Having your pet vaccinated provides protection against life threatening diseases that can otherwise prove fatal.  Ensuring your dog completes an initial course of vaccinations and then receives regular boosters will help keep your dog fit and healthy.

When?

Puppies receive first milk from their mother (colostrum) which provides protection against infectious diseases through antibodies, by week 7 this protection provided by the mother begins to wear off.  Until your puppy has received all its injections it should be kept separate from other dogs and areas popular with other dogs.

Puppies usually receive their first vaccination from 8 weeks of age and are then given a second vaccination at 10 weeks.  Vaccinations are tailored to the individual, please contact a Vet for advice.

Diseases covered:

• Canine Parvovirus – Is an infectious virus usually seen in young puppies, which causes severe vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration and collapse. Many affected puppies will die from the disease. The only protection is through vaccination.
• Canine Hepatitis – A very contagious virus that can often be fatal attacking the liver. Pets that recovery potentially can become carriers to the disease spreading the disease amongst other dogs.
• Canine Distemper – Serious virus affecting dogs, with symptoms such as vomiting, coughing, snotty nose, diarrhoea and convulsions. The disease is often fatal but those that survive can often be left with permanent disability. Vaccination is very effective.
• Leptospirosis – An infection caused by a bacterium, usually spread by rats through water causing jaundice and liver failure or chronic kidney failure. Humans can become infected by skin contact with infected urine.
• Kennel Cough – Very infectious and rapidly spreading causing a nasty cough that can last up to a month before clearing. Vaccine drops are placed up your dog’s nose, stimulating a local immunity. Most kennels require dogs to be vaccinated prior to boarding. 
• Rabies – Necessary as part of the Pet Travel Scheme, required for travel to a number of countries because of the risk of passing the fatal disease to humans. Details of each countries' requirements and specifics at www.defra.gov.uk

Booster vaccinations are recommended to maintain your dogs protection against these diseases, a single injection is given once a year throughout life along with a general health check from your vet.