VETERINARY SERVICES

Vaccinations for Dogs

Dog Vaccinations

Vaccination has revolutionised control of infectious disease in our pets. Responsible pet care requires puppies to be given their initial course of vaccinations, but this cannot protect them for the rest of their lives. Adult dogs require regular vaccination to maintain immunity against disease. Click here to read more on why we vaccinate.

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Puppy Vaccinations

Puppies are ‘temporarily’ protected against many diseases by antibodies received through their mother’s milk. These maternal antibodies decline in the first few months of their lives. However, until they drop sufficiently, they can also neutralise vaccines. This is why a series of vaccinations is necessary in a puppy. Read more on owning a new puppy.

Adult Dog Vaccinations

The immunity from puppy vaccination weakens over time and your pet can again become susceptible to disease. Annual health checks and booster vaccinations, as required, will provide the best protection for the life of your pet.

After Vaccination Care

Following vaccination your dog may be off-colour for a day or two or have some slight swelling or tenderness at the injection site. Access to food and water and a comfortable area to rest are usually all that is required for a quick recovery. However, if the response seems more severe, you should contact us for advice.

Please give us a call to discuss a suitable vaccination regime for your pet puppy or dog.

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Infectious diseases of dogs that we vaccinate against

Canine Parvovirus

Canine parvovirus is a disease that affects dogs of all ages but is most serious in young pups and older dogs. The virus attacks the intestines causing blood stained diarrhoea, uncontrollable vomiting and severe abdominal pain. Dogs often die from severe dehydration despite intensive veterinary care.

It is not necessary to have direct contact with other dogs for the disease to be spread. The virus is so persistent that the infected dog’s environment needs to be cleaned with a potent disinfectant to prevent spread to other dogs. Outbreaks occur regularly throughout Australia, especially in summer.

Canine Distemper

Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that can affect dogs of any age, with young puppies being at highest risk.

Symptoms vary but can include fever, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and depression. Muscle tremors, fits and paralysis usually occur later in the disease. Treatment is usually ineffective and the recovery rate very low. Dogs that do recover may have permanent brain damage.

Canine Hepatitis

Canine hepatitis is a viral disease which, like distemper, is extremely contagious and often fatal. Dogs of any age can become infected; however, severe cases are rare in dogs over two years of age.

Symptoms include high fever, depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea and acute abdominal pain. In severe cases death can occur within 24 to 36 hours. Dogs that recover may develop long-term liver and kidney problems and can act as carriers spreading the disease to other dogs for many months.

Canine Cough

Canine cough is a condition produced by several highly infectious diseases, which can be spread easily wherever dogs congregate, such as parks, shows, obedience schools and boarding kennels. Among the infectious agents associated with canine cough is the bacterium known as Bordetella bronchiseptica and the canine viruses parainfluenza, adenovirus type 2 and distemper, click here to read more on kennel cough.

Affected dogs have a dry hacking cough that can persist for several weeks. It is distressing for pet dogs and their owners. It is a major problem for working and sporting dogs. Pneumonia can also be a consequence of infection.

Canine Coronavirus

Canine coronavirus is another contagious virus and causes depression, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea, especially in young dogs. Diarrhoea may last for several days in some cases. Although most dogs will recover with treatment, coronavirus has the potential to be fatal, especially if other infectious agents such as parvovirus are present.

Canine Leptospirosis

Canine leptospirosis is a serious disease risk in some areas and can cause high death rates. It is spread by the urine of rats and is usually transmitted to dogs by contaminated food and water, or by rat bites.
There’s an increased risk where high rat populations exist such as rubbish dumps or green sugar cane cutting areas. Incidence can also increase after long periods of wet weather, when rat populations are forced to move or concentrate. Leptospirosis is an animal disease that can be passed to humans who may then suffer a persisting ‘flu-like’ illness. Click here to read more on Leptospirosis.

Our standard vaccinations are part of our Sydney Animal Hospitals LifeVAC and Health Care Plans.

Always contact your veterinarian for further advice if you have any questions or concerns regarding vaccinations or if your dog is showing any of the above symptoms contact your local Sydney Animal Hospital.

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Our SAH Locations

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Providing Animal Hospital Care with Flexible Payment Options

Like any member of your family, an unexpected illness or injury can happen to your pet at any time and with that comes unforeseen expenses.

To help with these unexpected costs Sydney Animal Hospitals offer a number of payment options such as Afterpay, Zip, VetPay, cash and credit card.



If you have pet insurance you may be able to claim on the spot and only pay the gap with GapOnly™

SYDNEY ANIMAL HOSPITALS ACCEPT

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions pet owners ask regarding cat vaccinations

What vaccinations does my dog need, and how often?
Core vaccinations recommended for all dogs include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus. Non-core vaccinations, such as leptospirosis, bordetella, and Lyme disease, may be recommended based on your dog’s lifestyle and risk factors. Vaccination schedules vary, but most core vaccines require initial doses followed by booster shots every 1-3 years.
Are vaccinations safe for my dog?
Yes, vaccinations are generally safe for dogs and are crucial for preventing serious infectious diseases. Side effects are rare but can include mild swelling or discomfort at the injection site, lethargy, or fever. Serious adverse reactions are extremely uncommon and outweighed by the benefits of vaccination.
At what age should my puppy start vaccinations?
Puppies should start their vaccination series at around 6-8 weeks of age. They will need a series of vaccinations spaced 3-4 weeks apart until they are about 16 weeks old to ensure they are fully protected. Your veterinarian will determine the best vaccination schedule based on your puppy’s health and risk factors.
Do indoor dogs need vaccinations?
Yes, even indoor dogs need vaccinations. Indoor dogs can still be exposed to diseases through contact with other animals, visits to public places like dog parks or boarding facilities, or encounters with wildlife. Core vaccinations, at a minimum, are recommended for all dogs to ensure they are protected against common infectious diseases.
What happens if my dog misses a vaccination?
If your dog misses a scheduled vaccination, it’s important to contact your veterinarian to reschedule as soon as possible. Depending on the vaccine and the length of time since the last dose, your veterinarian may recommend restarting the vaccination series or simply administering a booster shot. Regular vaccination is essential to maintain your dog’s immunity and protect against infectious diseases.
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