Puppy Vaccinations - it is imperative that your pup is protected by a vaccine before collection to lower the risk in travelling home and being exposed to germs There are several very dangerous diseases in the UK which could affect your new puppy. These can be contracted either from the environment or from other dogs. This page is intended as general guidance and contains information from our vet, please seek your vets advice on this topic as he/she will have local knowledge on how prevalent these diseases are in your area. We use special disinfectants to reduce the risk here and you might want to consider similar products at home especially whilst pup is unvaccinated. Use the specialist disinfectants proven to kill these diseases, rather than pet shop odour cleaners. We have a page on disinfectants and you are welcome to buy some when you collect pup. We suggest you read up on vaccines and also the read our page on the disinfectants available. We sell the Conficlean disinfectant which can be collected as same time as pup. Ads should appear on the right for related sites. If no adverts appear then use the google search facility below with the words "Parvo" or " Canine disinfectant ". We use Nobivac DHPPI & Lepto2 if you need to give this info to your vet. This gives protection against: 1 Canine Distemper (hardpad) - causes death or disability through direct contact with an infected dog. Begins with high temparature, runny nose/eyes, dry cough and diarrohoea followed by dehydration, weight loss and nervous signs. Chances of survival are low. Go to vets immediately. 2 Infectious Canine Hepatitis - contagious viral disease spread through contact infected dogs. Causes liver damage and respiratory infections. In severe cases it can cause death rapidly after diagnosis. Dogs which do survive can become symptomless carriers even when vaccinated which can then infect unvaccinated dogs/pups. 3 Canine Parvovirosis (PARVO) - the 1970's epidemic caused many deaths. It is spread through contact with an infected dog or its faeces and can survive in the environment for months even years.It can be transported on shoes, clothes and objects so even puppies kept indoors and away from dogs/ground are at risk. Usually fatal the symptoms are sickness, fever and severe often bloody diarrhoea. Pup is really really unwell. Vets attention immediately. There is an interesting article on parvo - Important Information on Parvo virus 4 Leptospirosis (Lepto) is a bacterial infection that affects the liver and kidneys. It is spread through contact with infected urine (e.g. lampost). A severe case can be fatal or cause permanent kidney damage. It can be passed to humans. 5 Parainfluenza virus disease

When should pup be vaccinated?

Vaccination will give your pup the best possible protection against these diseases and we believe that the earlier this is started then the better for the pup.

Provided mum is vaccinated, the pups will receive some of her antibodies in her milk against these diseases and have a natural resistance. However as they are weaned from mum they need extra protection. We take no chances with our precious pups and take them to a vet for their first vaccination between 6-8 weeks. At this stage studies have shown that immunity is passed to the pup from mum is beginning to decrease to levels which may be unprotective. This is then replaced by the immunity stimulated by the vaccine.

A second vaccine at either 10 or 12 weeks is then needed AFTER pup is adopted. At this time you van also speak to your vet about protection against Rabies if you are intending to apply for a pet passport or against infectious bronchitis (kennel cough) if you use commercial kennels whilst on holiday.

Are doodleDogs puppies vaccinated?

Yes, our vet does a full health check and gives first vaccine BEFORE 8 weeks. This gives pup some protection during the 2 weeks before adoption when natural immunity is low and it is difficult to minimise contamination to pups as mum could carry germs on her feet, coat etc from outside. It also gives pups some protection against germs in your car and in your garden etc (though garden exposure creates a real risk of contamination).

Where do the germs come from?

Basically you need to avoid areas where pup could come into contact with dogs or dirt/germs from dogs, foxes or rats. Parvo can live in dirt for years and can kill a puppy in 2 days. PLEASE do not stop and let pup on the ground in a service station on way home! Bring newspaper or "Puppy Pads" with you and if need be make a safe and clean area for pup to wee. And please adopt a responsible attitude - if everyone pooper -scoops we would not have such a problem.

There is a touching page on the internet with pictures of doodles who have DIED from parvo despite having their age appropriate vaccines because they have come into contact with contaminated ground - http://www.goldendoodles.com/Parvo/index.htm.

If you are considered about the risk you may want to consider disinfectant. We use one which claims to be effective against many of the serious puppy illnesses.

The vaccines will improve pup's immunity but Parvo is a killer, take no risks.

If your breeder does not routinely vaccinate before adoption, consider paying extra and asking for it to be done - no-one can ensure there haven't been rats/foxes in their garden. Its not expensive (£20-£50 depending on your location) .

Annual vaccination?

Yes, after the initial course, your pup will need an annual vaccine with it's health check each year. We do not personally use the homeopathic vaccines available. Even though we adopt a holistic approach to human/dog health and use homeopathic and herbal remedies, we feel that the consequences are too grave to take the risk with dog vaccines. Yearly appointments also ensure that the vet has an opportunity to check the dog's health. Further many kennels require a copy of a current vacciantion certificate before they will admit your dog if this is necessary to cover holidays etc.

Kennel Cough vaccination?

When dogs are brought together in groups (e.g in dog shows or boarding kennels) then they can catch an uncomfortable harsh dry cough with possibly a nasal discharge. It is not usually life threatening however it can last a few weeks and be unpleasant. Many boarding kennels require a current kennel cough vaccination for admission.