Understanding Vaccinations

Health & Well Being
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!

Meet our dogs ready for adoption

All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.

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Wolf

3 years old

Meet Wolf! He is a young boy who can be a bit unsure of new environments and situations. Once he is comfortable, he allows his true colours to shine through and is puppyish, playful and affectionate. Wolf appears to have some issues with his vision, so he will need a special home who can manage this over the course of his life. Wolf may suit living with or without a canine pal of similar size and older children aged in their teens. Wolf has low vision, which isn't expected to get any worse. He doesn't require medication for this. He will be adopted out with a approval for a follow up appointment with an eye specialist, paid for by GAP.
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Jett

4 years old

This boy is ready to Jett his way into your heart and onto your couch! Sweet Jett is an incredibly friendly and outgoing boy with a puppy like nature and loves nothing more than a cuddle and play! Due to his excitement towards life Jett would be best in a home with a family who is experienced with large breed dogs! He may suit a home with another medium or large canine companion who likes to play as much as he does. He may be best suited to a home with children 10+ who can also keep up with him!
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Angus

4 years old

If you're looking for an enthusiastic young boy to be part of the family then look no further than Angus! Angus is an awesome outgoing and lovable goofbag that would love to be your new best friend. He absolutely loves toys and treats and would benefit from an adoptive home who will include him in all the day to day activities. He would be best suited to a home with a backyard as he loves to stretch his legs! He may suit a home with full time workers and children in their teens Angus is very special needs, he has retinal atrophy, he is looking for a special person, he has significant loss of sight now and complete vision loss over time is expected, he can learn to navigate in a stable environment and live a wonderful life with the right owners who are mindful of this. Talk to our adoption team to learn more about him.
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Stevie

4 years old

Our wonderful Stevie boy is ready to win hearts. Stevie is a lovely and friendly boy who can charm anyone with his outgoing and affectionate personality. He loves his toys and may be best suited to a home with children 10+ and would enjoy having another dog to be his buddy. We could all use a bit of Stevie love in our lives! Stevie would also love a backyard to run and play in. Stevie has spent some time in foster care and his foster carer said that he is a "...happy, big goofball, eager to please, cuddler and leaner. sleeps all night. plays with every toy likes soft toys and chew toys, favourite is the snorting pig and chasing ball. loves digging them all out of the basket. would be great with another large dog or by himself as long as he has things he can play with." Stevie has some osteo arthritis from an old injury, but this doesn't stop him from being his bright, bubbly self.
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Esmae ARP

2 years old

Esmae is everyone’s friend! She is sweet, funny, personable and puppyish. She loves being around other dogs and people and would love to find a home with another dog bestie to spend her days hanging out with. She loves to lean on anyone that wants to give her pats and attention. We think Esmae will best suit living as an only dog as she does not want to share the love, she would also suit children 5 and over. Esmae may even suit living with fulltime workers.
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Poppy

9 years old

Meet Poppy, the lovely and endearing greyhound lady who's ready to bloom in her forever home! This gentle soul is as sweet as can be, with a heart of gold and a desire to please. Poppy loves people and enjoys human interaction, making her a fantastic companion for families and individuals alike. Poppy has been through behavioural rehabilitation, which has helped her become a confident and well-adjusted greyhound. She's perfect for families with kids aged 10+, who will adore her calm and gentle nature. Poppy would most likely love to live as the only furry friend or alongside respectful medium to large male dog. She is a perfect lady on the lead and walks quietly by your side. Poppy has Inflammatory bowel disease, but this doesn't stop her happy go lucky attitude.
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Dwight

4 years old

Dorky Dwight is in the search for his forever family! This boy is incredibly affectionate and has nothing higher on his wish list than someone who can provide bum scratches. When he isn't requesting affection, he is showing off his goofy and puppy-like side that is sure to make you laugh! Due to his playful ways, he may suit a home with children 10+ who can play with him! He may enjoy a medium or large canine sibling but may also like being the star of the show as a solo pooch! His playful nature means he wouldn't do best in a home with small dogs or cats, and will need some space to run, therefore wouldn't suit apartment life.
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Mia

7 years old

Meet Mia, a friendly and affectionate greyhound who's bursting with enthusiasm! This extroverted girl loves people and can't get enough attention - she's always eager to please and shower her humans with affection. With her bubbly personality, Mia's sure to bring joy and excitement to her forever home. Mia's looking for a household where she can be the only dog, and she's suitable for families with or without kids aged 10+. While she's a wonderful companion, Mia's still working on her manners, so she'll need a patient and understanding owner to help her learn and grow. If you're ready to provide Mia with love, guidance, and a forever home, she'll reward you with loyalty, affection, and plenty of personality!

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Meeko

3 years old

Meet Meeko, the charming and playful greyhound gentleman who's ready to capture your heart! This friendly boy has a delightful puppyish streak, loving nothing more than seeking attention and playtime from his favourite humans. Meeko's unique trait is his love of seeking eye contact, often gazing adoringly at his people to connect and show affection. Meeko is perfect for families with kids aged 5+, who will adore his energetic and loving personality. With his outgoing and affectionate nature, Meeko promises to bring joy and companionship to his new family. If you're looking for a loving and playful buddy, Meeko is ready to be your new best friend! Meeko has an old hock fracture which has healed well, without any hardware present. Meeko needs a home with another dog for company, and can also be a bit anxious in new situations.
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Shelby

6 years old

Meet adorable Shelby, who has the best ears going around. Sweet Shelby is a fun and confident girl who loves water and cuddles; she is incredibly affectionate and outgoing and is sure to become your best buddy! Shelby may enjoy having a medium or large canine sibling but may also enjoy being the centre of attention as an only dog! Due to her energetic ways Shelby may do best with a home with children 10+ who can keep up with her and wouldn't suit a home with a small dog or cats.
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