Research Paper for the Pet Technician Certificate :
Module 5 - Promoting Health
Owner: Alice Lam
All Rights Reserved.
In Hong Kong, it is law that all dogs above 5 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies, and the vaccination must be repeated every 3 years. Cats can also be vaccinated against rabies but it is not a legal requirement.
Whilst Hong Kong is a high-risk environment for infectious diseases due to the relatively hot, humid conditions and as most dogs are kept in apartments, Canine Distemper, Canine Parvovirus, Leptospirosis and Kennel Cough are all still very common.
Taking these factors into account, the following immunisation schedules normally apply:
Recommended Schedule for vaccinations
DOGS
Schedule for puppy from birth onwards:
| First vaccine | 8-12 weeks old |
| Second vaccine | 12-16 weeks old |
| Third vaccine | 16-20 weeks old |
| Kennel cough vaccine | Once at 8-12 weeks |
| Rabies vaccine | Once at 5 months old |
8th week - First vaccine for Distemper, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza & Hepatitis
12th week - Second vaccine for Distemper, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza & Hepatitis; First vaccine for Leptospirosis
16th week - Third vaccine for Distemper, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza & Hepatitis (only if needed); Second vaccine for Leptospirorsis
(normally, the above vaccines are combined together in one single injection called the DHPPiL Vaccination and first dose to be administered during 8th-10th week, and each dose to be applied 4 weeks apart. Third dose only applied if necessary)
3-5 months - Rabies vaccination (required by law)
Annually: DHPPiL vaccination booster
Every three years: Rabies vaccination booster
Recommended Schedule if adult dog has never been vaccinated / unknown vaccination history:
| First vaccine: | If the dog has not been vaccinated before first keep at home for 7-10 days to be sure he is healthy. If already vaccinated we will give the next vaccine one month after the last vaccine, if he is still healthy. | ||
| Next vaccine: | This is given one month after the first vaccine. | ||
| Last vaccine: | Is given one month later. This is especially important for some breeds. |
For adult dogs of unknown vaccination
history, then usually at least two doses of vaccination are given about 3
to 4 weeks apart to start or restart the vaccination programme.
After the initial course of vaccinations, a booster vaccination about one year later is normal to keep up the immune response levels. After that, booster doses are usually given every one to three years depending on the vaccines and the risk of disease.
Remember the rabies vaccination for your rescued / adopted adult dog.
CATS
Similar to puppy and dogs,vaccinations of kittens and cats are around 4 weeks apart.
Schedule for kittens from birth onwards:
| First day | 6-12 weeks old | Body check Advice about care |
| 1-2 weeks later | 8-12 weeks old | First vaccine Deworm |
| 4 weeks later | 12 weeks old | Start monthly flea control Second vaccine Deworm |
| 16 weeks old | Last/second vaccine Deworm |
|
| 1-2 months later | 20-25 weeks old | Deworm |
| From 6 months | Neutering operationflea treatments Deworm every 3 months |
|
| 1 year later | 1yr 3 months | First booster vaccine Body check |
8th week - First FVRCP vaccination (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia)
12th week - Second FVRCP vaccination & Rabies vaccination. In certain cases, a third dose of FVRCP might be needed in the 16th week.
Annually : FVRCP vaccination booster
In cats, rabies vaccination is not required by law, however it is recommended for outdoor or semi-outdoor cats for your own protection, or if you are exporting your cat to another country.
Recommended Schedule if adult cat has never been vaccinated / unknown vaccination history:
For adult cats of unknown vaccination
history, similar to adult dogs, usually at least two doses of
vaccination are given about 3 to 4 weeks apart to start or restart the
vaccination programme.
After the initial course of vaccinations, a booster vaccination about one year later is normal to keep up the immune response levels. After that, booster doses are usually given every one to three years depending on the vaccines and the risk of disease.
Source:
(1) http://www.spca.org.hk/en/veterinary/preventative-pet-health/essential-vaccinations
(2) http://www.cwbvet.com.hk/dog.html
(3) http://rosina.wordpress.com/2009/07/19/vaccination-of-dogs-and-cats-%E7%B5%A6%E6%82%A8%E7%9A%84%E5%AF%B5%E7%89%A9%E4%BC%B4%E4%BE%B6%E6%B3%A8%E5%B0%84%E7%96%AB%E8%8B%97/
(4) http://www.pawsandclaws.com.hk/pet-care-info/vaccination/
(5) http://www.hhvc.com.hk/en/pet/main.do?mappingName=Dogs&method=detail&id=4028e48624d70d760124e7ab777e0061
(6) http://www.hhvc.com.hk/en/pet/main.do?mappingName=Cats&method=listing
