Immunisation
Vaccinations teach the
immune system to recognise and respond quickly to certain infections before they can cause serious illness. They contain harmless
strains of the viruses and bacteria that your dog needs protection against. Most of the diseases that are vaccinated against have no
specific cure, and treatment can only support the animal before its immune system can hopefully fight off the disease. Recent
advances in vaccine technology mean that they are safer than ever and can protect
against even more diseases.
When To Vaccinate?
Vaccines
are usually first used in pups from six weeks of age. Generally a double dose of vaccine is given 2-4 weeks apart and then
every year a single booster injection is given to keep their immunity at fully protective
levels. It is essential to ensure that your pup is fully vaccinated before coming into contact with other dogs' as they may
be carriers of the diseases.
Which Diseases Are Covered
By Vaccination ?
Canine Parvovirus An aggressive disease that attacks the immune system and cells lining the intestines,
causing serious, often fatal, vomiting and diarrhoea. Young unvaccinated pups are especially susceptible.
Canine Distemper
(Hardpad) This virus attacks the gut, lungs and nervous system and is usually fatal.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis This
virus rapidly attacks the liver, lungs, kidneys and eyes. Many cases are fatal but some dogs can recover.
Canine Parainfluenza
Virus This virus is an important component of `kennel cough' , a highly infectious upper respiratory tract infection of dogs
which causes a dry hacking cough.
Leptospirosis This disease
is caused by bacteria from the family Leptospira. Two types of disease are seen but both can be protected
against. The first is passed on in watercourses from the urine of infected rats and this strain can also affect humans. The
second is caught from the urine of infected dogs. Whilst antibiotics can help to treat Leptospirosis, cases can often be fatal
or cause lifelong damage to the kidneys. Newer vaccines can also give protection
against canine coronavirus, which can cause serious diarrhoea in infected animals.
Kennel cough vaccines protect against a bacteria called bordetella bronchiseptica which is one of the more serious strains
of `kennel cough` infection. Vaccination is often a requirement of boarding kennels to reduce its spread.
Rabies vaccines are used only
occasionally but can enable pets to travel freely from the UK to Europe provided
they comply with the rules set down under the Pet
Travel Scheme.
Why Does My Dog Need
Annual Boosters?
Although some components of the routine vaccine do stimulate a long-term immunity that can last for a
few years, most components do not and so an annual booster is essential to ensure full protection.
The specific interval between booster injections will vary depending on which product
is used and so it is essential to consult your veterinary surgeon, who will know your own dogs` requirements.
How Are Vaccines Given?
Most dog vaccines are given by injection into
the scruff of the neck. The procedure goes unnoticed in most cases. Kennel cough
vaccines as previously mentioned are given as nasal drops.
What vaccine has been used on our
puppies ?
The Vaccine
used on the Androlitate Puppy Litters is Duramune DAPPi + LC 1 SC Dose Liquid Diluent Fraction: Canine Coronavirus, Leptospira
canicola, Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae (inactivated) given 6 and 10 weeks after birth, Pups are ready from 10 weeks old.
