Like humans, there are diseases and viruses that can make your dog sick. Pet vaccinations help to prevent your dog from contracting and spreading these diseases and viruses, helping keep all of our dogs happy and healthy, not just your own.
This guide will help you understand how vaccinations work, what vaccinations they need and how often they need them. If you have any questions, Dr. Leo and our vets are here to help you.
Why Vaccinating Your Dog is Crucial
As a dog owner, you want your dog to be happy and healthy. Vaccinations play a big role in ensuring your dog’s body has what it needs to protect them from diseases and viruses, especially if they’ll be interesting with other dogs. It’s so important that it is mandatory to have your dog vaccinated for core diseases in Australia.
Having your dog vaccinated will help to:
- Protect your dog from life-threatening diseases.
- Boosting your dog’s immunity against illness.
- Preventing the transfer of diseases to humans, such as Leptospirosis.
Once your dog is vaccinated, they’ll also need boosters to help keep your dog protected.
Core Diseases Dogs Need Vaccinations For
Every dog should be vaccinated for core diseases, including:
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- Canine Distemper Virus, a highly contagious and serious respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous system disease all dogs are at risk of contracting.
- Canine Adenovirus, or infectious hepatitis, which is a viral infection.
- Canine Parvovirus, also known as parvo, is a highly contagious virus that’s spread from dog to dog.
This may be administered individually or as a 3-in-1 vaccine, depending on your dog’s vaccine schedule.
Your local vet may also recommend non-core vaccinations depending where you live and your routine, such as if you frequent dog parks, if your dog stays at boarding kennels and more. This may include vaccines for:
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- Canine Parainfluenza Virus
- Bordetella Bronchiseptica
- Leptospirosis Bacteria
There may be further vaccines needed if you’re planning to travel overseas with your furry friend.
Staying on Track With Vaccination Schedules
It’s important you not only get your dog vaccinated, but stay on top of their booster shots. Booster vaccinations keep your dog protected from diseases and illnesses, or helps lessen their severity if they do come in contact. Your dog’s vaccination schedule depends on their age and the vaccines they have.
How often do dogs need vaccinations?
Your dog will need booster vaccinations every 1 to 3 years, depending on the vaccine, including:
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- The Duramune C3 vaccine: Booster every 3 years.
- The Protech Bronchi-Shield III intra-nasal vaccine: Booster every 12 months.
- The Protech C2i vaccine: Booster every 12 months.
There may be other vaccines your dog has that require boosters, depending on where you live and their routine. A routine annual check-up will help ensure your dog receives the vaccines they need, when they need them.
When should puppies be vaccinated?
Puppies should have their first vaccinations at 6 to 8 weeks old, followed by their second and third vaccines at 10 to 12 weeks and 14 to 16 weeks. You should avoid walking your puppy in public until two weeks following their third vaccination as this is when they will be the most protected.
How Plus One Vets Can Help
Plus One Vet is here to help you know what vaccinations your dog needs and when they need them. We ensure your dog is comfortable and happy while we provide any vaccinations, minimising any distress for your pooch. Call or book online to keep your dogs ‘shots’ up to date.
