Puppy Vaccinations
Core Vaccinations are given to prevent:
- Canine Distemper Virus: Distemper is less common and causes a range of symptoms including respiratory and nervous system disease. Severe vomiting and diarrhoea progress to pneumonia and finally seizures which usually lead to death. Currently there are no significant outbreaks in Ireland
- Canine Infectious Hepatitis: This virus causes liver inflammation which can lead to irreversible liver failure. It is fairly uncommon in Ireland, but still exists and is potentially fatal.
- Parvovirus: Of all these diseases, Parvovirus constitutes the main threat, causing an often fatal gastroenteritis. The virus is widespread and can live on footpaths and in soil for several years. We regularly need to treat unvaccinated dogs suffering from this disease. The cost of treatment is high (min €200) and a proportion of dogs die despite the best treatment.
- Parainfluenza and other respiratory disease: Several infectious organisms are capable of causing respiratory disease in the dog. This can vary from relatively minor cold-like symptoms to more serious airway or lung disease. Vaccination offers protection against viral respiratory pathogens
- Leptospirosis: This bacterial organism can be commonly contracted from the environment, especially around waterways and areas exposed to rat urine. Leptospiral infection can cause acute kidney and liver failure. It may be transmitted to humans where it can cause a very serious infection called Weil’s disease.
- Puppies require two vaccinations initially as the antibodies in their mother’s milk can interfere with the vaccination. The first vaccine is generally given between 6-8 weeks of age. The second vaccine is given 2-4 weeks later when puppy is at least 10 weeks old.
- Puppies can go out 2 weeks after their second vaccination when their levels of immunity should be high enough to protect them from disease. Before this puppies should stay confined to your own home and garden.
Other Vaccinations
Kennel Cough can be given if your dog will be boarding in the next year and rabies vaccine is required for pet passport if your dog is going to be travelling. For more information see adult health care.