Canine Distemper

This is a very serious viral infection which is spread between dogs via inhalation of airborne virus. Symptoms often start with a cough and nasal discharge, vomiting and diarrhoea, but then progress to convulsions and neurological signs as the virus affects the brain. Many dogs infected with distemper virus die or need to be put to sleep, and those that do survive often have ongoing health problems. Protection against infection is given by a primary vaccination course, followed by a booster injection 12 months later, and a further vaccination is then required every three years.

Canine Infectious Hepatitis

This viral infection attacks the liver leading to liver failure. Presenting symptoms can include coughing, a high temperature, and blue eyes, other patients are sadly found dead. The virus is resistant to many disinfectants, and can survive months in the environment. Protection against infection is given by a primary vaccination course, followed by a booster injection 12 months later, and a further vaccination is then required every three years.

Parvovirus

This virus causes life threatening vomiting, diarrhoea and collapse. The most severe cases are seen in puppies, but any age of dog can be affected. Many patients, especially the younger ones, die or need to be put to sleep. This is a tough and resistant virus which survives in the ground for several years and can be transmitted on contaminated objects or clothing. Protection against infection is given by a primary vaccination course, followed by a booster injection 12 months later, and a further vaccination is then required every three years.

Parainfluenza virus

This virus is part of the complex of diseases which causes kennel cough (see below). Protection against infection is given by a primary vaccination course, followed by a booster injection 12 months later, and a further vaccination is then required every three years.

Leptospirosis

This is a bacterial infection which causes a very serious disease, and this usually results in death of the affected patient. The bacteria are found in water contaminated with rat urine, and dogs are infected through contact with contaminated stagnant or slow moving water or from moist soil. The bacteria can cause sudden death from massive internal bleeding, or can cause jaundice and liver failure also resulting in death. Most importantly this disease can be transmitted to people. Protection against infection is given by a primary vaccination course, followed by a booster injection every 12 months.

Kennel Cough

This is a collective term for a complex of bacteria and viruses which cause irritation of the windpipe and a dry, hacking cough. In adult healthy dogs this cough is not usually life threatening, but it can be severe, lasting up to a month. Affected dogs will often be off colour, can have a temperature, and may cough up blood tinged fluid. Young dogs, old dogs or dogs which are unwell for other reasons can develop pneumonia or bronchitis. The disease is highly infectious and spreads rapidly between dogs. Dogs may be infected through direct contact with infected patients or from walking where infected dogs have been. Protection against infection with Bordetella bronchiseptica is by a single intra nasal vaccination given once every 12 months.

Rabies

It is possible to vaccinate against rabies, but it is not necessary for patients who do not travel outside the UK. If you do wish to travel to Europe with your dog it is necessary to administer a rabies vaccination and to fulfil several other requirements in order that we may issue your dog with a pet passport.

This pet passport will allow your dog to travel abroad in Europe and return to the UK without having to spend time in quarantine. In most cases a single rabies vaccination every three years is required, but the frequency may need to be increased depending on the requirements of the countries that you intend to visit. If you do wish to travel to Europe with your dog you must seek advice from your veterinary surgery at least nine months before your intended date of travel to enable time to complete the requirements of the pet passport scheme.

If you intend to take your pet dog abroad he will need a rabies vaccination and a pet passport. You should make an appointment at least nine months before the intended date of travel to start your pet passport.