In the UK, dogs are still susceptible to a number of diseases, one of which can potentially spread to people. Dog vaccinations in Oxford are the only effective means of preventing immunity to certain illnesses, and they can protect your pet for life if administered on a regular basis in accordance with your veterinarian's advice.
Immunity and dog vaccinations in Oxford
The body's innate capacity to resist illness is known as immunity. By exposing the body to a tiny but completely safe dosage of the relevant pathogen, a dog vaccination in Oxford creates immunity.
Immunity in puppies
Because of the immunity that is transferred through the mother's first milk (colostrum), puppies are typically protected throughout the first few weeks of life. But after a few weeks, this immunity quickly wanes, making the puppy vulnerable to illness. Dog vaccinations in Oxford, now have the ability to replace the mother's protective role.
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The puppy’s first vaccination in Oxford
Typically, a puppy receives two injections during its initial vaccination series, spaced apart by a minimum of two weeks. The veterinarian will also perform a general examination on your new puppy. While socialisation with other animals is beneficial for young puppies' behaviour in the future, dog vaccinations in Oxford don't take effect right away; immunity takes around a week to develop. When it's okay to introduce your puppy to other people will be recommended by your veterinarian.
What diseases do we vaccinate against?
- Canine Parvovirus, a hardy virus that can survive for long periods of time in the environment. It is usually fatal.
- Canine distemper, Due to vaccination, canine distemper—another serious and frequently fatal disease—has become less common in the UK in recent years.
- Infectious hepatitis still exists in the UK (although rare due to vaccination) and is often fatal.
- Leptospirosis acquired via the urine of other dogs or rodents. In the UK, the disease is common and can be found in rivers and canals. It potentially result in a serious illness in people (weils disease).
- Kennel cough is a particularly unpleasant, dry cough that spreads readily. It typically spreads in dog-friendly locations like parks, shows, and kennels where a lot of dogs are walked. It has multiple bacterial and viral causes and affects dogs of all ages. Weeks can pass between cough episodes, and if the dog is sick, elderly, or has other health issues, this could be a dangerous time for pneumonia and other serious repercussions. In exceptional cases, these issues could potentially be fatal. Once the sickness has begun, there isn't much that can be done to stop it; your best bet is to attempt to keep the animal as comfortable as you can while also trying to manage the cough using veterinary-recommended cough treatments. In more extreme situations, antibiotics and other medications can be required to control subsequent issues. Usually, it goes away in a few weeks. Consider administering the intranasal kennel cough vaccine to your dog if they will likely be around other dogs. It covers your dog for a full year and can be given at the same time as your dog's yearly health examination and dog vaccination (the injectable annual vaccine does not include this vaccination). It is highly advised, and before accepting your dog, the majority of boarding kennels in Oxford now demand proof of this dog vaccination.
- Rabies, the deadly rabies virus is absent from the UK. If your dog is going overseas, they must be vaccinated.
Your dog may become less immune to illness, putting them at risk. Boosters may be required every three to four years for certain conditions, but yearly for others. An annual examination and any required vaccinations can be completed during a visit to the veterinarian.
New puppy?
It is crucial for the health of your new pet to receive a dog vaccination in Oxford, as it is a crucial part of their preventive care throughout their lifetime. Make an appointment at Boundary Vets by registering your pet with us online right now.
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Dog Vaccinations FAQs
Do dogs need to be vaccinated?
Vaccinations are essential for providing your dog with adequate protection from life-threatening and debilitating diseases. There is the option of Titre testing, which involves blood samples to determine your dog's immunity. Unfortunately, this is not always 100% reliable, it is costly to perform and leptospirosis would still need to be vaccinated against. This is why we would recommend core vaccinations on the whole.
Is it OK to not vaccinate my dog?
As veterinary professionals, we would always recommend vaccinations; the risk is not worth taking when it comes to harmful diseases that could be picked up by your dog and any point.
What vaccines do dogs legally need?
It is not a legal requirement to have a dog vaccinated, but it is highly advisable. Some kennels, dog trainers and day-care require vaccinations for all dogs to use their services. Insurance can also be invalidated if dogs are not vaccinated; be sure to check your pet insurance policy for this information.
At what age do you stop vaccinating your dog?
Dogs require annual booster vaccines throughout their lives; this is to ensure maximum protection against life-threatening diseases. Our choice of vaccines I based on the lifestyle of your dog, not their age.
Can I vaccinate my dog myself?
Under UK law, only veterinary surgeons can prescribe medications; vaccinations fall into this category. Your veterinary professional is required to complete a health assessment for your pet before prescribing and administering the vaccine. Like many drugs, vaccines can have mild side effects, which is why a health check prior is essential to ensure your pet will be fit and well after the vaccine is administered. Veterinary professionals are trained at administering these vaccines; this wouldn't be advised for a member of the public to administer themselves. Also, the vaccination bottles, needles and syringes require correct disposal. Some diseases such as diabetes require owners to inject their animal at home, but correct monitoring, training and equipment is essential.
If your dog is anxious or nervous, you can speak to the team at any time and we can make a plan to reduce as much stress as possible. For example, after a discussion between the owner and the team, some of our nervous dogs have a minimal health check and the vaccine may still be administered. This is carried out when an owner or we feel a health examination will be too stressful.
What vaccinations does my dog need?
Annual boosters usually cover leptospirosis and kennel cough (given every six months). However, distemper, parvovirus and canine hepatitis are usually needed every three years. Therefore, a dog would need a vaccine every year to have maximum protection against diseases.
Because of yearly vaccinations. our health plans are popular – they break down these costs into monthly payments. The plan also covers various preventative treatments, including flea treatments, worming treatments and anal gland expressions - if you haven't already signed up - click here to find out more.
Save money on your pet’s preventative care
Our Pet Health For Life Plan provides comprehensive care across your Pet’s lifetime, with the cost broken down into monthly instalments.
Annual health check, vaccinations, flea and worm treatment, microchipping, 2 vet consults and 2 nurse consults a year and discounted services are included in the plan.
