The team here at Leadon Vale Veterinary Centre can provide the following vaccinations for your dog to prevent and protect them from potentially fatal diseases:
- Parvovirus – a highly contagious virus that is spread through direct contact with an infected dog or by indirect contact with a contaminated object. A potentially fatal disease.
- Leptospirosis – a bacterial infection that spreads through the bloodstream from the urine of infected animals. Usually infected by drinking, swimming or walking through contaminated water.
- Distemper – a viral disease that affects the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts and the spinal cord and brain. A severe, usually fatal disease.
- Canine Infectious Hepatitis – An infectious virus that attacks the liver and other major organs. Ranges from a slight temperature to fatality.
- Rabies – Very rare in the UK but a very serious infection of the brain and nerves. Sadly, there is no treatment for rabies so if caught, leads to fatality.
- Leishmaniasis – A disease caused by a protozoan parasite found in dogs, transmitted via an insect (sandfly) not present in the UK. Risk is higher in dogs that travel abroad.
- Herpes vaccination – Canine herpesvirus (CHV) is a serious and often fatal virus disease in puppies and causes reproductive health problems in older dogs.
- Kennel Cough - An airway infection that causes a dry hacking cough in dogs. Similar to human colds, kennel cough can be caused by a number of different germs (viruses and bacteria). Not serious but causes a high temperature and a reduced appetite.
Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, and Parvovirus are all puppy vaccinations that can start from 6-8 weeks of age.
We usually give the second vaccination of both distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus vaccination with the second leptospirosis vaccination at 12 weeks. However, you may wish to opt to give the second Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus vaccination at 10 weeks old to permit your puppy to socialise sooner. The final Leptospirosis vaccination is then given 4 weeks after the initial vaccination. The sooner your puppy is vaccinated, the sooner he/she will be able to begin socialisation with other dogs. Adult dogs are advised to have an annual booster.
A full health check is booked for every dog that is having a vaccination to ensure that they are in good health before giving the injection.
Do dogs need to be vaccinated?
Vaccinations are essential for providing your dog with adequate protection from life-threatening and debilitating diseases. There is the option of Titre testing, which involves blood samples to determine your dog's immunity. Unfortunately, this is not always 100% reliable, it is costly to perform and leptospirosis would still need to be vaccinated against. This is why we would recommend core vaccinations on the whole.
Can I avoid vaccinating my dog?
As veterinary professionals, we would always recommend vaccinations; it is not worth the risk when it comes to harmful diseases.
What dog vaccinations are legally required for dogs?
It is not a legal requirement to have a dog vaccinated, but it is highly advisable. All dogs who wish to use the services of kennels, dog trainers, and day-care centres must obtain vaccinations. Insurance can also be invalidated if dogs are not vaccinated.
How old does your dog have to be before he or she stops being vaccinated?
Here at Leadon Vale we base our choice of vaccines on the lifestyle of the dog rather than age . Dogs require annual booster vaccines throughout their lives; this is to ensure maximum protection against life-threatening diseases.
Can I vaccinate my dog myself?
The simple answer is no!
Under UK law, only veterinary surgeons can prescribe medication to your pet; vaccinations fall into this category. Your vet is required to health assess your dog before prescribing and administering the vaccine. Like many drugs, vaccines can have mild side effects, which is why a health check prior is essential to ensure your pet will be fit and well after the vaccine is administered. Veterinary professionals are trained at administering these vaccines which is why we advise vaccines not to be administered by anyone else. Also, it is important the vaccination bottles, needles and syringes are correctly disposed of.
What dog vaccinations are advised?
Annual boosters usually cover leptospirosis and kennel cough (can be given every six months). However, distemper, parvovirus and canine hepatitis are usually needed every three years. Therefore, a dog would need a vaccine every year to have maximum protection against diseases.
To help with the cost of yearly vaccinations our health plans are a popular choice to break costs down into monthly payments. Our plan also covers various preventative treatments including flea treatments, worming treatments and anal gland expressions. Sign up for our pet health for life plan or find out more here.
Book your dog vaccination appointment here today!
