Canine Distemper, Canine Parvo-Virus and Canine Hepatitis can all be fatal to dogs, and are preventable only by vaccination. Distemper and Infectious Hepatitis have been around for many years. Parvo-virus first appeared in 1978, and within 12 months had spread worldwide. Treatment for a dog infected by any of these diseases is difficult, expensive, and not always successful, which is why immunisation is so vital.

The earliest sign of Distemper is a fever lasting 2-3 days, which recurs about a week later. Dogs of any age may be infected, but young dogs are the most susceptible. Clinical signs vary from dog to dog, but include fever, respiratory problems such as coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, pneumonia, eye discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, listlessness and dehydration.

Nervous signs such as muscle tremors, convulsions, loss of balance and progressive paralysis usually occur later in the course of the disease. The recovery rate from Distemper, even with careful treatment, is fairly low. Dogs which have apparently recovered may later develop permanent nervous problems.

Preventing distemper is simple. Distemper vaccination should be done when the dog is a pup (note that a dog can be incubating the disease 2-3 weeks before developing clinical signs of Distemper, and dogs that are already incubating the disease cannot be protected through vaccination). Pups should be given a temporary vaccination at about 6 weeks of age. This should be repeated at 2-4 week intervals from 6 – 12 weeks of age.

Pups should be fully vaccinated by your vet at 12 – 16 weeks of age. They will be protected within approximately 14 days of full vaccination, which is why it is recommended that puppies are not exercised outside the home yard for a fortnight after vaccination.

Hepatitis and Parvo-Virus are also preventable through immunisation. Vaccines for these can be administered by your vet in conjunction with your dog’s distemper shots. The recommended vaccinations are as follows:

• At 6-8 weeks of age pups need Parvo-virus, Distemper and Hepatitis;
• At 12-14 weeks of age, Parvo-virus, Distemper, Hepatitis and Para influenza – which is also known as “Kennel Cough”;
• At 16-18 weeks of age, Parvo-virus, Distemper, Hepatitis and Para influenza;
• Then every 12 months after that.

Stress plays a big part in your dog’s ability to withstand infection from disease. It is therefore advisable that if it is necessary to board your dog, and it’s vaccinations or boosters are close to due, then they should be brought up to date before kenneling.

All boarding kennels require a completed immunisation certificate before they will board your dog. For more information on immunization, please consult your local vet.