Vaccination of dogs and cats

Vaccination of dogs

In Norway, we are so lucky 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 is lowered that dogs that cannot receive the vaccine (e.g. very young puppies, dogs with a weakened immune system, etc.) may become infected and become ill. Due to the high vaccination rate, it is very rare that we 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.

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 the core vaccines which is recommended for all dogs regardless of where in the world the dog is. Alongside the core vaccines that apply to dogs worldwide, we have additional vaccines which is recommended based on local conditions. In Norway, it is recommended, in addition to the core vaccines, to vaccinate against kennel cough. If the dog is going abroad, there are several diseases that it must be protected against, for example rabies and leptospirosis, depending on where it is going.

Vaccine recommendations for dogs

The vaccine recommendations have changed several times over time, and the recommendations have been able to vary between different veterinarians and breeders. In order to ensure that the recommendations are comprehensive and the best for the dog, a selection of the world's foremost immunologists was set up, who continuously reassess 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:
  1. vaccine: 8 weeks, DHP
  2. vaccine: 12 weeks, DHP + BbPi/DHPPi
  3. vaccine: 16 weeks, DHP vaccine (1st first booster):
  4. 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, infectious hepatitis (HCC) and canine distemper (Parvo infection). Given at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age, then at 1 year of age, then every 3 years. BBPi: additional vaccine against kennel cough. Recommended for all dogs in Norway. Kennel cough, like colds in us 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 "usual" 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 serious illness. BbPi is given as nasal drops and must 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. On certain individuals, we still choose to give DHPPi, for example to dogs who are very fearful, or dogs from households with severely weakened immune systems.

Side effects

It is rare for dogs to have side effects after vaccines, but sometimes nausea, fever or allergic reactions can occur. Contact a vet if the dog becomes very lethargic, vomits or has severe diarrhea within the first 30 minutes after it has received the vaccine then it may have had an allergic reaction that requires treatment. Maine Coon cat

Vaccination of cats

By vaccinating your cat, you help to 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 programme. Price of standard vaccines for cats: from NOK 702. You can read more about our prices here.

Vaccination of kittens

Basic vaccination of kittens is done twice in total. They get their first vaccine when they are 11-12 weeks old. The next 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 are vaccinated at 12 weeks of age. Until then, the animals are protected by the mother's antibodies which are transferred via the mother's milk. In case of increased infection pressure, or if the mother has not been vaccinated, puppies should be vaccinated against parvo as early as 8 weeks of age. Here at A-Vet, we recommend that both dogs and cats receive basic vaccinations 2 times, 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 staying abroad, it is necessary to vaccinate against rabies, leishmaniasis and leptospirosis.

We now also offer vaccination against Borreliosis.

Contact us if you have any questions in connection with the vaccination of your dog or cat. You will find an overview of our vaccine prices here.

At A-Vet, every 4th vaccination for dogs and cats is free provided that our vaccination program is followed annually.