Companion Animals Pet Care

Parvovirus: A highly contagious viral disease that causes vomiting and bloody diarrhoea. Prolonged intensive care is required for affected dogs. Unfortunately, parvovirus can be fatal.  

Distemper: Signs may include eye and nasal discharge, coughing, vomiting and diarrhoea, progressing to brain involvement causing seizures. Permanent nervous system damage and death may result.  

Infectious Canine Hepatitis: Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and liver failure. Often fatal.  

Canine Cough (CC): Also known as kennel cough, canine cough is primarily caused by two organisms, Bordatella bronchiseptica (a bacteria) and Canine Parainfluenza Virus. Many other viruses (for example Canine Adenovirus) and bacteria may also be involved. Canine cough is highly infectious and is often spread amongst dogs in close contact, for example at the park, dog shows and kennels. Symptoms include a harsh hacking cough. Severely affected dogs may have a fever, lethargy and reduced appetite.  

Historically vaccinations for all diseases have been repeated annually. Advancements in vaccine research have led to the registration of triennial vaccines for some of the diseases. Your dog will be assessed at their annual checkup and given the appropriate vaccine for that year. This assures your dog will not be over-vaccinated but still fully protected.  

Recommended vaccination schedule depending on the age of your dog:  

Note: this schedule may change depending on your dog’s circumstances. Two weeks after your puppy’s C5 vaccination, your puppy can go outside and socialise with other dogs who are healthy and up to date with their vaccinations. It pays to be careful in taking your puppy to high-risk environments (for example dog parks) until after their final 16-week vaccination.  

Note:  This advice is general in nature and is not a substitute for a discussion with your veterinarian.