A Vaccination Guide for Melbourne Pets

Vaccination is one of the most important ways to protect your pet from serious, and often life-threatening, diseases. Whether you’ve just welcomed a new puppy or kitten, or you’re caring for an adult companion, understanding vaccination schedules helps ensure lifelong health and protection.

This guide outlines recommended vaccination protocols for dogs and cats in Melbourne, based on current veterinary standards and Oakleigh Central Vet protocols.

Dog Vaccination Guide

Core Vaccination (C3)

The C3 vaccine is recommended for all pet dogs and protects against:

• Canine Distemper

• Infectious Hepatitis

• Parvovirus

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

• First vaccine: usually given by the breeder

• Second vaccine: 10 weeks + 1 day (early completion protocol)

Adult Dogs

• Booster at 1 year

• Then every 3 years (triannual)

Key Guidelines

• Can be given from 6 weeks of age

• Provides up to 3 years immunity

• Can still be administered annually if required

Canine Cough (Kennel Cough) Vaccine

Recommended for all dogs and mandatory for:

• Boarding kennels

• Doggy day-care

• Group training classes

Options

Intranasal vaccine

• From 4 weeks of age

• Safe during pregnancy

Injectable vaccine

• From 6 weeks of age

• Suitable for dogs on antibiotics

Why These Vaccines Matter

Canine Distemper

A highly contagious and often fatal viral disease spread through airborne exposure or direct contact. It can cause:

• Fever, coughing, discharge

• Vomiting and lethargy

• Neurological signs such as seizures and paralysis

Even survivors often suffer permanent nervous system damage.

Infectious Hepatitis

Spread through contact with infected bodily fluids, especially urine. Signs include:

• Fever, lethargy, abdominal pain

• Vomiting, diarrhoea, bleeding disorders

• Sudden death in severe cases

Young dogs are at highest risk.

Parvovirus

A serious and highly resilient virus that survives in the environment for long periods. Spread via:

• Contaminated faeces

• Surfaces, shoes and objects

Symptoms include:

• Severe vomiting and diarrhoea (often bloody)

• Lethargy and dehydration

With intensive treatment, survival can reach up to 90%, but early care is critical.

Canine Cough (Kennel Cough)

A contagious respiratory disease caused by multiple pathogens. Spread through:

• Airborne droplets

• Direct contact

• Shared environments

Symptoms include:

• Persistent cough

• Sneezing, nasal discharge

• Mild fever and lethargy

Generally treatable, but prevention is key—especially in social dogs.

Cat Vaccination Guide

Core Vaccination (F3)

The F3 vaccine is recommended for all cats (indoor and outdoor) and protects against:

• Feline Herpesvirus

• Calicivirus

• Feline Parvovirus (Panleukopaenia)

Kitten Vaccination Schedule

• Start from over 8 weeks of age

• 2–3 doses, every 4 weeks

• Final dose must be given after 16 weeks of age

Adult Cats

• Routine booster: every 12 months

If Overdue:

• More than 6 months overdue → booster + repeat in 4 weeks

• Starting or significantly overdue → 2-dose course

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

Recommended for outdoor cats due to transmission via bites.

Booster Guidelines

• If >3 months overdue → booster + repeat in 4 weeks

• If >6 months overdue → restart full 3-dose course

Important Vaccination Guidelines

• Boosters must be given within 6 weeks of each other

• If delayed, an extra dose may be required

Why These Vaccines Matter

Feline Herpesvirus (Rhinotracheitis)

A common cause of respiratory disease that:

• Remains latent for life

• Reactivates during stress

Symptoms include:

• Sneezing, nasal discharge

• Eye discharge and ulcers

Calicivirus

A widespread respiratory virus that can be shed for months. Signs include:

• Upper respiratory infection

• Oral ulcers

• Limping (shifting lameness)

Feline Parvovirus (Panleukopaenia)

A severe and potentially fatal disease that:

• Spreads easily via contaminated environments

• Can affect unborn kittens

Symptoms include:

• Vomiting, diarrhoea

• Fever, sudden death

• Severe immune suppression

Final Thoughts

Vaccination schedules aren’t one-size-fits-all—they may vary depending on your pet’s:

• Lifestyle (indoor vs outdoor)

• Exposure risk

• Age and health status

Regular veterinary check-ups ensure your pet stays protected while avoiding unnecessary vaccinations.

If you’re unsure about your pet’s vaccination status, please call our friendly nurses on (03) 9568 2211.