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Vaccinating your puppy is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure their lifelong health and well-being. At North Rocks Veterinary Hospital, we routinely vaccinate against five serious infectious agents to protect puppies from potentially fatal diseases. Additionally, we vaccinate against Leptospirosis, a disease that has become increasingly significant. Here, we’ll explain the diseases we vaccinate against and why vaccination is crucial for your furry friend.
PUPPY VACCINATION
WHY WE VACCINATE PUPPIES AT NORTH ROCKS VETERINARY HOSPITAL
1. PARVOVIRUS
Parvovirus is a highly contagious and often fatal disease that is unfortunately still prevalent in our area. It spreads through contact with infected animals or their droppings, and the virus can survive in the environment for long periods. Even puppies that stay indoors or avoid other dogs are at risk because the virus can be transmitted via shoes, clothing, or a dog’s hair or feet.
Symptoms
Severe inflammation of the intestines, vomiting, loss of appetite, profuse foul-smelling bloody diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, and often death despite intensive treatment.
2. DISTEMPER
Distemper is a viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It is spread through airborne droplets from bodily fluids like saliva or urine of infected dogs.
Symptoms
Runny eyes and nose, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in advanced cases, seizures and other neurological signs.
Vaccination programs have made distemper less common, but occasional outbreaks still occur. Keeping your puppy vaccinated ensures they are protected.
3. INFECTIOUS CANINE HEPATITIS
This is a highly contagious disease that primarily targets the liver but can also affect the kidneys, eyes, and respiratory system. It is spread through contact with infected urine, feces, or saliva.
Symptoms
Fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
4. KENNEL COUGH
Infectious Canine Tracheobronchitis & Bordetella Bronchiseptica
Kennel Cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease spread through coughing, sneezing, or nose-to-nose contact.
Symptoms
A dry, hacking cough, retching, fatigue, loss of appetite, and in severe cases, progression to pneumonia.
Although most dogs recover fully, the infection can linger for weeks, and affected dogs can remain contagious for up to 14 weeks. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk and severity of this condition.
5. LEPTOSPIROSIS
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects both dogs and humans. It is spread through contact with water, soil, or food contaminated with urine from infected animals, such as rodents or wildlife. The disease thrives in wet or humid conditions, making it a growing concern in many areas.
Symptoms
Fever, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, muscle pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), increased thirst, and kidney or liver failure in severe cases.
Leptospirosis can cause severe illness and is potentially fatal. Vaccination not only protects your dog but also reduces the risk of transmission to humans. Given the zoonotic nature of the disease, vaccinating against Leptospirosis is a critical step in safeguarding your family and your pet.
VACCINATION SCHEDULE AT NRVH
We follow a structured vaccination schedule to provide optimal protection for your puppy:
- 1st Vaccination: 8 - 11 weeks
- 2nd Vaccination: 12 - 15 weeks
- 3rd Vaccination: 16+ weeks
- Annual Booster: Given 12 months after the initial series
A new vaccine is available that protects against parvovirus, hepatitis, and distemper for three years. However, vaccines for kennel cough and leptospirosis still require annual boosters.
The Importance of Early Socialisation
We recommend puppies be socialised between 3 and 16 weeks of age. Our vaccination regime ensures protection during this critical period, allowing your puppy to safely interact with other dogs, animals, and people. Enrolling your puppy in our Puppy Preschool is a great way to combine early socialisation with expert guidance.
Potential Risks and Considerations
Protecting your puppy through vaccination is a simple and effective way to give them the best start in life. Contact North Rocks Veterinary Hospital today to schedule your puppy’s vaccination and learn more about our comprehensive care services.
At North Rocks Vet Hospital, we recommend starting your puppy’s vaccinations at 6–8 weeks of age. Generally, their first vaccine is done with the breeder at 6 weeks of age; then three boosters are done with your vet. Their boosters are done every 4 weeks until they’re 16+ weeks old. This schedule helps build strong, lasting protection during their most vulnerable stage.
Our puppy vaccination program protects against serious and sometimes life threatening diseases like parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, Bordetella bronchiseptica and Parainfluenza virus (kennel cough). We tailor your puppy’s vaccination plan based on their lifestyle and the risks in the North Rocks, Carlingford, Epping, Parramatta and surrounding areas.
Yes. After their initial puppy vaccinations, dogs need regular booster shots to keep their immunity strong. Some vaccines are given annually, while others last up to three years. We’ll send you reminders so you never miss a due date.
Missing a vaccine can leave your puppy at risk for preventable diseases. If your puppy is overdue, our vets will review their history and create a catch up vaccination schedule so they’re fully protected as soon as possible, if required.
Absolutely. Dog vaccinations used at North Rocks Vet Hospital are proven safe and effective. Most puppies bounce back quickly after their appointment, with only mild side effects (like feeling a little sleepy or tender at the injection site). The benefits far outweigh the risks, especially for your puppy’s long term health.
