NEW VACCINE PROTOCOL
Niddrie Vet Clinic uses a C5 vaccination as standard for our puppy vaccinations, which gives protection against distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis (collectively referred to as a C3) and the two components of kennel cough Bordatella and parainfluenza (or KC).
PUPPIES
In the old format, puppies needed to be vaccinated at 6-8 weeks of age, then boostered at 12 weeks and again at 16 weeks of age. The vaccine was only proven to protect pups a week after the final vaccination, meaning dogs were unable to meet the world before 16-17 weeks of age.
So?
As well as meaning more needles, there is a major downside of the old protocol in that dogs may not have been properly socialised early. Animal behaviourists talk of the "socialisation window" which closes after 12 weeks of age. This concept dictates that puppies exposed to new experiences in the first 12 weeks of life will learn from them without fear. After the 12 week window, new experiences are generally treated with apprehension and can lead to dogs being fearful of other dogs, noises, etc. This is another reason why puppy preschool is recommended for any new pup.
The new vaccine now means that pups are able to go out at 11 weeks of age, one month sooner than with conventional vaccines. In addition, they will only need two injections rather than three!
Our new protocol consists of 2 injections given at 6-8 weeks then 10 weeks of age. An intranasal formulation is used for kennel cough protection. They then need a booster one year later with their annual health check.
ADULT DOGS
In the old format, dogs were given a full C5 annually.
In the new format, the C3 component of the vaccine has an enhanced duration- this mean it only has to be given every 3 years rather than once yearly. However, because the kennel cough vaccine provides a shorter protection (one year), a KC vaccine is still required every year and an annual health check for your dog is still recommended, as well as yearly heartworm injections if given.
"Help! My dog needs to go into kennels next week!"
Kennels generally require that your dog be fully vaccinated with a C5. If your pet has fallen behind with vaccinations or not had kennel cough protection, a booster will be required.
Kennel cough protection will not be adequate with one single injection and requires a booster 2-4 weeks later, but our new intranasal formulation allows protection after a single dose, ideal for those "last minute" vaccinations for kennels!
