Our canine companions require annual vaccinations in order to protect them from diseases that can cause them serious harm. Here at Pawsome Vets, we are committed to looking after your furry friends and recommend that your dogs are vaccinated on a yearly basis against a number of different diseases.
Let’s have a look at what our dogs are vaccinated against and why it is important to keep up with regular vaccinations.
What do dog vaccinations cover?
It is important that dogs are vaccinated against a number of different diseases that are preventable within the UK. These are either administered through an injection under the skin or a liquid that is administered up the nose.
Dog vaccinations can help protect against:
- Leptospirosis
- Distemper
- Hepatitis
- Parvovirus
- Bordetella bronchiseptica
It’s important to note that vaccinations, especially kennel cough, are required if your dog is staying at a kennels or a doggy daycare.
Pawsome Vets Wellness Club
At Pawsome Vets, we understand that caring for your pet can be expensive. That’s why we’ve made it even easier to afford preventative pet health care with our Wellness Plans.
Our Wellness Plan makes affording vet visits, vaccinations, flea and worming treatments and nurse consultations more affordable with a realistic monthly fee. The Wellness Plan is convenient, cost effective and also provides you with peace of mind that your pets are fully covered.
To discover more on our specialised plans for your pets, click here.
What is leptospirosis in dogs?
Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal disease that attacks the kidneys, liver and other vital organs in dogs. The bacteria that causes leptospirosis is passed through the urine of infected animals. Common symptoms include:
- Lethargy
- Inappetence
- High temperature
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
Leptospirosis is also a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be passed on to humans. It is especially important for this disease to be vaccinated against with a course of vaccines whilst your dog is younger.
The good news is that leptospirosis is totally preventable. A first and second injection, often 4 weeks apart, is administered to puppies with an injection. This should then be topped up with a booster vaccination on a yearly basis.
What is a DHP vaccine in dogs?
The DHP vaccine covers dogs for distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus. Similar to leptospirosis, this vaccine is given to puppies as an initial course and then repeated throughout their lifetime to maintain immunity.
Distemper – This is a fatal disease that is spread through the air and can also be found on items such as water and food bowls. This disease can affect the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems.
Hepatitis – Infectious Hepatitis can be fatal and attacks the vital organs of the body. This is a common disease in unvaccinated dogs and puppies.
Parvovirus – This disease is common in litters of unvaccinated puppies. Parvovirus is highly contagious and causes haemorrhagic diarrhoea (diarrhoea containing blood).
Unfortunately, parvovirus has a high death rate due to the gastro-intestinal tract being unable to absorb nutrients.
What is the kennel cough vaccine?
The kennel cough vaccine is often given up the nose to prevent this unwanted disease. As the name suggests, kennel cough causes a cough or a hacking sound. If left untreated, kennel cough can cause pneumonia, where fluid collects on the lungs. Kennel cough is caused by the bacteria Bordetella Bronchiseptica, but can also be caused by Parainfluenza.
Parainfluenza can be contracted by a dog coming into contact with bodily fluids, sharing a bowl, or socialising with an infected dog. With parainfluenza being able to live on surfaces between 4 – 12 days, it is vital that your pet is vaccinated.
Any dog can catch kennel cough, it is not just in a kennel setting where kennel cough can spread. Unvaccinated dogs can pass the disease at places such as the park or doggy daycare.
Dog vaccinations near me at Pawsome Vets
We can keep your pets happy and safe at Pawsome Vets by offering annual vaccinations for dogs and puppies. No matter whether you have a puppy that needs its first or second vaccination or a dog that requires its annual booster – we’ve got your covered.
If you think that your dog may be overdue their vaccines, pop into practice or call us on 01623 203529 and we can discuss restarting your dogs vaccines.
To find more information on our vaccination price list, head over to our services and facilities page.
