Vaccinations in Dogs

Which vaccinations does my dog need? When and how often should these vaccinations be administered? We'll try to answer these questions as best as possible in this section. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

We follow the WSAVA guidelines for vaccinating small animals. Below you'll find information about which vaccinations are required or recommended.

RABIES (R):

The rabies virus attacks the central nervous system and, sooner or later, leads to death due to respiratory and cardiac paralysis. The disease can affect all carnivores, bats, as well as humans and other mammals, and is transmitted through the infected saliva of sick animals or humans. Currently, the disease is considered eradicated in Luxembourg. However, rabies is still significantly more common in other countries. Due to illegal animal imports, vaccination is becoming increasingly important again and is therefore mandatory for all dogs and traveling animals. For this reason, dogs, cats, and ferrets are only permitted to travel if they have a current rabies vaccination. When traveling to certain countries, an antibody titer test is required. Dogs and cats must be at least 12 weeks old for their first rabies vaccination, and the vaccination is only valid 21 days after administration. Therefore, travel is only permitted 21 days after the vaccination appointment. A valid rabies vaccination is also required for dogs to register with the local authority.

DISTEMPER (D):

The distemper virus can be transmitted from dog to dog or by wild animals (e.g., foxes, raccoons, martens, ferrets, badgers) and causes, among other things, respiratory, gastrointestinal, central nervous system and dermatological symptoms, and dental abnormalities. The disease can often be fatal, and vaccination is mandatory. Up-to-date vaccination status is especially important for hunting dogs and breeding bitches.

CONTAGIOUS HEPATITIS (HEPATITIS CONTAGIOSA CANIS (H)):

Canine adenovirus 1 infects dogs and all other canids and causes acute liver disease (vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lethargy), vascular inflammation, and eye alterations. The disease is rare in Western Europe, but can still be detected sporadically and can lead to death, especially in young dogs.

PARVOVIROSIS (P):

Parvovirus infects both dogs and cats and causes, among other symptoms, (bloody) diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, fever, and blood changes. The disease is highly contagious and often leads to rapid death in young animals. Therefore, vaccination is mandatory.

LEPTOSPIROSIS (L4):

Leptospires are bacteria that infect various organs and cause, among other things, liver damage, kidney failure, and respiratory symptoms. Respiratory infections, in particular, are associated with a higher mortality rate. Leptospirosis affects many wild animals (especially mice, rats, wild boars), domestic and farm animals, and also humans, making it a zoonosis like rabies. The bacteria are excreted in urine, and dogs often become infected by drinking from puddles and stagnant water.

KENNEL COUGH COMPLEX (PARAINFLUENZA/BORDETELLa (PI/BB/PNEUMO)):

Kennel cough complex is caused by various viruses and bacteria and causes, among other symptoms, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and, more rarely, fever or pneumonia. Vaccination is especially important for dogs that have frequent contact with other dogs (e.g., kennels, dog training, exhibitions, hunting dogs). We distinguish between a nasal vaccination (faster onset of action and additional local protection (BbPi)) and a vaccination that is injected under the skin (Pneumo).

DOG VACCINATION SCHEDULE

R: 12 weeks, repeated after 1 year, then every 3 years
DHP: 8, 12, 16 weeks, repeated after 1 year, then every 3 years
L4: 8, 12 weeks, repeated annually
BbPi/Pneumo: repeated annually (Pneumo injection must initially be repeated every 3-4 weeks)