Vaccinations

Why do you need to vaccinate your pets?

In South Africa, it is estimated that only about 10% of all puppies are vaccinated against the deadliest diseases. This means that your puppy is at risk if they are not vaccinated. 

How does a vaccine work?

By exposing the body to a small amount of dead or weakened viruses or bacteria over time, the body’s immune system is educated to recognize and neutralize the virus or bacteria before it can cause disease. 

When should puppies be vaccinated?

Once the mothers’ antibodies are no longer providing protection at about 6 weeks the puppy can be vaccinated. The body will make antibodies in 3 to 4 weeks. A booster shot is given after this period to increase the number of antibodies produces to optimum disease-fighting levels. Some dogs might need a 4^th boosted vaccine if it was unable to produce enough antibodies (can be tested using an antibody titer test)

What is in the puppy core vaccine (5in1)?

1. Parvo Virus – Deadly if untreated, Vomiting, bloody diarrhea. Highly contagious!
2. Distemper – Deadly or euthanasia. Nasal and ocular discharge, bronchitis, pneumonia, neurological injury. Highly contagious!
3. Hepatitis – can be fatal. Fever, jaundice, liver failure. 
4. Canine parainfluenza virus – cough; pneumonia. Fatal if untreated. 
5. Canine adenovirus type 2. Coronavirus– Cough; ocular and nasal discharge; fever, pneumonia.
6. Rabies – Always Deadly as there is no treatment. Can be transmitted to humans and other animals. change of temperament; muscle weakness; difficulty in swallowing. Mandatory by law. Vaccines are recommended by veterinarians for puppies given with the core vaccines. 
7. Bordetella bronchoseptica – (Kennel cough) Cough; nasal discharge; high temperature. Can progress into a severe illness if untreated. 
8. Leptospirosis – Can be deadly if untreated depending on the strain. Jaundice; high temp; vomiting; diarrhea; bleeding.

What are the side effects of the vaccines?

Side effects with our current vaccines are rare. In some cases, the puppy might develop a mild fever or feel a bit sick for a couple of hours following the vaccination. In very rare cases a puppy might experience joint pain following booster vaccinations. 

It is important to only vaccinate healthy puppies. Sick puppies might feel even worse after being vaccinated and the immune system will not be able to produce the needed antibiotics resulting in vaccine failure with no immunity to the diseases.

Do we need to vaccinate Adult dogs?

All dogs must receive the core vaccines as a puppy and thereafter be boosted once a year. Generally, we can extend the vaccine boosters to once every three years if the dog is older than 7 years. Rabies is still mandatory every year. Talk to our veterinarians about the adult boosters suitable for your dog.