Vaccinations in dogs
Parvos
Parvo is caused by the parvovirus. The parvovirus is a virus that can survive in the environment for a long time and is not sensitive to many disinfectants. An infection occurs by ingesting virus particles mainly from the feces of infected dogs. Symptoms of parvo are vomiting, bloody diarrhea, salivation, fever, dehydration and in some cases even shock and death. Vaccination against this disease is especially important for puppies and is done from 6 weeks. Adult dogs are vaccinated against parvo once every three years. Depending on the situation, the veterinarian may choose for a higher vaccination frequency.
Canine distemper (distemper)
Canine distemper is caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory tract, intestines and sometimes the nerve system. Animals infected with this virus often show fever, nose and eye discharge, diarrhea and crusts on the nose. Young dogs are most vulnerable to infection. In the past, canine distemper was common in the Netherlands and led to many deaths, often by young dogs. Nowadays, thanks to a good vaccination policy, we rarely see this disease. Although in recent years infections due to the import of dogs from southern and eastern Europe have been seen more frequently. Recently, infections with canine distemper have also been found in unvaccinated animals due to contact with foxes at the border with Germany in Venlo (see this article in the daily newspaper De Limburger). Vaccination against this disease takes place every three years (see schedule below).
Infectious liver disease (Hepatitis contagiossa canis)
Infectious liver disease or hepatitis contagiosa canis (HCC) is caused by a virus to which young dogs are particularly susceptible. Infection occurs through inhalation of the virus or absorption via the mouth. Fortunately, hepatitis no longer occurs in the Netherlands due to a strict vaccination policy. The disease is features by an acute course in which ocular discharge, high fever, an enlarged liver and fluid accumulation in the body are seen. Vaccination against this disease takes place every three years (see schedule below).
Weil's disease (leptospirosis)
Weil's disease is caused by bacteria from the leptospira group. These are mainly found in the urine of brown rats but also mice. An infection occurs through contact with urine from these animals. The bacteria can survive for a long time in water and mud and can infect a dog through wounds in the skin or by ingesting contaminated water. Symptoms of Weil's disease include decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, kidney inflammation and fever. Infected dogs also excrete the bacteria through their urine and so can infect other animals or people (!!). Vaccination against Weil's disease takes place annually because the vaccine only provides protection for one year (see the schedule below).
Kennel cough or contagious canine cough
Kennel cough (nowadays often called contagious dog cough) is caused by a number of pathogens. The most important are the parainfluenza virus and the Bordetella bacteria. It is spread by coughing up slime. Animals with reduced resistance or a lot of stress have an increased sensitivity. The symptoms are a dry scratching cough, sometimes even resulting in gagging. The coughing can go away on its own and animals are often not generally ill. However, complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia can occur in young animals, animals with reduced resistance or older animals. Vaccination is done by means of a nose drop or by means of an injection and must be repeated annually (see vaccination schedule below)
Rabies
Rabies is a disease that occurs in dogs, cats, cows, horses and humans. Infection often occurs through a bite or contact with saliva from an infected animal. Rabies is a life-threatening disease that always leads to death if not treated. Symptoms include aggression, restlessness, fever, general malaise, muscle tremors and cramps. The Netherlands is officially free of Rabies. Unfortunately, the disease is still common in the rest of the world. In 2012, rabies was diagnosed in a puppy imported from Morocco and in 2013 in two puppies from Bulgaria. Vaccination is not mandatory in the Netherlands, but it is in the countries surrounding us (Germany, Belgium, France). If you take your pet on holiday to these countries, vaccination is mandatory. The vaccine offers three years of protection (see vaccination schedule below).
The vaccination schedule that we use in our practice:
Please note! Vaccinations are still required above the age of 4.
The vaccine against Weil's disease only protects for 1 year!
