vaccine

In Australia, most vets recommend that all dogs be vaccinated for canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus and canine parvovirus. They are combined within a single vaccine commonly known in Australia as the C3 vaccine and are often called core vaccines.

Non-core vaccines are those that are administered depending on the risk. This is based on an assessment of the dog’s location, lifestyle, and risk of exposure to the infection so it is important to ask your veterinarian about which vaccines are most appropriate for your dog. Non-core vaccines in Australia include those against canine parainfluenza virus, Bordetella bronchiseptica (both of which contribute to kennel cough) and leptospirosis. The canine parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine (more commonly known together with the core vaccines as a C5 vaccine) is recommended for dogs who regularly come into contact with other dogs, such as on walks or at the park, or go in to boarding kennels.

The leptospirosis