Understanding Vaccinations
Most pet owners know that they need to get their dogs vaccinated to help prevent them contracting common ‘doggy diseases’ some of which can be fatal, especially in younger animals.
The greyhound industry requires all greyhounds be vaccinated – both at the time of litter registration (puppy vaccination), and at the time of naming which is usually around 12-18 months of age. The aim of this requirement is to ensure that the ‘greyhound population’, as a whole, maintains an adequate level of immunity to help prevent the spread of disease.
Since vaccinations for dogs became available in the 1950’s owners have been educated that all dogs should receive an annual health check and vaccination.
As our understanding of immunity has increased and the vaccines available become better, it has become apparent that many adult dogs develop immunity that lasts longer than a year, and it may not be necessary to vaccinate dogs annually.
There are now a variety of dog diseases for which there is a vaccine available:
• Canine parvo-virus – the number one killer of young puppies
• Canine adeno-virus – the cause of canine infectious hepatitis
• Canine distemper virus – historically a big killer of dogs with nasty side effects in those that survive
• Rabies – a disease not present in Australia due to strict quarantine rules
• Canine parainfluenza virus – one of the causes of canine (kennel) cough
• Bordetella bronchiseptica – a bacterial cause of canine cough
• Leptospira interrogans – cause of leptospirosis
• Canine corona-virus
Generally, the first three diseases are considered the most dangerous, and so are the ones that it is recommended ALL puppies and dogs are vaccinated against.
Canine Cough is a problem in places where dogs congregate, so any dog that travels regularly, goes to the park with other dogs, goes into boarding kennels, attends training classes etc, is at risk of catching this disease. Places like boarding kennels in Victoria are required by law to ask for proof of vaccination against canine cough to prevent dogs from catching this disease.
Other diseases like leptospirosis, and coronavirus, tend to be a little more ‘regional’ – they are a problem in certain areas and in those areas it is strongly advised that dogs are vaccinated against them, but in other areas, they are not considered a problem. Your vet will be able to tell you if you are in a high risk area.
Rabies is an exotic disease, and the only dogs that would require vaccination against rabies would be those dogs who are travelling overseas. Rabies vaccine in Australia is tightly controlled, and only certain vets may administer it.
So what vaccination does my greyhound need? And how often should it be vaccinated?
By the time most greyhounds leave GAP, they have already had their puppy vaccinations and had their first yearly booster. It is a requirement that greyhounds entering GAP are vaccinated to C5 – so they will have been vaccinated against parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis and the two causes of canine cough. You will receive a vaccination certificate in your greyhound’s paperwork.
Your vaccination certificate will have a date on it when the next vaccination is required, and that is the time to take your greyhound to the vet and discuss which vaccines your greyhound will need. This will of course depend on the area in which you live, and on your vet’s recommendations.
These days, most vets recommend that all dogs receive a ‘yearly check-up’, but not all vaccines will be required each year. In fact most vets now recommend that the core vaccines (the three killer diseases – Parvo, Distemper and Hepatitis) are only given every three years. Other, ‘non-core’ diseases will vary from animal to animal, but Canine Cough vaccines are usually required every year to maintain protection. It is important that you discuss your dog’s vaccination program with your vet so you can decide the best course of action for your individual circumstances.
Your vet can best advise you on what is required for your individual circumstances, the area in which you live, and will discuss any potential side effects of vaccination with you.
Regardless of what you decide, it is important that your greyhound still has an annual health check with a veterinarian even if it is not scheduled for a vaccine. Annual checks can often detect problems before they become major health issues – in greyhounds checking their oral health is particularly important – so have a chat to your vet!
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Meet our dogs ready for adoption
All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.
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Lucy
Angel ARP
Angel is a lovely female greyhound with a sweet, friendly nature and an outlook that’s as sunny as her name suggests. She is outgoing and confident, greeting people with warmth and charm, and she adores human affection. Angel enjoys being part of the action, whether that’s following you around the house or leaning in for pats —she’s a true people-dog who thrives on connection and companionship.
Angel maybe suited to a home with adults or families with children aged 10 and over who can return her affection respectfully. She may be ok to live as an only dog, soaking up all the love, or along side a compatible medium to larger male canine companion. With her affectionate personality and easy confidence, Angel is ready to bring joy, love, and gentle fun to her forever home.
Angel is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). We have behavioural and health assessed this lovely dog, and they will remain with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting this particular dog, and no other dogs currently in our care.
Ben ARP
Listen up! Ben is on the hunt for his forever home! Whilst he is still young and lacking a little bit of confidence in the world, we have no doubt he will shine as a pet in the right home. Due to his quiet and cautious nature we think he will be better suited to a home with teens or just adults, eithe by himself or another calm, respectful and polite dog of any size to show him the ropes and a backyard to relax in is a must. Are you sweet Ben's new family!?
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). We have behavioural and health assessed this lovely dog, and they will remain with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting this particular dog, and not other dogs currently in our care.
Peter
Alice
Rocky ARP
How pretty is Rocky? He has the whole world in his paws with hat adorably cute head tilt! Rocky is a very friendly, outgoing and confident boy who loves treats and is happy to hang out with his people. He can be enthusiastic at times when playing with other dogs so he may be better suited to a home with a robust medium or large canine companion, or may even suit living as an only dog. He may be happy living with children aged 10+ and full time workers.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.
Paddy ARP
Meet Paddy, a handsome male greyhound with a polite, gentle manner and a friendly, personable nature. He is a calm and thoughtful boy who enjoys human company and greets everyone with quiet charm. Paddy is affectionate without being demanding and has a lovely way of making people feel at ease, whether he’s leaning in for a pat or simply relaxing nearby. His easygoing temperament makes him a pleasure to have around.
Paddy would be well suited to a home with adults, elderly adopters, or families with children aged5 and over who can interact with him kindly and respectfully. He can live happily as an only dog or with a compatible medium to large canine companion.With his calm energy and good manners, Paddy may also suit apartment living,provided his exercise and comfort needs are met. He’s ready to settle into a loving home where he can relax, enjoy companionship, and be cherished.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.
Josie ARP
Josie’s has just come back from a vacation far away and ready to settle into her new forever retirement home! We think she may suit living with other male dogs medium or larger and children 10 and over. She may also suit living as an only dog and with full time workers.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.
Bessie ARP
Little brindle gal Bessie is now in the market for her new forever home! She isn’t really fussy about what she needs as she is a quiet, easy going and sensible little lady but she would love some people to dote on her till the end of her days at the very least. We think she may suit homes with children 10 and over and maybe another male canine companion of any size. She may even like to live in an apartment or with an elderly person! Like we said, she is pretty easy going!
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.
Winx ARP
Meet Winx, a beautiful female greyhound with a calm, polite nature and a heart full of sweetness. She is gentle and personable, taking her cues from the people around her and doing her very best to please. Winx can be a little anxious in new situations, but reassurance and kind guidance go a long way—once she settles, her affectionate and thoughtful personality truly shines. She enjoys quiet companionship and will happily be by your side, soaking up the comfort of a predictable routine.
Winx would do well in a home with adults, elderly adopters, or families with children aged 10 and over who can respect her sensitive side. She would be happiest as an only dog, or with a compatible medium to large canine companion who matches her calm energy. With patience, love, and a peaceful home, Winx will reward her people with loyalty, grace, and a gentle presence that makes every day a little brighter.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.