Some pet owners have lost their trust in vaccinations, and as a consequence, they are refusing to have their pets vaccinated according to their vets’ recommendations. As a result, epidemics of diseases like Parvovirus are starting to happen again. The podcast runs over the history and background to this topic, and the video discusses this further.
An outbreak of the killer disease Parvovirus was reported in Limerick last week, and this week, major epidemics are also being reported across the UK.
Vaccination against Parvovirus is highly effective, but if dogs are not vaccinated properly, they may not be immune to this viral disease, and if they pick it up, it almost invariably kills them after a severe bout of bloody vomiting and diarrhoea. Even intensive treatment is often not enough to save them. Dogs of all ages can be affected.
Recent unfounded scepticism about vaccines – in human and animals – has lead to an increase in the populations of unprotected people and animals, which is why we are seeing disease outbreaks like this. In Australia, a similar trend has been happening, and there have been multiple epidemics of parvovirus in different towns, affecting all ages of dogs from puppies to elderly animals. This is a risk in Ireland if people don’t cop on and make sure that their pets are properly vaccinated.
- Parvovirus is a killer viral disease
- If dogs are not vaccinated and boosted against this, they are at risk
- Dogs of all ages need to be properly vaccinated against Parvovirus, as well as Distemper & Hepatitis (DHP) as well as Leptospirosis in most cases
- All pups need a full course of injections
- They are not safe till a week after the last one
- All dogs need a booster vaccine one year later
- After that, talk to your vet about further boosters, with the precise protocol depending on your pet’s situation
- Most dogs (and cats) do still need a once yearly visit to the vet for this to be discussed in detail
+ The vaccine needs of every dog are different.
+ A city apartment dog is not the same as a pet in a small town who goes out on walks.
+ Best answer: talk to your local vet about your pet
Listen to the podcast, or watch the Ireland AM video.
For the latest scientific advice on vaccine protocols for pets, read the WSAVA Guidelines.
See below for a helpful infographic, courtesy of Rachel Malkani of Veterinary Voices UK..
Please note that I am unable to answer veterinary questions in comments. If you have questions or concerns about your pet's health it is always better to contact your vet.