Vaccinations
Vaccinations are required for all dogs and cats. A vaccine administered to a healthy animal stimulates the immune system to mount an effective response to kill disease-causing microbes when the body is exposed to them. Routine vaccinations are undertaken from when your pet is 6 to 8 weeks old. Your pet will require boosters at regular intervals and the most suitable schedule will be discussed with you when you first bring him/her in.
If your pet is not vaccinated and he/she contracts one of these very serious diseases, the illness may be protracted, cause death or long-term complications, as well as emotional and financial strain on your family. Vaccinations are effectively a low-cost health insurance policy for your pet.
Dogs are vaccinated against the following life-threatening and serious diseases:
- Canine Distemper virus
- Canine Parvovirus
- Canine Infectious Hepatitis
- Parainfluenza virus
- Bordatella bronchiseptica
Cats are vaccinated against the following life-threatening and serious diseases:
- Feline Herpesvirus
- Calicivirus
- Feline Parvovirus
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
There are other vaccines that may be required in specific situations. Please ask us if you think your pet may need other vaccinations. We will also advise you if we think your pet requires additional vaccines during their regular health exam.
As well as your pet receiving the required injections, he/she will undergo a full general health exam (see under services). This should be part of a regular preventative health plan as it ensures that problems are detected and diagnosed as early as possible, allowing them to be treated and managed before they cause serious disease. It is important to mention anything unusual in your pet's appetite, behaviour or activity that you may have noticed, as only healthy animals can be vaccinated. Reminders are sent out when your pet is due for his/her next vaccination.