenovirus (Hepatitis) CAV-2 [H]
Parvovirus [P]
Para-influenza Virus (one of the components of the syndrome called "Kennel Cough") [Pi]
Leptospirosis (L. canicola and L. icterohaemorrhagiae) [L]

If you would like to learn a little more about these diseases, then click HERE for greater detail.

Immunity for Distemper and Hepatitis last for longer than the other components following vaccination and so we employ an alternating vaccination policy after the first booster vaccination. This involves boosting immunity to the DHPPi and L components one year and the PPi and L components the following year.

We can also vaccinate your dog against Kennel Cough if he/she is going for a stay in kennels. The vaccine we currently use is Nobivac KC. This is an intra-nasal vaccine (i.e. it is squirted up the dog's nostril) and protects against Bordetella bacteria and the Para-influenza virus. The Para-influenza vaccine is thought to be more effective if given intra-nasally, although it is contained in the annual booster injection.

Adverse reactions to vaccinations in dogs and cats are extremely rare but can occur. The author accepts no responsibility for any adverse vaccine reaction following advise taken from this text.

We advise routine worming of Dogs against Roundworms and Tapeworms at least every six months but the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) is now recommending quarterly worming (i.e. every three months) as do BAYER, the manufacturers of "Drontal Worming Tablets". For Further information on worming your cat or dog why not visit the BAYER website by clicking on:

or visit them later at www.noworm.co.uk

We can offer advice on specifics of worming treatment at your Annual Health Check and 1st Vaccination or Booster Vaccination.

We are also happy to offer advice with respect to feeding and diet at this time.