Vaccinations

Vaccination protects your dog against various diseases, some of which can be fatal. We recommend two types of vaccination for your dog: a combination vaccine and the rabies vaccine.

Puppies usually receive a ‘primary course’ of vaccinations which consists of 2-3 vaccinations, depending on the age at which the course is started. They should be vaccinated before they are allowed to mix with other animals. Ideally the puppy receives its first vaccine at 8 weeks old, then at 12 weeks and 16 weeks. A booster is given one year after the primary course, then every subsequent year thereafter.

The diseases covered by the combination vaccine are:

Distemper, a highly contagious viral disease which is commonly seen in Hong Kong amongst unvaccinated dogs. It can cause respiratory signs such as sneezing, coughing; gastrointestinal signs of vomiting and diarrhoea, and even seizures and death.
Parvovirus, which often causes vomiting and diarrhoea with blood and is often fatal. This highly infectious virus can remain in the environment for long periods of time, which means your dog can become infected despite never directly coming into contact with infected animals.

Infectious Hepatitis, a serious viral infection which affects the liver in dogs. It usually causes fever, abdominal pain, jaundice, and can be fatal.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease which is usually transmitted from water contaminated by urine of infected rats or mice. It can affect the kidneys or the liver and may result in organ failure, and is infectious to humans.

Parainfluenza, a virus which can cause infectious tracheobronchitis (‘kennel cough’).

By law, dogs are also required to be vaccinated against Rabies, in order to apply for a license. The vaccine is usually given at or before 5 months of age, and must be given with a microchip. A booster vaccination is required every 3 years.

If your dog is going into a boarding kennel, you may also need to vaccinate him against Bordetella bronchiseptica (a cause of Kennel Cough).

Vaccinations are an important part of your dog’s health care programme, however there is a great deal of controversy about vaccination at the moment and we are frequently reviewing the situation so we can make the most up to date recommendations.