Vaccinating my dog

Vaccinating your dog provides protection against a range of potentially lethal diseases that may infect dogs. It also allows the veterinary surgeon to examine your dog to assess his or her health and to advise you on maintaining a healthy pet.

There are several potentially fatal diseases of dogs which can easily be protected against by means of vaccination. Our Practice for several years has used vaccine which has always been at the forefront of vaccine technology, providing a very high level of protection with minimal side effects. This type of vaccine protects against:

  • Canine Distemper virus or Hardpad which effects the nervous system, skin, intestines and lungs.
  • Canine adenovirus 2, which effects the liver, causing hepatitis.
  • Canine parvovirus, which causes acute, haemorrhagic gastroenteritis.
  • Parainfluenza virus, which is one of the causes of kennel cough.
  • Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae, passed in rats urine causing liver and kidney failure.
  • Leptospira canicola, a severe kidney infection.

Vaccination by responsible pet owners keep disease levels down on Guernsey. Due to the low levels of natural infection and hence natural immunity, unvaccinated dogs are particularly at risk from these infections.

Vaccination for puppies

  • Puppy vaccination can start from 6 weeks of age but is best given at 9 weeks.
  • A second and final injection of the primary course being given by 12 weeks of age.
  • Full immunity should be achieved within 7 days of the second injection. Vaccination provides earlier immune status and hence allows your puppy to socialise earlier.
  • An annual booster is recommended.

Vaccinating the older dog

  • A primary injection can be given at any age.
  • A second injection is given 2 to 4 weeks later.
  • An annual booster is recommended.
  • Immunity is achieved within 7 days of the second vaccination.

Kennel cough

'Infectious bronchitis'. This is a highly contagious syndrome which infects the respiratory system from the larynx to the bronchi in the lungs. There are several causes of the disease some of which are incorporated in the routine vaccine that we use. However a common cause is by the bacteria Bordatella bronchiseptica. This can be largely protected against, by using a nasal vaccine. This provides immunisation within 5 days and lasts for 12 months We expect to get an outbreak of this disease occasionally in Guernsey and recommend it's use under the following situations:

  • 'Outbreak vaccination' - in the face of disease on Guernsey.
  • 'Target vaccination' - before kenneling, owners of dogs who show or routinely socialise their dogs. Dogs who travel to the mainland.
  • 'Routine vaccination' - the ideal situation given annually.

Kennel Cough is a highly contagious disease and can be passed in the air from an infected dog. If your dog develops a dry productive cough please do not bring it into the surgery but inform the receptionist on your arrival at our Practice.

Rabies vaccination

At present only dogs on the Pet Passport scheme (PETS) or those being exported outside the United Kingdom require to be given a Rabies vaccination.

General points

  • It is never too late to provide vaccination protection for your dog.
  • Kennels should and do ask to see proof of vaccination in the form of a 'certificate of vaccination' which we provide prior to accepting your dog for boarding.

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