Dog Vaccinations

Vaccinations are used to encourage the immune system to recognise infections and begin to fight them before they cause serious illness.

The vaccines used are harmless strains of the viruses and bacteria that your dog needs protection against. Some of these diseases have no cure, and treatment can only support the animal before its immune system can hopefully fight off the disease.

Recent advances in vaccine technology mean that they are safer than ever and can protect against even more diseases.

When To Vaccinate?
Vaccines can be used in pups from six weeks of age. Generally a double dose of vaccine is given 3-4 weeks apart and then every year a single booster injection is given to keep their immunity at fully protective levels.

It is essential to ensure that your pup is fully vaccinated before coming into contact with other dogs as they may be carriers of the diseases.

Which Diseases Are Covered By Vaccination?
Canine Parvovirus An aggressive disease that attacks the immune system and cells lining the intestines, causing serious, often fatal, vomiting and diarrhoea. Young unvaccinated pups are especially susceptible.

Canine Distemper (Hardpad) is a virus which attacks the gut, lungs and nervous system and is usually fatal.

Infectious Canine Hepatitis. This virus rapidly attacks the liver, lungs, kidneys and eyes. Many cases are fatal but some dogs can recover.

Canine Parainfluenza Virus is an important component of ‘kennel cough’, a highly infectious upper respiratory tract infection of dogs which causes a dry hacking cough.

Leptospirosis Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria from the family Leptospira and is spread through contaminated water/ urine from infected wildlife such as rats. It can cause kidney and liver disease and can be passed to humans. We are using the most up to date vaccine which now offers protection against 4 strains of Leptospirosis, providing your pet with the best protection possible.

Kennel Cough vaccines protect against bacteria called Bordetella Bronchiseptica which is one of the more serious strains of ‘kennel cough’ infection. Vaccination is often a requirement of boarding kennels to reduce its spread.

Rabies vaccines are used only occasionally but can enable pets to travel freely from the UK to Europe provided they comply with the rules set down under the Pet Travel Scheme.

Why Are Annual Boosters Needed?
A single vaccination will not produce lifelong immunity to the diseases and yearly boosters are required to maintain full, continuous protection.

Cat Vaccinations

How Do Vaccines Work?

Vaccines contain harmless strains of the viruses or bacteria that can often affect your cat. After vaccination your cat’s immune system will generate a protection that should prevent illness if the dangerous forms of these infections are encountered. This is especially important as some of these infections are incurable and some may be fatal.

When Should They Be Vaccinated?

Kittens can be given their first vaccination from 9 weeks of age and a second vaccination from 12 weeks of age. An annual booster is then necessary to maintain the cat’s immunity, ensuring the best level of protection.
Which Diseases Can We Vaccinate Against?

Feline Herpesvirus – This virus is one of the main causes of “cat flu”, a highly infectious, multi-factorial respiratory tract syndrome that is extremely common, especially in kittens. The virus can affect the upper respiratory system and may also affect the eyes. Affected cats can suffer longterm illness and can become lifelong carriers of the disease, suffering relapses in times of stress.

Feline Calicivirus – This is another important viral contributor to “cat flu” and can also affect the oral cavity, causing large ulcers on the surface of the tongue.

Feline Panleucopenia – This disease is similar to canine parvovirus and so can cause severe vomiting and diarrhoea especially in young, unvaccinated kittens. Infections are often fatal.

Feline Leukaemia Virus – This virus damages the cat’s immune system and can also cause cancer. It is widespread within the UK and is untreatable.

Chlamydia – This organism is common within the UK and can cause chronic conjunctivitis which is often very slow to respond to antibiotic treatment.

Rabies – The advent of the PETS (Pet Travel Scheme) has enabled cats that are vaccinated against rabies to travel to and from most European countries, provided they satisfy the other scheme requirements.
Why Are Annual Boosters Needed?

A single vaccination will not produce lifelong immunity to the diseases and yearly boosters are required to maintain full, continuous protection.