What Vaccinations Does My Puppy Need?
Vaccinations and the Symptoms of Canine Infectious Diseases
Mar 11, 2009
Most people know the importance of having their puppy vaccinated. Here are some details about canine diseases commonly vaccinated against in Australia. In addition to these diseases, some countries also vaccinate against Rabies, Leptospirosis, and Coronavirus etc. Not all vaccinations (apart from Rabies) are necessary and may depend on factors, such as pet health and the area you live in. Please see your local Veterinarian for further information. Here are 4 common diseases that should be vaccinated against:
- Distemper
- Hepatitis
- Parvovirus
- Kennel Cough (Canine Contagious Respiratory Disease)
What is Canine Distemper?
Canine Distemper is an infectious viral disease (related to measles) that has a high morbidity rate and depending on factors including patient and the treatment provided, has a varying mortality rate. There is a risk for any dog to contract distemper, however, more susceptible are dogs between 3-9 months of age.
Distemper virus is shed in faeces, urine, vomit, saliva and nasal and ocular discharge. It is most commonly transferred by contact with an infected dog via inhalation of droplets or aerosol.
Symptoms can include:
- Depression
- Anorexia
- Pyrexia (fever)
- Tonsillitis
- Pharyngitis (inflammation of pharynx/sore throat)
- Conjunctivitis
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Dehydration
- Loss of body condition
- Hyperkeratosis of nose and footpads (thickening of skin)
What is Canine Hepatitis?
Canine Hepatitis is another infectious disease and affects the liver, lymph nodes and vascular endothelium (layer of cells of the cardiovascular system that regulates the transport of blood). Mortality is high with sudden deaths common in neonatal (newborn) puppies, which may not show clinical signs.
The virus is shed in faeces, urine and saliva and transmission is via dog-to-dog contact or contact with infected faeces/urine.
Symptoms can include:
- Anorexia
- Depression
- Pyrexia
- Shock
- Collapse
- Abdominal pain
What is Canine Parvovirus?
Canine Parvovirus is an infectious disease that causes myocarditis (inflammation of heart tissue) in puppies and acute gastroenteritis (stomach/intestine inflammation) in puppies and adults.
Parvovirus is shed in faeces and contact with contaminated faeces is the main source of transmission. Because Parvovirus is resilient, it can remain viable off the host for up to a year, facilitating its spread. It can also be transmitted through dog-to-dog contact.
Symptoms can include:
- Depression
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea (containing blood)
- Dehydration
- Shock
- Death (within a short time if not treated)
What is Kennel Cough?
Canine Contagious Respiratory Disease commonly known as Kennel Cough is a highly infectious disease and, as its name suggests, often occurs where dogs are kept together such as kennels or animal shelters.
It is transmitted via dog-to-dog contact via inhalation and is not life threatening like the previous viruses discussed, but still very uncomfortable for your dog and on occasion, the infection can last for months.
Symptoms can include:
- Dry cough
- Frequent coughing
- Retching
- Vomiting
- Nasal discharge
How Often Should I Vaccinate?
This can vary slightly from vet to vet, but generally your puppy will need 3 vaccinations at the following intervals:
- 6 - 8 weeks
- 10 - 12 weeks
- 14 -16 weeks (depending on when the previous vaccination was administered)
The reason your puppy needs 3 vaccinations is because it is impossible to determine when the immunity the puppy received from its mother will 'run out'. After your puppy has had its 3 vaccinations, it will require ongoing annual boosters, as this will build a good immune response.
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