Vaccinations

Core Vaccine: C3 (DHP)

All dogs receive a C3 (DHP) vaccine.  This protects against Distemper, Infectious Hepatitis, and Parvovirus.

• The DHP vaccine can be given to puppies from 6 weeks of age

• After the first annual booster (at around 14 months old), the DHP provides three years of immunity - though it can also be given annually if preferred

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Kennel Cough Vaccine (KC)

We strongly recommend the Kennel Cough vaccine for all dogs.  This vaccine is required for dogs attending boarding kennels, day-care, or group training classes.  It protects against the most common strains of kennel cough.

• This is an annual vaccine, usually given at the same time as your dog's yearly health check

• It can be administered either:

- Intranasally (gentle droplets in the nose), or

- By injection (often recommended for brachycephalic breeds or very nervous dogs)

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Puppy Vaccination Schedule

For puppies over 8 weeks of age, we follow this schedule:

DHP x 2 doses, 4 weeks apart

• The first dose is usually given by the breeder

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At 10 weeks and 1 day, we give:

• The second DHP dose, and

• The intranasal Kennel Cough vaccine (an "early finish" option)

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The next vaccination is due in 1 year, and then every 3 years for DHP thereafter

Canine Distemper

Distemper spreads through close contact or airborne droplets.  Infected dogs can shed the virus for months through bodily fluids.

Symptoms may include eye and nose discharge, coughing, fever, vomiting, and lethargy.  In severe cases, it can progress to neurological signs such as muscle twitches, seizures, or paralysis.  Distemper is often fatal, and survivors may have permanent nerve damage.

Thankfully, it is now rare in Australia.

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Canine Infectious Hepatitis

Dogs can contract this virus through exposure to the urine, faeces, or saliva of infected animals.  Recovered dogs may shed the virus for months.

Symptoms range from mild (eye discharge or corneal clouding) to severe illness, including fever, collapse, abdominal pain, vomiting, and bleeding disorders.

Mortality ranges from 10-30%. especially in very young dogs.

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Canine Parvovirus

Parvovirus is highly contagious and extremely hardy - it can survive in the environment for long periods.  It spreads through contact with infected dogs, faeces, contaminated surfaces, or even on shoes and clothing.

Symptoms include severe vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and fever.  

Early treatment is critical; with prompt veterinary care, survival rates can reach up to 90%.

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Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is a common, highly contagious respiratory infection spread through airborne droplets, direct contact, or contaminated surfaces.

The vaccine protects against the main disease-causing agents, including Bordatella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus.

Symptoms include a strong, persistent cough, runny nose, sneezing, lethargy, reduced appetite, and mild fever.

Most dogs recover well with simple treatment.

Core Vaccine: F3

We recommend that all cats receive the F3 vaccine, which protects against three important viral diseases:

• Feline Herpesvirus

• Feline Calicivirus

• Feline Parvovirus (Panleukopaenia)

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This vaccine is suitable for both indoor and outdoor cats.

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FIV Vaccine

For cats that spend time outdoors, we strongly recommend the FIV vaccine, which protects against Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.

This virus is spread mainly through bite wounds, so outdoor cats are at higher risk.

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Kitten Vaccination Schedule

For kittens over 8 weeks of age, we follow this schedule:

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F3 Vaccine

• 3 doses, given 4 weeks apart

• The first dose is usually given by the breeder

• The final dose must be given after 16 weeks of age

• The next booster is due in 1 year, then annually

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FIV Vaccine

• 3 doses, given 2-4 weeks apart

• The next booster is due in 1 year, then annually

Feline Herpesvirus (Rhinotracheitis)

Feline herpesvirus causes acute respiratory illness and leads to lifelong infection.  Cats may intermittently shed the virus, especially during times of stress.

It spreads through close contact and is common in multi-cat households or catteries.

Symptoms include sneezing, nasal and eye discharge, difficulty breathing, and painful mouth ulcers.  Diagnosis is usually confirmed with a PCR swab of the throat.

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Feline Calicivirus

A common cause of upper respiratory infection in cats, calicivirus can be shed for months - sometimes up to a year - after infection.

It spreads through inhaled droplets or through direct contact with infected oral or eye secretions.

Signs may include conjunctivitis, rhinitis, pneumonia, tongue ulcers, and occasionally shifting lameness.  Diagnosis is made using a PCR swab.

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Feline Parvovirus (Panleukopaenia)

Though less common today, feline parvovirus causes serious systemic and gastrointestinal disease and can survive in the environment for long periods. 

Cats usually become infected through the faecal-oral route, but it can also be spread on contaminated objects or passed through the placenta.

Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and in severe cases, sudden death.  Infection during pregnancy can cause cerebellar hypoplasia in kittens.

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Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

FIV is primarily transmitted through bite wounds from infected cats, or from mother to kittens during pregnancy.  The virus weakens the immune system over time, leaving cats susceptible to infections that would normally be harmless.

Cats with FIV may appear healthy for years, but eventually develop immune deficiency and become prone to persistent or severe illness.

FIV can be detected with a quick blood test, but there is currently no cure, which makes vaccination and prevention especially important.