Summary of disease we vaccinate dogs for.

See also this piece on dog vaccinations in the Ask Alan section.

Canine Parvovirus

A hardy virus that can survive for long periods in the environment. Caused major epidemics in the 1970s and remains widespread in pockets throughout the Ireland .

Causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea as well as septicaemia (blood-poisoning) Usually fatal after a horrible few days of suffering.

Canine Distemper (Hard Pad)

Another severe, usually fatal disease, mercifully rare in the Ireland in recent years. However, major outbreaks have recently occurred in Europe due to vaccine failures.

Infectious Hepatitis

Still exists in Ireland , although now rare. Often fatal.

Leptospirosis

Contracted from the urine of rats and/or other dogs. Canals, lakes and rivers can be contaminated, and forms of the disease are widespread in the Ireland. Can also cause severe disease in humans (Weil's disease).

Kennel cough

Extremely unpleasant whooping cough-like infection. As it is an airborne disease it is usually transmitted in places where dogs gather together like kennels, shows and also parks where lots of dogs are walked. The disease may occasionally be life threatening in young puppies but it will require a long course if treatment in all cases.

Rabies

Fatal disease, not found in the Ireland. Vaccination is required if your dog is traveling to Europe via the Pet Passport scheme.