Vaccines help prevent against some potentially fatal diseases which are no longer common in the UK thanks to high vaccination numbers. Unfortunately animals do still die from these diseases throughout the UK and so vaccinations are important for your pet as well as to help limit the spread to other animals too. It is advised that all adult dogs and cats receive an annual vaccination to maintain immunity levels.
During the consult your pet will receive a full health exam and there is plenty of time for you to ask any questions you may have. Whether you have a new addition, a puppy, kitten, rabbit or older rescue pet for first vaccinations, or your pet needs an annual booster vaccine, I will advise and administer the correct vaccination protocol for your pet. I will take in to account your pets lifestyle, health and age and discuss the most appropriate vaccination schedule with you.
Many kennels and catteries and even insurance companies require pets to be fully up to date with their vaccinations. If you are in any doubt if your pet is covered please get in touch.
Dogs
As puppies all dogs should be vaccinated against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Parainfluenza and Leptospirosis (DHPPiL). All these diseases can be fatal. It is recommended to your let puppy settle in at your home for a few days before booking their first vaccine and they should be older than eight weeks. They will then need a second vaccine 4 weeks later and 12 months after that.
Following on dogs have a Leptospirosis (L) vaccine yearly and the other (DHPPi) component every three years.
Dogs can also be vaccinated against kennel cough which is highly contagious and isn’t just passed by dogs in kennels it can affect dogs who regularly socialise with other dogs in groups. So even if your dog doesn’t go to kennels they may be at risk.
Cats
Indoor only cats have the basic vaccines which protect against Panleucopaenia, Feline Herpes Virus and Feline Calicivirus. These diseases have devastating effects on cats but can be easily protected against through vaccination.
Cats who go outside should have protection for Feline Leukaemia Virus as well. This is transferred between cats and can be fatal.
Kittens, or cats of unknown vaccine history, receive one injection followed by another three weeks later. All cats should then have an annual vaccine.
Rabbits
Rabbits are vaccinated against Myxomatosis and Rabbit (Viral) Haemorrhagic Disease RHD 1 and 2, all of which are often deadly. Even though your rabbit may not leave your home they are at risk of infection through insect bites for myxomatosis and through direct contact or even through the wind for RHD. So it is still very much worthwhile protecting your rabbits. Rabbits have one injection per year.