Dog Vaccinations

Canine Distemper is a highly infectious virus that affects a dog’s urinary, digestive, and nervous systems. Although this disease is relatively uncommon in the UK, its lack of a known cure and contagious nature means it’s imperative to vaccinate your dog against it.

Canine parvovirus, or ‘Parvo’, is much more common and is a highly contagious viral illness affecting the intestines. Due to the fact there is no known cure for Parvo we highly recommend vaccinating against this often fatal illness. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss and lack of appetite.

Leptospirosis, or Lepto, is a bacterial disease spread by the urine of an infected animal. Dogs are prone to pick this up through drinking from an infected water source as well as through open cuts. Whilst this disease is fairly uncommon (thanks to routine vaccinations!) it is very serious and can even be fatal. Luckily it can be treated and managed with antibiotics.

Infectious Canine Hepatitis (ICH) is an incurable infection affecting the liver and kidneys. Although the disease is uncommon, there have been periodic outbreaks which reinforce the need for continued vaccination. In severe cases ICH can cause jaundice, liver failure, seizures or coma, and can even be fatal.

Kennel Cough – also known as Infectious Tracheobronchitis, KC is vital if you’re checking your pet into the kennels. As the name states, Kennel Cough affects the respiratory system causing dogs to cough, similar to a human chest infection. If your dog has Kennel Cough we can prescribe treatment to help them recover faster but most boarding kennels will insist on an up-to-date vaccination history, so plan ahead of your trip to the dog hotel!

Thankfully we do not have Rabies in the UK. However, if your pet is going abroad, they must have a passport and a Rabies vaccine. The vaccine will generally last for 3 years, can only be given to pets over 12 weeks of age and requires 3 weeks to reach full immunity – so plan well ahead before travelling with your pet!