Vaccination of dogs and cats
Vaccination of dogs
In Norway, we are fortunate that we have few fatal infectious diseases in our dogs. This is partly due to our climate and the fact that we are somewhat remote geographically, but mainly we can thank the high vaccination rate in our dogs. Because the majority of Norwegian dogs are vaccinated and are thus themselves protected against disease, the risk that dogs that cannot get the vaccine (e.g. very young puppies, dogs with a suppressed immune system, etc.) can become infected and fall ill is reduced. Due to the high vaccination rate, it is very rare for us to have outbreaks of these diseases in Norway today, unlike in many other countries (and also Norway tens of years ago) where these are very common causes of death.
Table of contents
Core vaccines and additional vaccines for dogs
The three viral diseases with a high mortality that we see sporadically in Norway are infectious hepatitis (HCC), distemper and canine distemper (parvovirus infection). These three are included in the so-called core vaccines that are recommended for all dogs, regardless of where in the world the dog is.
In addition to the core vaccines that apply to dogs worldwide, we have additional vaccines that are recommended based on local conditions. In Norway, in addition to the core vaccines, it is recommended to vaccinate against kennel cough. If the dog is going abroad, there are several diseases that it must be protected against, such as rabies and leptospirosis, depending on where it is going.
Vaccine recommendations for dogs
Vaccine recommendations have changed several times over time and recommendations have varied between different veterinarians and breeders. To ensure that the recommendations are comprehensive and best for the dog, a panel of the veterinary world's leading immunologists was established to continually reevaluate the recommendations as new research becomes available.
It is based on this expert panel's assessments that the following basic vaccination regime for puppies is recommended:
- vaccine: 8 weeks, DHP.
- vaccine: 12 weeks, DHP + BbPi/DHPPi.
- vaccine: 16 weeks, DHP.
- vaccine (1st booster): 12 months, DHP + BbPi/DHPPi.
Thereafter, the dog should be vaccinated annually against kennel cough and every three years against distemper, hepatitis and distemper.
Types of vaccines for dogs
DHP
Core vaccine. Recommended for all dogs. Provides full protection against distemper, contagious hepatitis (HCC) and canine distemper (Parvo infection). Given at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age, then at 1 year of age and then every 3 years.
BbPi
Additional vaccine against kennel cough. Recommended for all dogs in Norway. Kennel cough, like the common cold in humans, can be caused by several different types of viruses and bacteria. The kennel cough vaccine protects against the most common infectious agents: parainfluenza virus (Pi) which causes "common" cold symptoms with cough and weakness and the bacterium Bordetella bronciseptica (Bb) which can worsen the infection and cause serious and sometimes life-threatening pneumonia. If the dog is infected by a different type of virus than the one in the vaccine, it can still get cold symptoms and thus "kennel cough" despite vaccination. However, these other viruses often cause milder symptoms and less severe disease. BbPi is given as nasal drops and should be repeated annually.
DHPPi
Protects against distemper, contagious hepatitis (HCC), canine distemper (Parvo infection) and parts of the kennel cough complex, namely parainfluenza (Pi). As this only provides partial protection against kennel cough, we prefer to give DHP + BbPi instead of DHPPi. In some individuals, we still choose to give DHPPi, for example to dogs that are very fearful or dogs from households with severely weakened immune systems.
Side effects
Side effects from vaccines are rare in dogs, but sometimes nausea, fever or allergic reactions can occur. Contact your veterinarian if your dog becomes very lethargic, vomits or has severe diarrhea within the first 30 minutes after receiving the vaccine, as it may have had an allergic reaction that requires treatment.
Vaccination of cats
By vaccinating your cat, you help protect against serious diseases in addition to keeping the local infection pressure down. Remember that diseases such as feline distemper and cat flu are highly contagious, so it is important that indoor cats are also vaccinated according to the vaccination program. Price of standard vaccines for cats: from 702,-. You can Read more about our prices here.
Vaccination of kittens
Kittens are vaccinated twice in total. They receive the first vaccination when they are 11–12 weeks old. The second is given 3–4 weeks after the first. The cat should then receive annual vaccinations and health checks.
What diseases are cats vaccinated against?
- Feline distemper (parvovirus).
- Cat flu (rhinotracheitis and calicivirus).
- Chlamydia in cats.
For cats traveling abroad, additional vaccinations are required.
Why are dogs and cats vaccinated at 12 weeks of age?
We recommend that both dogs and cats be vaccinated at 12 weeks of age. Until then, the animals are protected by the mother's antibodies, which are transmitted via breast milk. In cases of increased infection pressure or if the mother has not been vaccinated, puppies should be vaccinated against parvovirus as early as 8 weeks of age.
Here at A-Vet Smådyrklinikk we recommend that both dogs and cats receive a basic vaccination twice, 4 weeks apart. Furthermore, both dogs and cats are vaccinated at 1 year of age. Cats are then vaccinated annually, while dogs are vaccinated annually for kennel cough and every 3 years for parvovirus, infectious hepatitis and distemper.
Vaccination against rabies and Lyme disease
When traveling abroad, it is necessary to be vaccinated against rabies, leishmaniasis and leptospirosis. We now also offer vaccination against Lyme disease.
Contact us if you have any questions in connection with the vaccination of your dog or cat. You will find an overview of ours vaccine prices here.
At A-Vet, every 4th vaccination for dogs and cats is free provided that our vaccination program is followed annually.