There are many vaccines available which may be used. Some vaccines (core vaccines) are advised for all animals and some only in special cases (none-core). This depends on the dog’s lifestyle and risk factors. We strongly advise every dog is vaccinated against the following viruses (Core vaccines).

Canine Parvovirus	Causes severe bloody diarrhoea and vomiting
Canine Distemper	Causes diarrhoea, vomiting, coughing and other problems
Canine Adenovirus	Causes Hepatitis, diarrhoea, vomiting
Leptospirosis	Bacterial diseases that mainly affect the liver and kidneys
Rabies	Vaccination is required by Hong Kong law

In addition we often advise vaccination against Kennel Cough. This is a common infection wherever dogs are in contact with each other, for grooming at pet shops, in boarding kennels or even while visiting the clinic, from a sick puppy.

Other vaccines are available but we do not normally advise their use. The disease may not be a serious problem or the efficacy of the vaccine may be in some doubt.

Each time we vaccinate your dog we will record this in the vaccine card to make a long term record of what has been given when. A sticker is peeled off the vaccine bottle and stuck onto the card. This records the vaccine batch, its expiry date and the vaccine brand and type. The letters represent the vaccines given, so DHPPiL is for Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza and Leptospira. The vet will then sign and chop the card to make an official record

The actual duration of effect of a vaccine in an individual dog is not known. This may vary greatly depending on the dog and the type of vaccine used. Some types of core vaccines are now licensed in some countries to be used less often, every 3 or 4 years. Other types still need to be given once a year (leptospira). To keep things simple and to follow the written advice given with the vaccines available in Hong Kong we advise that each dog has a booster vaccine and body check once a year.

A vaccine is a very effective medicine. It is designed to stimulate the dogs own immune system, so when this happens the dog may feel unwell. Sometimes the dog will be tired or quiet for a day or so, but this will usually clear up quickly. On rare occasions a more marked reaction can occur. The dog can develop an allergic reaction to one part of the injection. This can cause a dramatic sudden swelling of the lips eyelids and ears. If you see this please contact us.

Every effort is made to ensure the vaccine is safe and effective. However it is possible for problems to occur. The vaccine may be contaminated during the manufacturing process or the virus strain could change to become too strong and affect the dog. Vaccines are tested and manufactured under strict controls to prevent these problems

There are worries that a vaccine may cause diseases of the immune system. Concerns about this have been publicised but nothing has been proven. This was studied by the Veterinary Products Committee in UK in 2005-07 but no link was found. Internet searches will no doubt reveal reports of dogs developing problems shortly after vaccination. Remember that by chance 1 in 12 dogs that become ill will have been vaccinated in the last month and 1 in 52 the week before they are ill, but this does not prove the vaccine caused the problem!