Vaccinations help prevent life-threatening diseases and are one of the simplest and most effective things you can do to reduce the risks to your pet. Vaccinations are not only important for puppies and kittens but also for adult animals to ensure they remain protected. Regular vaccinations should form part of the basic routine health care for your pet. Book an annual check-up for a full health examination as well as the annual booster vaccination. This will help keep your pet in the best possible health.

Cat vaccinations

F3 Cat vaccinations protect against: Feline Panleukopenia, Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus and Feline Calicivirus. We may also recommend the FIV vaccine which protects against Feline Immunodeficiency Virus depending on your cat’s habits.  Kittens are usually vaccinated with the F3 vaccine at 6-8 weeks, 10-12 weeks and 14-16 weeks. FIV is given at 10-12, 14-16 and at 18 to 19 weeks if deemed necessary. Adult cats are then vaccinated once every 1-2 years thereafter. An adult cat that has never been vaccinated will also require the F3 vaccine 2 times initially at a 3-4 week interval and the FIV vaccine if necessary at the same intervals as for kittens.

Dog Vaccinations

The core dog vaccine protects against the Canine Parvovirus, Canine Hepatitis and Canine Distemper. These are infectious, potentially fatal diseases and often lead to death. Even when treated, there is not always a successful outcome. The vaccine offers protection provided the regime is followed.  The vaccines are initially given to puppies at 6-8 weeks, 10-12 weeks and 14-16 weeks. Thereafter, dogs should be given a booster when a year old then every two years at the dog’s health check. The KC vaccine helps to protect against Kennel cough, which, while not fatal, is very infectious and uncomfortable for the animal. KC vaccine is required if your dog goes to dog kennels or doggy daycare and is recommended if your dog socialises with other dogs. The Lepto vaccine helps to protect against Leptospirosis, a potentially fatal bacterial disease that is most commonly picked up from the urine of rats and farm animals. The Lepto vaccination is recommended if your dog lives rurally or has access to waterways. An annual health check is recommended for you dog. The health check usually includes a physical examination and may also include blood tests if deemed necessary.

Vaccinations for rabbits

Rabbits can be vaccinated against some strains of the calicivirus which is always fatal when contracted. This serious illness can be spread through contact with other animals with the disease, through flies and mosquitoes or through being in an environment where the virus is still active.  Rabbits are usually vaccinated at 10 weeks old and then receive their first booster a month later. Boosters should then be given every 6 months after that. The vaccine does not protect against all strains, so it is recommended that bunnies be kept indoors and protected against mosquitoes and flies.