Jerry Green Dog Rescue

Why Vaccinate?

by Sapphire McInnes

Vaccinations are vital for your dog’s health. They teach the immune system to recognise and respond quickly to disease and infection and to stop it before it can cause serious illness or death. A puppy can have a first vaccination from the age of 6 weeks. Then a secondary vaccination is needed 2-4 weeks later to finish the course.  Once a puppy is immunised they have the protection needed to socialise with other animals and to go outside.  For your dog to carry on having protection from disease and infection they must have annual boosters to keep the immune system recognising such illnesses as Canine Parvovirus and Canine Distemper.  If booster vaccinations are allowed to lapse the dog is no longer immunised and must be started again by having a primary vaccination course.  This will cost more money than a booster and instead of having one vaccination the dog will have to have two vaccinations again. So, vaccinations must be kept up to date.

Prices will vary depending on which vet is used and your area of the country. An initial course of two vaccinations may range from £30 and a booster from £18. Sometimes vets offer special deals on vaccinations such as during vaccination awareness month in March.  Call your local veterinary surgery for prices in your area.

Canine Parvovirus –Affects the immune system and the cells of the intestine.  It causes the dog to vomit and have aggressive bloodstained diarrhoea usually resulting in the death of the dog.

Infectious Canine Hepatitis – This virus affects the liver, lungs, kidneys and eyes. Most cases are fatal but some dogs may recover if caught at an early stage

Canine Distemper – Attacks the gut, lungs and nervous system and is usually fatal. If a dog does survive it is usually left with brain or nerve damage.

Canine Para-influenza virus – A highly infectious upper respiratory tract infection which causes a dry hacking cough.

Leptospirosis – Dogs infected with leptospirosis  can suffer liver and kidney damage which will need a long period of treatment and recovery. It can affect humans too and is communicated by rat urine.

If your dog does unfortunately get one of these infections or diseases it will cost a lot for treatment and for recovery. Vaccination is far cheaper and kinder for the dog. Don’t delay vaccinate today.

And don’t forget pet insurance....

(Sapphire McInnes is the Supervisor and Deputy Manager at Jerry Green Dog Rescue Centre Nottinghamshire).