Vaccinations

Primary vaccinations are usually given between 8 and 10 weeks old in both puppies and kittens. Prior to their first vaccination and for 7-10 days following their 2nd vaccination, young puppies and kittens must be kept away from other non-vaccinated animals. Parvo virus vaccination may be given as early as 6 weeks in at-risk pups, but 2 further vaccinations will generally be necessary, due to interference by maternal antibodies.

Canine Infectious Hepatitis, Canine Leptospirosis (both canicola and icterohaemorrhagiae), Canine Parvovirus, Canine Distemper virus, Canine Parainfluenza virus and Canine coronavirus are vaccinated against in the standard vaccination protocol at our Hospital. Kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica) is vaccinated against if dogs are going to kennels. Rabies vaccination is also available if you intend to travel with your pet.

No, most animals are not affected at all. A very few may be a little quieter for the rest of the day. Vaccine reactions are rare and mild. Serious adverse reactions are extremely rare, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh these risks.

Yes (as for q 7). Your cat or dog’s immune system needs boosted once a year to give your pet optimum protection against infectious diseases (hence the term ‘booster’).

The immunity given by the Primary vaccination course is not life-long. The immune system needs a ‘reminder’ of the disease in order to maintain immunity. Booster vaccinations guarantee a high immunity against infectious diseases which your dog or cat will be exposed to. In dogs the immunity against most diseases is thought to last 2-3 years. However immunity to Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease which is spread through rat’s urine, only lasts one year, hence the requirement for an annual booster against it. Leptospirosis causes a very serious disease in dogs and in Humans (Weil’s disease). We consider it very important to vaccinate your dog against this disease every year. The other diseases are vaccinated against every 2-3 years. It is recommended that cats get booster vaccinations every year .It is recommended that rabbits get vaccinated against Myxomatosis twice-yearly and against VHD annually.

Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic disease. These vaccinations must be given separately.

Feline Infectious enteritis, Feline Chlamydia, Feline Herpesvirus and Feline Calcivirus and Feline Leukaemia virus are included in our standard vaccination protocol. If a cat hasn’t been vaccinated against Feline Leukaemia virus before, a blood test to test for the disease is recommended prior to vaccination.

2-3 weeks after the first vaccine has been given. In some situations we would recommend a 3rd booster injection at 16 weeks.