The importance of vaccinations

Every dog owner wants to keep their dog happy and healthy for as long as possible. Vaccinations reduce the severity of infections or prevent the spread of certain viruses. There is little to no side-effects in most vaccination cases.

It is mandatory in Australia to vaccinate your dogs. The vaccination policy not only protects your dog from the viruses, but all the dogs in your community.

Core and non-core vaccinations

There are two different types of vaccinations. Core and non-core. The core vaccinations are mandatory for all dogs in Australia. Dogs and puppies that are at risk for other infections need non-core vaccinations.

Core vaccinations for dogs:

Canine Distemper Virus – is a very serious virus which is easily spread. The deadly virus causes watering eyes, coughing, loss of appetite, lethargy and neurological symptoms. Canine distemper has a 80% fatality rate in puppies.

Canine Adenovirus– There’s two different kinds of Canine Adenovirus, type 1 and type 2. You do not need a separate vaccination for type 1 and type 2. There is one vaccination for both.

Canine Parvovirus – is spread through direct contact with infected dogs. It is a highly contagious virus, that affects both dogs and puppies. Canine Parvovirus causes lack of interest or lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea with blood in the stool. The Parvovirus is treatable but early detection is key.

These are the viruses which every dog needs to be vaccinated against, the C3 vaccination is a combined injection for these viruses.

Non-core vaccinations for dogs:

Dogs that are at risk are recommended to have the non-core vaccinations. The vet will need information like the area you are keeping the dog, whether or not you go to dog parks or whether your dog spends any time in kennels.

Canine Parainfluenza virus – Coughing and respiratory infections like canine cough is a result of this virus. The canine parainfluenza virus is a contributing factor to kennel cough. Spending time with other dogs especially in enclosed areas puts your dog at risk. Coughing, sneezing and direct contact spreads the virus from the infected dog to nearby dogs.

Bordetella Bronchiseptica – Puppies and dogs that go to parks, puppy school or kennels need the Bordetella vaccine. This virus causes infection in the dog’s respiratory system. The virus spreads through touch, sneezing and coughing and Bordetella Bronchiseptica is another contributing virus to kennel cough.

Leptospirosis bacteria – the vaccines for this virus is given to dogs that come in regular contact with stagnant water or other life stock. The bacterium attacks the dog’s entire body. From the kidneys to the liver, reproductive system and nervous system. Animals that are infected with the leptospirosis bacteria spread it through their urine. Leptospirosis is zoonotic which means it can spread across different animals, for example from cattle to dogs and dogs to humans.

Rabies virus – Dogs born and raised in Australia do not need a rabies vaccine because rabies is eradicated in Australia. Dogs and puppies brought to Australia need a vaccination history. Animals leaving Australia possible need a vaccination before their departure.

Vaccination Schedule

You will need to find out any vaccination history you can from the breeders or the shelter. Your vet needs the puppy or dogs medical history to determine if they are on schedule, and healthy enough to receive the vaccine.

Puppies need to receive their first core vaccinations between 6 and 8 weeks. The core vaccinations are combined into one injection known as C3, it is administered at 6 weeks. At 8 weeks the C5 vaccination is administered.

Some vaccines need a booster at 10 weeks. Generally however newer vaccinations do not require this second booster.

Vaccinations wear off over time so to keep your dog protected they get booster shots with their annual check-ups.

Are vaccines safe?

The short answer is yes. There have been cases of anaphylactic reactions to the vaccine but they are rare and treatable. Vaccines are a lot less harmful than the illnesses they are targeting. Your dog’s immune system needs to create antibodies to fight illness causing viruses and bacteria, vaccines prompt the body to make the antibodies. Vaccines do not completely prevent your pet from getting the illness. They reduce the threat and the severity of the illness. To create a vaccine scientists use a weakened version, or a non-threatening part of the virus.

You should always keep an eye on your puppy or dog after they have had their injections. There are a few side effects, including sensitivity, lethargy and a bit of a fever. The side effects usually last between 24 to 48 hours, if the symptoms increase in severity or if it carries on for more than 48 hours you need to contact the vet.

FAQ

What exactly is a vaccination?

Vaccinations are a way to prevent your cat from getting sick from common viruses. The way a vaccine works is by triggering antibodies for the infection and promoting your cat’s body to fight the invading pathogens.

Harmless parts of the virus, or a weakened version is introduced into the cat’s bloodstream. This weakened version prompts the immune system to make anti-bodies. The weakened or deconstructed version of the virus does not cause the disease in the cat or kitten, but it does give your fur baby the tools to fight the virus if it comes in contact with it.

Vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent your cat from getting ill and to help stem the spread of diseases. The vet will examine your cat before any vaccination is administered. No vaccination will be administered if your cat is not healthy.

Core and non-core vaccinations

Core vaccinations are for all cats regardless of where in Australia you live. Indoor and outdoor cats all have to get core vaccinations. The F3 vaccination is the core vaccination and protects against the following:

Feline Pan Leukopenia – The highly contagious virus which is caused by the feline parvovirus is not very common today. This is thanks to the vaccination efforts in Australia. Kittens, older cats and sick cats are likely to get very sick or die from this virus if not vaccinated.

Feline Calicivirus – The virus causes respiratory infections and oral infections. These infections range from mild cases to severe. It is highly contagious and spreads easily in shelters, stray cat colonies and pet shops. The Calicivirus is usually not deadly and most cats make a full recovery.

Feline Herpesvirus – This virus is usually not deadly but can leave the cat with a lifelong deformity if infected as a kitten. The virus causes inflammation and infection in the eye, sinus and respiratory tract. Infected cats can easily spread the virus to a healthy cat.

Cats and kittens which are at risk receive non-core vaccinations. Your vet will be able to advise you on what vaccinations are applicable to your kitty. The area where you stay, proximity to cat population and the lifestyle of you and your cat all play a role. The non-core vaccinations include:

Feline Leukemia Virus – Thanks to responsible vaccination this virus is not prevalent in Australia anymore. Your vet can advise you regarding this vaccine as there are still some reported cases of this dangerous virus.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus – is not the same as Feline Aids. Feline Aids is the end stages of the virus. The FIV virus is on the decrease, but it is still a threat, up to 29% of the Australian cat population are infected. It is important that you get advice from your vet on whether or not your cat needs protection. FIV takes years to start showing symptoms. Infected cats spread the virus through their bites, not water bowls or sharing spaces.

Chlamydia Felis – is spread through direct contact with infected cats. The symptoms include watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing. The virus does not spread to the lungs if treated.

Bordetella Bronchiseptica – this virus is usually harmless and passes in a week to ten days, but some kittens or older cats develop pneumonia which is life threatening. Make sure to check with your Vet about your area and if your fur baby needs a vaccination.

Vaccination Schedule

In all areas of Australia the vaccination schedule is much the same, you might want to confirm with your Vet just to be sure.

Kittens:

Kittens first F3 and potentially FIV vaccination should be at 8 weeks or as close as you can. At 8 weeks the antibodies from Mommy cat’s milk starts to wear off.

At 10 weeks, if your kitten roams outside it is likely your kitty needs a second FIV vaccination.

12 Weeks is the last vaccination your kitten will need for a while. Indoor cats get the F3 booster only. Outdoor cats that are at risk get the F3, F5 and FIV booster.

Only annual boosters are needed after the 12 week boosters, but do not miss your annual boosters.

Vaccination Side-effects

Vaccinations are safe, but there are a few side-effects to look out for. Your feline companion will most likely be a bit lethargic for the rest of the day and not too keen to eat. This is quite normal. There will be some sensitivity around the injection site and there is a possibility of a fever. These symptoms usually last 24-48 hours but not longer. If they do last longer or get worse, contact your vet immediately. Make sure your furry friend has access to lots of fresh clean water.

FAQ