What Vaccinations Does My Dog Need?
As the countdown to your summer holiday begins, it’s important to consider where your beloved dog will stay while you are away and what preparation you will need to do before you leave. With this in mind, make sure your dog is protected against the risk of infectious diseases by taking them for their routine vaccinations. This article will serve to explain the main FAQs and considerations you must take into account when having your dog vaccinated.
Dog vaccinations
Vaccinating your dog will ensure they are completely protected against diseases which can cause them major distress and pain and, in some cases, can be fatal. Not only will this improve your pet’s health and welfare, it will also give you peace of mind when they are roaming free in the great outdoors or staying in kennels that they will not contract any diseases from other animals.
When should I have my dog vaccinated?
From birth, a puppy is usually protected against infections by their mother’s milk, as long as she has been regularly vaccinated. However, this will only cover them for a few weeks so you will need to make sure your dog has regular vaccinations early on in life.
Puppies are usually vaccinated at 6-8 weeks old and again 2 weeks later. As their body’s immune system will gradually fade over time, your pet will then require a booster one year after their first vaccination.
Following this, vaccinations are often given on a yearly basis depending on the type of vaccine; if you are unsure on what vaccination your dog needs and when they need it, make sure you consult with your local vet.
Which diseases does a vaccination protect my dog against?
According to advice given by the RSPCA, dogs must be routinely vaccinated against:
- Canine parvovirus
- Canine distemper virus
- Leptospirosis
- Infectious canine hepatitis
The vaccination itself contains a harmless form of the virus or bacteria that causes the disease it is protecting against. This stimulates your dog’s body in a completely safe way, so if your pet comes into contact with the disease from another animal, their immune system will be able to fight it off.
Arrangements for when you go on holiday
If you decide to take your dog on holiday with you, they may require a rabies vaccination if you are travelling abroad. Alternatively, if you choose to keep them in kennels while you’re away, they will require a kennel cough vaccine. This is typically inserted into a nostril and will protect against parainfluenza virus and bordetella bronchiseptica.
Jaycliffe Pets
Arranging for your beloved pet to stay in our purpose-built dog kennel facilities here at Jaycliffe Pets means you can rest assured knowing that they will be safe and comfortable while you are away. We offer a complete solution for the temporary care of your puppy or dog, accommodating for all ages, needs, breeds and diets.
We ask that all boarding animals must be vaccinated and current vaccination certificates must be presented prior to booking into our kennels. Simply get in touch with our friendly team today for further information or to book a visit.