Q: What sort of vaccinations should my dog have?

A: The usual diseases that we vaccinate dogs for are Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Parvovirus and Leptospirosis - all of these are generally fatal if contracted. These vaccines can be done first when your puppy is 6 weeks of age and can be completed when your pup is 10 weeks of age. We use the Intervet brand, in our opinion the best and this brand is licensed for a 6 weeks of age start/10 weeks of age finish.

As mentioned all of these diseases that we vaccinate for can be fatal so it really is important your dog is vaccinated against these and that the vaccinations are kept up to date by annual re-vaccination. By failing to do so your pet's immunity to these disease will decrease leaving your pet open to contracting these diseases.

Another disease that we can vaccinate for if required is Kennel Cough - the dog version of whooping cough. This is not generally a fatal disease but can be in very young or debilitated dogs. It will though result in your dog coughing for several weeks if not months, even in the face of aggressive veterinary intervention.

You will need this vaccine done if your dog is going into kennels as it is an airborne disease spread by dogs in close contact with each other - e.g. kennels, dog shows, traveling together in trailers after shoots, etc.

The risk of picking it up outside of kennels or dog shows is very low but if you are concerned or if your dog has a pre-existing respiratory or heart condition then it may be wise to have the vaccine done anyway.

All reputable kennels will insist on your pet having up to date vaccines (including Kennel Cough) and on seeing a certificate signed by a vet to this end. If they do not insist on this then don't go there - they will be allowing in other pets that may not be vaccinated and who may pass on disease to your pet.

Finally we can also vaccinate for Rabies. You will only need this done if you intend to travel abroad and then back to Ireland with your pet on the Pet Passport Scheme where your pet will also need to be microchipped and blood tested to check if the rabies vaccine has worked. One important tip - if you have a passport for your pet you have to have the rabies vaccine done annually and on or before the due date. If you go over by even one day you will have to go through the whole procedure all over again.