Protecting The Pup: Dog Vaccinations

The saying ‘Prevention is better than a cure’ is particularly relevant for diseases without direct cures. Vaccinating your dog can help protect them from life-threatening illnesses, ensuring their safety and well-being. Canine vaccinations cover illnesses that can be spread directly or indirectly, meaning your dog can become infected even without direct contact with an infected animal.

What are the different dog vaccinations?

There are two widely used protocols used in South Australia for dog vaccinations:

C3

C3 is the essential vaccination component recommended for all dogs. There is no direct cure for these viruses. Treatment typically involves isolation in a hospital and managing symptoms with supportive care, such as intravenous fluids and antibiotics for secondary infections.

• • Parvovirus: A highly contagious virus with puppies and non-vaccinated dogs at the highest risk. Parvovirus often causes severe gastrointestinal issues, including bloody diarrhoea, nausea, lethargy, inappetence and dehydration. Parvovirus has a high fatality rate in those that are not treated and generally requires intensive hospitalisation and treatment
  • Distemper Virus: A highly contagious virus with puppies and non-vaccinated dogs at the highest risk. It is often fatal, affecting multiple organs including the respiratory and gastrointestinal. Clinical signs are wide and varied, including diarrhea, vomiting, eyes and nose discharge, coughing, seizures and neurological issues (such as stumbling, head tilt, paralysis). Distemper has a high fatality rate in those who are not treated and generally requires intensive hospitalisation and treatment. Those affected may have ongoing lifelong consequences
  • Infectious Canine Hepatitis (ICH): A viral infection caused by a member of the adenovirus family causing varied clinical signs – including decreased appetite, fever, respiratory issues, and eye and nasal discharge. Young non-vaccinated puppies are often affected worst with additional signs of abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, edema and jaundice. ICH can unfortunately be fatal

C5

C5 is the same vaccine as the same “C3” vaccination as above with an additional two components. These two are colloquially known as “Kennel Cough”, although infection is not limited to kennels so the name is misleading. Although both of these infections are generally mild and self-limiting, meaning they go away on their own, it does predispose the body (especially young non-vaccinated or immunocompromised animals) to other concurrent infections, which may cause severe illness and can be fatal. Dogs are also required to be vaccinated against a C5 to go to boarding kennels, daycare, obedience training etc.

• • Parainfluenza Virus: A highly contagious virus that produces a mild upper respiratory tract infection (nose, pharynx and bronchi). Usually, infection with Parainfluenza Virus is mild and self-limiting, however, infection can lead to secondary infections, which may be more significant. A small number of dogs may develop pneumonia, however, most respond very well to proper treatment
  • Bordetella Bronchiseptica: A highly contagious bacterial infection commonly associated with respiratory disease in dogs. Usually, infection is very mild, signs may include a dry cough, nasal discharge, lethargy and fever

Which vaccine should my dog get?

The type of vaccine recommended for your dog will depend on your specific situation and your dog’s needs. Factors to consider include your dog’s age, other pets in your home, previous vaccinations, lifestyle (e.g., visiting dog parks or beaches), temperament, and any underlying health conditions).

Most puppies receive their first vaccination from the breeder at 6-8 weeks of age. Subsequent vaccinations are typically given at 10-12 and 16 weeks. While most puppies receive a series of three vaccines, the exact number may vary depending on individual circumstances. After the final puppy vaccination, we recommend annual vaccinations to maintain protection.

For puppies 10 weeks or older who haven’t received vaccinations, or for adult dogs who have missed a vaccination, we recommend a course of 1-2 vaccines. The specific number of vaccines will depend on the factors mentioned above. For dogs requiring only the C3 cover, a single injection may be sufficient. However, if a C5 vaccine is recommended, a booster dose will usually be required 4 weeks after the initial injection.