Vaccination

The diseases we vaccinate against in dogs Include:

• Parvovirus, a highly contagious and often fatal viral infection which causes severe vomiting and The virus is picked up from other dogs’ faeces and survives for prolonged periods in the soil and elsewhere in the environment.
• Distemper a progressive and usually fatal viral infection that is characterised initially by signs of fever, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, coughing, difficulty breathing, vomiting and diarrhea. This is then followed 3 weeks later by neurological signs (seizures, tremor, incoordination, and weakness).
• Infectious hepatitis (Canine Adenovirus I), which is a viral infection that affects the liver, with signs including loss of appetite and and vomiting.
• Parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bacteria. These organisms (and others) can cause the highly contagious Kennel Cough, which is a harsh hacking cough that usually resolves within 2-3 weeks but can be severe in young dogs or dogs with lung or airway disease.

Usually, 3 puppy vaccinations are necessary with the final puppy vaccination at 16 weeks (about 3 and a half months) of age or older to ensure lasting immunity.

Although the final puppy vaccination is at 16 weeks of age or older, socialisation after your puppy is 10- 12 weeks of age is recommended. The initial vaccinations will still provide protection at this stage.

Please do not delay socialisation because your puppy has not yet had his or her final vaccination.

Once a dog has had its first annual booster, at 15 months of age, the DHP (distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus) component can be given every three years although the kennel cough vaccine still needs to be given annually.

The diseases we vaccinate against in cats include:

• Feline enteritis virus (Panleukopenia virus), which is a highly infectious disease that may result in diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, fever, and death.
• Rhinotracheitis virus, a component of cat flu, is an infectious disease affecting the upper respiratory tract. It causes sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, fever and inappetence. Occasionally the virus may also cause ulceration of the cornea and Long term damage to the lining of the nasal cavity may cause a chronic ‘snuffler’ state.
• Feline calicivirus, a component of cat flu, is an infectious disease affecting the upper respiratory Symptoms are identical to Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus, except mouth and tongue ulcers are more common. In kittens it may cause arthritis and pneumonia, long term cats can go on to develop ulcerative stomatitis/gingivitis syndrome which results in dental disease and severe mouth pain.
• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), which is a cat-specific viral disease that can interfere with the immune system. Once infected the virus persists for the lifetime of the cat. The virus is shed in elevated levels in the saliva, so infection most commonly occurs after a bite from an infected The best prevention is to keep your cat indoors away from other carrier cats and have any new cats tested prior to joining the household.
• Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is another feline-specific viral disease transmitted by biting, sharing water and food sources, and perhaps There are several serious and fatal conditions associated with FeLV.
• Chlamydophila Felis is a feline specific bacterium that causes conjunctivitis in cats, especially young cats housed in large groups e.g., catteries. We do not routinely recommend vaccination against this disease unless it has been diagnosed in a multi cat household or cattery. It is treatable with FeLV.

We routinely recommend an F3 vaccination that protects against Feline Enteritis Virus, Rhinotracheitis Virus and Calicivirus. An F3 should first be given to a kitten at 6-8 weeks (about 2 months) of age with a booster at 10-12 weeks, and then again at 16 weeks of age or older, and then finally annually. Recommendations for vaccination against other feline diseases depends on individual circumstances.

If you would like to vaccinate your cat against any other disease, please discuss this with one of our friendly vets.