Gungahlin Vet Hospital

For more than 20 years the routine vaccination for most dogs in Australia has been the ubiquitous "C5" - a single injection delivering vaccine designed to protect against Distemper, Canine Hepatitis (Adenovirus), Parvovirus, Parainflueneza and Bordetella (these latter two commonly called "kennel cough" or "canine cough"). This type of vaccine had to be delivered three times to puppies, ideally at 6, 12 and 16 weeks of age and has proven to be very effective.

Some vets still use and recommend this type of vaccine.

In the last few years some vaccines have been developed which enable an "early finish" to puppy vaccinations - initially at 12 weeks of age, and more recently at 10 weeks of age. These vaccines protect puppies from an earlier age, reducing the risk of the fatal "parvovirus", and enabling puppies to get out and socialise earlier. This improves their confidence and reduces the likelihood of them developing some anxiety or aggression problems.

A further benefit to owners is a reduction from three to two puppy vaccinations, reducing the costs of those early months of puppy ownership. We were quick to adopt these new vaccines at Gungahlin Veterinary Hospital, so that you and your pups can experience the benefits.

These vaccines also offer benefits to adult dogs in that they are registered to protect adults from Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus for three years, instead of the usual one-year. This is very worthwhile because the risk of side effects after vaccination is proportional to the number of ingredients in the vaccine - the new regime uses only two (instead of five) components for two years out of three. It is no “stronger” or dangerous than the older C5 vaccine, and reduces the risks of complications by reducing the number of vaccines received over the years.

Kennel Cough (Parainfluenza and Bordetella) is not just spread in kennels or the pound, it is very contagious and can be caught anywhere other dogs have been, such as dog parks or footpaths. It must still be repeated annually to maintain protection. The vaccination can be given as either drops into the nose or as an injection.