Dog Vaccinations at Russell Vale Animal Clinic

Dog Vaccinations

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Dog Vaccinations at Russell Vale Animal Clinic

One year vs Three Year Vs Titre Test – what is Best Practice.

We all agree that we want our pets to be happy and healthy throughout the years that they are with us. Vaccinations (immunisation) against many of the diseases that want to kill them, is an essential part of that.

As many young and healthy pets should be vaccinated to protect those who are not able to have a vaccine for whatever reason (too young, immune mediated disease or have cancer).

Did you know? We perform a general physical examination prior to administering the vaccine?

In 2020, with COVID 19, many people developed an understanding of the term “herd immunity” as a means of protection. Vaccination of as many pets that are safe to vaccinate, is the best way of achieving that.

The diseases of Parvovirus, Distemper and Hepatitis are still out there, with outbreaks in various areas of each of these each year in various areas of Australia (and overseas). Vaccinations are still the cheapest treatment you can give your pet, as the cost of treating Parvovirus can run into several thousands of dollars.

Like all things that we do at Russell Vale Animal Clinic, we discuss with you what would be the most appropriate thing for your pet and your situation. In keeping with the World Small Animal Veterinary Association Vaccination Guidelines, we review what are the core (essential) vaccines for puppies and adult dogs, and the frequency of these vaccinations for our area.

A puppy’s first vaccinations are at 6-8 weeks, then 12-14 weeks, then 16-18 weeks.

Protocols for the more mature dog (older than a year) can vary depending on their lifestyle and holiday habits. We are able to offer the annual, triennial (Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus only as Canine Cough is always a yearly vaccine), as well as Titre testing.

The core vaccines for our puppies are –

C3 – Distemper Hepatitis and Parvovirus and, C2i – Coronavirus and Leptospirosis

The core vaccines for our adult dogs are –

C3 -Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus (either as a one year (annual) or three year (triennial) vaccine.

Non core vaccines for puppies and adults include Canine Respiratory disease

  • Parainfluenza and Bordetella Bronchiseptica (often called PI2/BB or KC). If given with a C3 it is often called a C5. This is always a yearly vaccine.

Coronavirus and Leptospirosis – (C2i) – Lepto is from the urine of mice and rats, so it is a core vaccine only for those dogs who drink out of puddles, or in an area with mice/rats present (such as those who have chickens or birds, or back onto creeks).

After Vaccination Care:

We do not expect your pet to have a reaction, but it is possible. Some dogs may be off colour for a day or two or have some slight swelling or tenderness at the injection site. Access to food, water and a comfy place to rest is usually sufficient for a speedy recovery.

Irrespective of the mildness of the reaction, please let us know immediately, as we can “flag” it in our system, which allows us to discuss with you options in the future (such as pre-medicating with pain relief or considering Titre Testing).

What about Titre Testing?

At Russell Vale Animal Clinic, we are able to offer titre testing for Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus with results available within 24 hours. We use the Vcheck system, which is the equivalent of the Vaccichek.

Titre testing is beneficial for those dogs who have had vaccine reactions in the past, or are unwell and are unable to take vaccines, or to ensure that the vaccines given in the past have actually worked.

Titre testing is ideal for puppies at 16 weeks (instead of a vaccination), or after they have had their first adult vaccine (i.e when they are 2 years of age or older).

It does require taking a small sample of blood.