Leptospirosis (known as Weil’s disease) is a serious, life-threatening disease which can progress quickly and lead to organ failure. It is what’s known as ‘zoonotic’, meaning it can be passed from animals to humans!
Rats are a common source of infection and spread the disease via their urine which can contaminate water or soil. Leptospirosis can enter your dog’s body through their eyes, nose, mouth or broken skin.
If your dog catches the disease, it can cause excessive thirst, fever, vomiting and muscle pain.
While antibiotics can treat leptospirosis, treatment isn’t always successful and there can often be long-term health complications, if your dog survives.

Parvovirus is serious, life-threatening virus. It spreads through the faeces and vomit of infected dogs. The virus can remain active in the environment for months to years.
Dogs are infected by sniffing and licking while out and about.
Parvovirus causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea, which leads weakness and dehydration.
If you ever suspect your dog has Parvovirus please contact your local veterinary practice immediately.

Canine distemper is a highly contagious, often fatal virus, closely related to human measles. It is spread through an infected dog’s saliva when they cough or sneeze, and it can also be passed on through urine.
Dogs with distemper will show signs such as a fever, runny eyes and nose, poor appetite and coughing. But as the disease progresses, it can affect their central nervous system, causing seizures, weak limbs and imbalance.
Serious cases can be fatal, and if your dog recovers, they are likely to suffer from ongoing health problems. As there is no cure, it’s important to prevent canine distemper through vaccinations.

There are two strains of this potentially fatal virus:
• Adenovirus 1 – also known as Infections Canine Hepatitis causes hepatitis, an infection of the liver.
• Adenovirus 2 causes a respiratory illness, similar to Canine Cough (formerly known as kennel cough)

In both cases this disease is spread through the saliva, urine, faeces, blood or nasal discharge of infected dogs. The virus can survive for many months and make your dog very unwell.

It’s important to vaccinate your puppy as soon as your vet says they are ready. This protects them from picking up any dangerous diseases while they are young and especially vulnerable.
Your puppy will need a course of two vaccinations.
Please speak to your own vet as vaccine frequency can differ but:
• The first vaccination is given when puppies are between six to eight weeks old
• The second dose is given around four weeks later

Reputable breeders will always be able to provide a proof of vaccination (please do not accept it will be posted to you – this is often a sign of an unscrupulous breeder). If you are adopting a dog, most rehoming charities will ensure dogs or puppies have had a vet check and vaccinations before they start their life as your pet but please do ask!
If for any reason you are unsure whether your dog has had their vaccinations, let your vet know. Dogs can be vaccinated at any age and will need a primary vaccination course consisting of two injections, a few weeks apart.

If your dog regularly mixes with other dogs or you are planning to board them in kennels, it is likely they will need to be vaccinated against canine cough.
The vaccine for kennel cough is given into the nose.

Rabies vaccination is not a requirement in Ireland but is essential if you plan to travel abroad with your dog.

Rabies is required for all travel outside of the Island of Ireland. Your vet can discuss any specific requirements for travel abroad (this service is not available at the Irish Blue Cross).