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Dog vaccination – your questions answered |
|
Martin C. James |
When
it comes to dog vaccinations, there are three questions that you need
to know the answers to:
- Is my dog safe from disease?
- Is there really a need to vaccinate my dog annually?
- Is vaccination safe?
1. Is my dog safe from disease?
Fortunately like measles, polio and small pox in humans, widespread vaccination
has
made it rare to see major outbreaks of disease in dogs in this country.
However problems with Parvovirus and Distemper still occur regularly,
particularly in groups of unvaccinated dogs such as in inner city dog
pounds or traveller's sites. Further a field these viruses are not so well
controlled: in 1997 five thousand dogs in Finland died during a Distemper
outbreak. With our borders now open to dogs which have only had a Rabies
vaccination and parasite control, we are not the isolated island we used
to be.
The recent MMR debate highlighted the fact that outbreaks of measles could occur if less than 70% of children are vaccinated, yet 50% of dogs in this country are more than 4 years behind with their vaccinations. None of us will forget the devastating impact Foot and Mouth had on the unvaccinated sheep, cattle and pig populations of this country. Do you want to take the risk of your dog being one of the unlucky ones if a Parvovirus outbreak occurs?
2. Is there really a need to vaccinate my dog annually?
We routinely vaccinate against 4 viral diseases (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza) and 1 bacterial disease (Leptospirosis, which can also affect humans). As we all know from that commonest of viral diseases, the human cold, antibiotics have no effect against viruses. Fortunately, our immune systems are normally strong enough to cope with a running nose and a sneeze, however very virulent diseases like Parvovirus, Distemper and Hepatitis normally overrun the immune system and prove fatal - so vaccination is the only effective way to deal with them. Even a bacterial disease like Leptospirosis is very serious. A dog might just pull through with the best intensive care and antibiotics but surely prevention with vaccination is a more sensible option?
So
vaccination is a good idea; but what should we vaccinated against and
how often? We now tend to think of core and non-core diseases. Core diseases
are those which all dogs are likely to be exposed to at some point in
their life – Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis and
Parainfluenza fall into this category. Non-core diseases are ones which
your dog may come across in particular circumstances. For instance, dogs
going into kennels are at high risk from Bordetella (Kennel Cough), whilst
those travelling abroad may contract Rabies.
Rather than give your dogs every possible vaccination we can discuss which diseases your pet is most likely to be at risk from and formulate a suitable vaccination plan.
The manufactures of our vaccines have recently carried out research which has demonstrated a 3 year duration of immunity from Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus boosters, although Leptospirosis and Parainfluenza still need yearly injections. So the good news is that after your dog has had its initial course and one booster, Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus only need to be given every third year.
3. Is vaccination safe?
Most
dogs owners will have heard of at least one story of a dog becoming poorly
after a vaccination – the canine press and fellow dog walkers tend
to be rich sources for such anecdotes. A new survey carried out by an
independent charity, the Animal Health Trust, has now given us a more
accurate picture: 4000 dogs, covering 124 different breeds, took part
in a study. “The research clearly demonstrated the absence of any
deleterious association between routine vaccination and signs of ill health”,
reports Dr James Wood, head of epidemiology at the Animal Health Trust.
In fact it was found that dogs vaccinated within the last 3 months were
actually 5% less likely to show signs of ill health than other dogs –
probably because they had just had their annual check up so any potential
problems would have been picked up and dealt with. So in fact, it appears
that vaccination poses no significant risk to your dog, whilst the veterinary
examination received will detect any early signs of disease and improve
the overall health of your pet – just goes to show how solid research
should always be listened to rather than gossip in the park or the papers!
Vaccination often seems to be a victim of it own success. As diseases
become less common it now appears that Parvovirus and Distemper have more
to do with James Herriot than modern day life. However, all of us in the
veterinary profession see the devastating effect these viruses and bacteria
can have on a regular basis. We are certainly convinced of the proven
benefits vaccination will give your pet.
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