Canine hepatitis in dogs
Infectious canine hepatitis is a very serious condition caused by a highly infectious virus that affects the liver. It can develop extremely quickly in puppies and dogs.
When puppies are first born, they completely rely on the antibodies provided in their mother’s milk. This will protect them against any harmful microorganisms.
However, this protection fades over time, meaning the puppy will become vulnerable to catching infectious diseases. The right vaccinations at the right age will help prevent your puppy from developing any of these diseases or infections.
Vaccinations help prevent contagious and sometimes fatal diseases. Some are mandatory, while others are recommended.
The mandatory vaccinations include:
The recommended vaccinations include:
Speak to your vet and tell them where your puppy will be spending time. This could include:
Also let your vet know whether you’ll be travelling outside of the country with your puppy, and any activities they may be participating in, such as dog shows or sporting events.
Your vet will then put in place a vaccination programme best suited to the needs of your puppy.
Puppy vaccinations are most effective when they are given at fixed dates with boosters. Your puppy will usually begin a vaccination programme at around six to eight weeks of age.
A regular vaccination schedule will likely consist of the following:
Your puppy must be given annual boosters to ensure they are adequately vaccinated. Every year they should have the following boosters:
When your puppy is vaccinated, they’ll be given a very small dose of the virus or bacteria. This will then stimulate their immune system to develop specific antibodies against the virus.
When used in a vaccination the virus or bacteria is most often dead or inactivated, meaning it is usually unable to cause the diseases.
Your puppy might seem a little quiet after their injections, especially for the first day or do. This is down to their immune system responding to the vaccine.
It’s important that you keep your puppy well rested after their injections as their immune system will be working harder than normal.
If you feel they’re not back to their normal selves within 24 hours, contact your vet for advice.
It’s crucial you make sure you have the right vaccination schedule in place for your new puppy, as dog vaccination is one of the most important preventative healthcare measures you can take. As soon as you bring your new puppy home, it's vital that you speak to your vet and to ensure they have the right vaccinations at the right time.
A range of formulas that help build their natural defences, support healthy growth and digestive system development.