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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Cliffy
Lizzie
Micky ARP
Micky is a handsome and affectionate greyhound with a calm and gentle nature. This sweet boy loves spending time with his people, seeking eye contact and wanting to please. While he can be relaxed and quiet, Micky does have a puppyish side and likes to stretch his legs with zoomies. He also loves treats and has shown interest in bird watching and believes that backyard zoomies are more fun with a bird nearby. He is looking for a home with a secure backyard. He would suit being an only dog or he may be suitable to live with medium or large canine companions. Micky may also be suitable to live with children aged 5 and over.
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.
Michigan ARP
Michigan is a stunning girl that can be a little shy and puppyish to start but soon comes out of her shell and loves to lean on you for pats. She has beautiful eyes and will look up at you with so much love, you just won’t be able to resist her! We think she may suit a home with children that are savvy around large breeds and over 10 years, she may also suit living with another male companion of any size.
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.
Uganda ARP
Are you looking for a quiet and sweet girl? Uganda might be the one for you! She can be a little shy when she first meets you but doesn’t take long to warm up. She is quiet and really wants to please her owners. She may suit living with children in their teens but would prefer to find a home with a canine companion of any size.
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.
Bones
Pedro ARP
Pedro is a friendly, outgoing and confident greyhound with a big personality and an even bigger heart. Affectionate and personable, he loves spending time with his people and is always happy to make new friends. One of Pedro’s favourite things in the world is a good butt scratch, and he'll happily lean in for more when he finds the perfect spot! With his easy-going nature, Pedro may suit a home either as an only dog or with a medium to large canine companion. He could also thrive in a family with respectful children aged 10 years and over who are keen to share plenty of love, attention and cuddles with this charming boy.
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.
King ARP
Kingis a handsome, friendly and incredibly personable greyhound whose goofy, larger-than-life personality is guaranteed to keep his family smiling. This tall, affectionate boy loves being part of the action and has a playful, puppyish side that shines through in his hilarious zoomies and quirky antics. While King can be a little anxious at times, he always tries his best and gains confidence with patient support from the people he loves. Full of character, charm and plenty of goofy moments, King may suit a home with or without a medium or large canine companion and could do well with respectful children aged 10 years and over who will appreciate his fun-loving spirit and kind heart.
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.
Bruno ARP
Bruno is a handsome greyhound with a gentle soul and a heart full of affection. Quiet, polite, and incredibly sweet, he enjoys spending time with his people and wins friends wherever he goes with his calm, personable nature. Bruno is confident in many situations, but like many greyhounds, he can occasionally be a little unsure and looks to his trusted humans for reassurance and support.
Friendly and easy-going, Bruno may happily settle into a home as an only dog where he can soak up all the attention, or he may enjoy living alongside another dog of any size. His kind and gentle temperament also makes him a lovely companion for families with children aged 5 years and older. If you're looking for a loyal, affectionate friend with plenty of charm, Bruno could be the perfect match.
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.
Flashy