To ensure your pet remains in good health, they should be vaccinated against a number of illnesses.

Why vaccinate your pet?

It's not such a long time since Vets were faced with epidemics of some terrible and often fatal infectious diseases. The use of routine pet vaccinations has revolutionised our ability to prevent such epidemics and to protect individual pets. 

Vaccination regime

Dogs are routinely vaccinated against: Parvovirus, Distemper, Canine Adenovirus, Leptospirosis and Kennel Cough. To protect puppies, they require a first vaccination when they are 8 weeks old, a second vaccination at 10 weeks old, and a separate Kennel Cough vaccination. They are not fully protected against these diseases until one week after the second vaccine, and so should not mix with unvaccinated dogs until this time.

Dogs then require a yearly booster of Leptospirosis and Kennel Cough, and a 3-yearly booster for Parvovirus, Distemper and Adenovirus.  We invite all our canine patients in for a yearly health check, where our vet will discuss with you which vaccinations are recommended. 

Cats are routinely vaccinated against: Feline Calici virus, the Herpesvirus which causes cat-flu, and Feline panleukopenia virus. In addition, if your cat goes outdoors, we recommend vaccinating against Feline Leukaemia virus.

To protect kittens, the first vaccine should be given at 9 weeks, with a second vaccine 3 weeks later. Adult cats require yearly boosters, at which time they will also get a thorough health check.

Rabbits should be vaccinated for Myxomatosis as well as a fatal disease called Viral Haemorrhagic Disease. These have increased in incidence over the last few years, and as these diseases are spread by biting flies, vaccination is highly recommended even for indoor bunnies. Rabbits can be vaccinated from 5 weeks old. 

If you have any questions about which vaccinations your pet requires, please get in touch with us today!