Vaccinations
Vaccinations for Dogs
All dogs boarding with us must have up-to-date vaccinations, and you will need to present your dog’s vaccination card as proof. We will update our records and scan the card for electronic storage.
The vaccinations your dog will need are:
- Canine Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis and Parvovirus (DHP)
- Leptospirosis (L2 or L4)
We do not insist on the Kennel Cough vaccine. However, if you decide to vaccinate your dog against kennel cough, there must be a minimum of two weeks between the vaccination being administered and the first day of boarding.
Any dog suspected of having kennel cough on drop-off will not be accepted. If any symptoms develop during their stay, they will be moved to our isolation area immediately.
We cannot board your dog if they are not fully vaccinated.
Vaccinations FAQs
What do vaccinations protect my dog from?
There are four main diseases that your dog can be vaccinated against. These are:
- Parvovirus
- Canine distemper
- Infectious canine hepatitis (ICH).
- Leptospirosis
Booster vaccinations for distemper, parvovirus and infectious canine hepatitis (DHP) are usually required every three years. Booster vaccinations for leptospirosis (L2 or L4) are required annually.
What is parvovirus?
Parvovirus, or parvo, is a highly contagious disease that causes severe vomiting and bloody diarrhoea in dogs. It is a very serious illness that can be fatal without treatment.
What is canine distemper?
Canine distemper is a contagious virus that attacks a dog’s lymph nodes before affecting the respiratory, urinary, digestive and nervous systems. It is easily passed between dogs through saliva, blood and urine.
Distemper can also cause hardening of the footpads and nose, so it is sometimes known as “hardpad”.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for distemper, and vets usually focus on managing the symptoms. Dogs with distemper require intensive care and are typically kept in isolation to prevent the virus from spreading. Sadly, even with the appropriate treatment, distemper can be fatal.
What is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis, also known as lepto, is a bacterial infection that can affect your dog’s nervous system and internal organs. It can also be passed from dogs to humans, where it is commonly known as Weil’s disease.
Leptospirosis is mainly carried by dogs and rats and is spread through infected urine and contaminated water. This means your dog may be at risk if they swim in or drink from stagnant water, ponds or canals. Outbreaks of leptospirosis are also more common after flooding, when contaminated water is more widespread.
Another important consideration is that leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be passed from animals to people. The most common route of infection for both dogs and humans is through contact with infected urine.
There are vaccinations available to help protect dogs against leptospirosis. Several different vaccines are available. Some protect against two serovars (strains) of leptospirosis (L2), while others protect against four serovars (L4), which account for a large proportion of the cases seen in the UK.
In severe cases, leptospirosis can cause kidney damage and liver failure. Even with prompt treatment, the disease can be fatal in dogs. Weil’s disease can also be fatal in humans.
What is kennel cough?
The term “kennel cough” is somewhat misleading, as it implies that the disease originates in kennels. In reality, dogs are just as likely to become infected at shows, training classes, parks, beaches or woodlands.
Kennel cough is a very common and highly contagious respiratory disease that mainly affects dogs. It is not contagious to humans. Affected dogs will usually have a persistent hacking cough and may sometimes cough up small amounts of phlegm. Overexertion or excitement can make the symptoms worse, so limiting your dog’s exercise is recommended while they recover. A prompt veterinary examination, followed by plenty of rest, is the best course of action.
Kennel cough is an airborne infection and is often compared to the human flu. In most cases, it is not serious and usually resolves within one to two weeks. However, more severe cases can last for several months and may be extremely uncomfortable for your dog. It is important to have your dog examined by a vet as soon as they begin showing symptoms of kennel cough, as these symptoms may indicate another, more serious condition.
How can my dog catch kennel cough?
The more time your dog spends around other dogs (at the park, boarding kennels, the vet, grooming salons, dog parks, on the street, at doggy day care or in pet shops), the greater the risk of contracting kennel cough.
Some dogs will not display any symptoms of kennel cough whatsoever but can still transmit the infection to other dogs. This is why the more time your dog spends around other dogs, the greater the risk of exposure.
Can my dog still come to kennels if their vaccinations have just expired?
No. As part of your holiday planning, you should ensure that if your dog’s vaccinations are due shortly before boarding or during their stay, they are renewed at least one week before boarding (or 14 days before boarding for the Kennel Cough vaccine).
If your dog’s vaccinations are out of date, we will be unable to board them.