As a responsible owner, it's important to ensure that your furry companion is healthy and protected from various diseases and parasites. One way to achieve this is through dog vaccinations. In Switzerland, there are certain vaccinations that are mandatory, while others are desirable but not mandatory. Let’s discuss it.
Mandatory Vaccinations
In Switzerland, there are three vaccinations that are mandatory for young dogs: rabies, canine distemper and parvovirus. Let's take a closer look at each of them.
Age: in Switzerland, dogs must be vaccinated by these vaccinations by the age of three months.
Term: the first dose is valid for one year, and subsequent doses are valid for three years.
Rabies
This is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of animals and humans. It's transmitted through the bite of an infected animal and can be fatal if left untreated.
Canine Distemper
This is a highly contagious viral disease that affects not only domestic animals but also forest one: raccoons, skunks, and foxes. It's transmitted through airborne droplets and can be fatal if left untreated.
Canine Parvovirus
This is a highly contagious viral disease that affects dogs and can be transmitted through contact with infected feces or vomit. It can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, and can be fatal, especially in puppies.
Age: in Switzerland, dogs must be vaccinated by these vaccinations by the age of three months.
Term: the first dose is valid for one year, and subsequent doses are valid for three years.
Desirable Vaccinations
While not mandatory, there are several dog vaccinations that are desirable for young dogs in Switzerland.
Term: the initial vaccination for both diseases requires two doses, given two to four weeks apart, and subsequent are valid for three years.
Leptospirosis
This is a bacterial infection that can cause kidney and liver damage. It's transmitted through contact with infected urine, soil, or water. Dogs in Switzerland are not required to be vaccinated against leptospirosis, but it's recommended, especially if your pet spends a lot of time outdoors or near bodies of water.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis
This is a viral disease that affects the liver, kidneys, and lungs. It's transmitted through contact with infected saliva, urine, or feces. Dogs in Switzerland are not required to be vaccinated against infectious canine hepatitis, but it's recommended, especially for pets that travel frequently or come into contact with other dogs.
Tick and Worm Vaccinations
In addition to the mandatory and desirable dog vaccinations, it's also important to vaccinate your pet against ticks and worms in Switzerland. Ticks can transmit various diseases, such as Lyme disease, while worms can cause serious health problems, such as anemia and digestive issues. The following are the recommended tick and worm vaccinations for dogs in Switzerland:
There are several tick vaccinations available in Switzerland, which can help protect your dog from tick-borne diseases. They are recommended for pets that spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in wooded or grassy areas.
In our vet clinics MVET.CH we provide such vaccinations for your dogs in Geneva. For all necessary information you can contact our specialist by any convenient method for you: call, book an offline appointment or use the app DRVET for online consultation.