A puppy’s first vaccinations are at 6-8 weeks, then 12-14 weeks, 16-18 weeks, and annually after that. Only one week after the final puppy vaccination should your puppy be allowed to go outside and socialise with other dogs. The diseases that are commonly vaccinated against around Humpty Doo are:

• Parvovirus: causes potentially fatal diarrhoea, especially in pups and dogs under 2 years
• Distemper: coughing, diarrhoea and sometimes twitching, seizures, loss of balance and blindness
• Canine Infectious Hepatitis: vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and possibly liver failure
• Canine Cough: also known as Kennel Cough, but NOT only a risk if your dog is boarding Parainfluenza: a viral disease causing a nasty cough
• Bordatella bronchiseptica: bacteria causing a harsh, dry cough and lethargy
• Leptospirosis: Bacterial infection that spreads to major organs such as kidneys and liver. May cause death. Humans can be infected

Vaccination Protocol

Age	Vaccine
6 – 8 Weeks Old	C3	This vaccine protects the dog from parvovirus, distemper and Hepatitis
10 -12  Weeks Old	C5 + Leptospirosis vaccination	C3 + Kennel cough and Bordatella bronchiseptica, and Leptospirosis australis. Proheart injection may be administered at the same time.
14 – 16 Weeks Old	C5 + Leptospirosis vaccination	As above

Parvovirus

Parvovirus is a severe infection leading to vomiting and bloody diarrhoea. The ongoing fluid loss causes severe dehydration and the dog will need to be hospitalised for IV fluids and antibiotics, along with other supportive care. Parvovirus is very contagious, and the dog has to be placed in isolation. Even with all this treatment, the puppy may still die. Parvovirus spreads in the soil and may survive in the environment for a long time. Surfaces must be cleaned with strong disinfectants and another dog cannot be left in the same environment if it is not vaccinated.

Distemper

Distemper is a viral infection which causes respiratory signs such as nasal discharge, coughing, trouble breathing and neurological signs. And neurological signs such as tremors, shaking, circling, nystagmus and falling over. There may also be signs affecting other organ systems in the body. Distemper is highly contagious, mostly spread from oral and nasal secretion, but can be spread in nearly all bodily fluids. It is more severe in younger dogs and may cause death. There is no cure for distemper, it must be treated symptomatically until the dog’s immune system has a chance to respond. The prognosis for distemper depends on how severe the infection is and the age of the dog. Older dogs with a good immune system have a much better prognosis.

Canine Infectious Hepatitis

Canine infectious hepatitis, also known as canine adenovirus 1, is spread by animal-to-animal contact. It may be spread by faeces, saliva and urine. Lasting up to 6-9 months in the environment. Infection causes liver disease varying from mild to severe causing death. This may occur quickly, leading to death, or it may be slower in onset, causing chronic liver disease which may affect the dog for its entire life. The virus may also affect other organ systems such as the kidneys, respiratory system and neurological system, causing further disease. The prognosis for young and unvaccinated dogs is guarded, with high mortality rates reported. There is no cure for CIH, it must be treated symptomatically, supporting the liver until it has time to recover.

Canine Cough

Canine cough, otherwise known as kennel cough, is a highly infectious disease caused by several infectious agents including Bordatella Bronchiseptica, and Parainfluenza. These infections effect the respiratory system, causing signs such as a dry hacking cough, ocular and nasal discharge, sneezing, fever and lethargy. These signs may last for several weeks and in more severe infections may make the dog very unwell. There is no specific treatment for kennel cough, the symptoms need to be managed until their body recovers. Vaccination will help decrease the severity of the infection, and how long it is present.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread by rodents and native animals in their urine and faeces. This is especially prominent in dirty and wet areas with stagnant water, making it a large risk in the Northern Territory. Leptospirosis causes damage to the major organs, causing signs such as vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and Jaundice (yellowing of gums and whites of the eye). Although Leptospirosis is not common, there is no cure and it is often fatal.