Pet care

When does a dog get its first vaccination?

A dog’s vaccination schedule depends on factors such as its age, whether its history and previous vaccinations are known, its current state of health and past illnesses. 

The schedule starts no earlier than when the puppy is 8 weeks old. The course consists of a vaccine against infectious diseases, which has to be repeated twice, and one rabies vaccination. There must be an appropriate gap between these so that the body can respond properly to the vaccine.

What are dogs vaccinated against?

Vaccines against infectious diseases differ in exactly which diseases they cover. After taking a history, the vet will be able to choose the right product for your dog. The diseases dogs are vaccinated against are: 

• parvovirus
• distemper
• parainfluenza
• infectious hepatitis
• leptospirosis
• kennel cough 
• rabies

Are there any contraindications to vaccination? 

To vaccinate a dog, the vet must be sure the animal is healthy, which is why every appointment starts with a clinical examination. Signs such as a raised temperature, a runny nose, coughing, general malaise, worm infestation, or even a course of antibiotics or ongoing treatment, rule out vaccination at that particular time. Once treatment is finished, there should be nothing to stop the dog from being vaccinated.  

Occasionally, a dog may be allergic to a particular type of vaccine. In that case, a product from a different manufacturer can be used to avoid anaphylactic shock. Owners must always tell the vet if a similar problem has occurred in the past; it is then usually recommended to split the vaccines against infectious diseases and rabies into two separate injections. 

What are the signs of anaphylactic shock after vaccination?

An abnormal reaction to a vaccine is most likely to occur immediately after the injection. The more time passes after vaccination, the lower the risk, but on the day of vaccination the dog should be kept under the owner’s constant observation as far as possible, because an allergic reaction can sometimes appear even several hours later. Typical signs of shock include:

• swelling of the muzzle, paws, eyelids or ears
• reddening of the skin
• difficulty breathing
• vomiting
• loss of consciousness
• seizures

A less serious sign of an adverse reaction is a local reaction at the injection site, which may be painful for around two days, as well as reduced activity or a poorer appetite. These should clear up on their own within a few days.

If any adverse signs appear, contact a vet straight away, ideally the one treating your dog or the one who gave the vaccination.

How to prepare a dog for vaccination?

A week before each vaccination, it is recommended to worm the dog or have a faecal test for parasites. On the day of vaccination, it is best if the dog is not subjected to excessive physical exertion. If it is hot outside, it is a good idea to book an evening appointment so as not to put unnecessary strain on the body. 

Vaccination records make decisions about vaccination much easier, because preventive procedures are often carried out at different clinics, and the record contains details of the vaccines used and the dates they were given. 

Does your pet need a pre-operative appointment?

For the surgeon, this appointment is a chance to examine the patient clinically and take a look at the problem itself, for example the teeth before a dental procedure or a tumour that is to be removed. 

The appointment matters a great deal for the owner too, because the vet can use it to:

• explain the whole procedure
• go through any possible risks 
• estimate how long your pet will need to stay at the clinic 
• discuss the cost of the procedure 
• give a prognosis 

Are blood tests needed before surgery?

The first thing we will ask before booking any procedure is whether blood tests have been done. 

These tests are very important so that the vet anaesthetising your pet knows what condition its body is in. In short, they allow us to assess the anaesthetic risk and clear the patient for surgery. The results are valid for around 2 weeks from the date of the test, so the operation must take place within that time. Exactly which parameters are checked is up to the attending vet. 

Is a heart scan necessary before surgery?

An echocardiogram is always recommended for older animals and for breeds prone to heart disease. This examination also shows the patient’s actual condition and helps us tailor the anaesthesia individually. 

The scan can be done well ahead of the planned surgery, as even one performed a month earlier will still be valid. 

Does a dog or cat need to fast before surgery?

Absolutely. Before every procedure your pet must be fasted for 8-12 hours. Please take away water around 2 hours before you arrive at the clinic. The exception is small mammals, which can have access to food and water the whole time.  

Dogs and cats need an empty stomach because anaesthetic drugs cause vomiting, and fasting minimises the risk of a sleeping animal choking on  stomach contents. A full stomach also puts extra strain on the circulatory system and can delay the effect of the anaesthetic.

What additional tests are needed before an operation?

Sometimes a specialist ultrasound, X-ray, CT or MRI scan is required to get the clearest possible picture of the area to be operated on. If the patient needs such tests, the surgeon will let the owner know. 

What is the difference between castration and sterilisation? 

When we talk about a procedure intended to cause permanent infertility, it has become customary to speak of castration for males and sterilisation for females, yet these are two completely different procedures. 

What does castration involve?

Castration means removing the testicles in males and the uterus and ovaries in females. This eliminates, for example, territory marking, heat cycles, false pregnancies and sometimes unwanted behaviour towards other animals. The procedure also protects against common tumours of the reproductive system, such as mammary or testicular tumours. 

What does sterilisation involve?

Sterilisation means tying and cutting the fallopian tubes or the vas deferens. The uterus and testicles are not removed. Females can still come into heat and males may still show unwanted behaviour, but the procedure makes fertilisation impossible. 

What is chemical castration? 

Chemical castration is used in males in the form of an implant (chip) that stops hormone production. It is placed under the skin and works for several months. This option is often recommended, for example, for anxious dogs. 

Another method is hormonal contraception, particularly in female cats, but this is something we definitely do not recommend. It leads to a higher incidence of tumours and to pyometra! 

What are the contraindications to castration?

The animal must be healthy at the time of surgery. It is not advisable to operate while the animal is in season. Behavioural issues such as separation anxiety or reactivity to the surroundings can also be contraindications to castration. 

What diet after castration?

After the procedure, the animal’s hormone balance is disrupted, so it may be prone to gaining weight. Castrated animals need a special low-fat diet until their hormones settle. 

How to prepare a dog or cat for castration?

Before every procedure we ask for blood tests. Depending on the patient’s age, the chosen profiles may differ in the number of parameters. This depends on your pet’s age, general condition and past illnesses.