When it comes to keeping your pet healthy, vaccination is one of the most powerful tools we have available. Vaccinations are safe, they have minimal (if any) side effects and we recommend you vaccinate your pet because, simply put, it works.
Quick Vaccination Facts:
Vaccinations protect against potentially fatal diseases.
Many diseases that are dangerous or life-threatening to pets are completely preventable with the right vaccinations.
Vaccinations protect other pets in the community.
When there are a greater number of pets vaccinated, the spread of disease is greatly reduced (something known as herd immunity).
Vaccinations protect your pet when they are at their most vulnerable.
If your pet is old or unwell, their immune system may be compromised. This can leave them vulnerable to disease. Vaccinations ensure that they are protected even in this state.
Vaccinations mean you can board your pet.
If you need to board your cat or dog at a cattery or kennel, either for a family emergency or a holiday, they must be up to date with their vaccinations.
Vaccinations save money.
The cost of keeping your pet’s vaccinations up to date is minimal when compared to the cost of treating a preventable disease.
Core and non-core vaccines
Vaccines are grouped into either core or non-core vaccines. Core vaccines should be administered to all animals to protect them against severe diseases, no matter the animal’s circumstance. Core vaccines help protect your pets from life-threatening diseases that can be found anywhere.
Core vaccines for dogs protect against:
Canine distemper virus
Canine adenovirus
Canine parvovirus
Core vaccines for cats protect against:
Feline parvovirus
Feline calicivirus
Feline herpesvirus
Non-core vaccines are only required by animals whose location, environment, or lifestyle places them at risk of contracting specific infections. This means that non-core vaccines are not always necessary. Examples of non-core vaccines include:Leptospira interrogans, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and Parainfluenza in dogs and Feline leukaemia virus, and Chlamydia felis in cats. We are always happy to help identify risks to your pet, based on their location, that may indicate a need for non-core vaccines.
How often should you vaccinate your pet?
This depends on the type of vaccine given. Some vaccines will only protect your pet for a year. There are other vaccines that will give your pet three years protection. We will be able to discuss the different vaccines with you and advise you on the best vaccination schedule for your pet.
A vital part of being a good pet owner is keeping up to date with your pet’s vaccinations. We are always happy to discuss the best vaccinations for your pet, and their needs, with you. If you are unsure of your pet’s vaccination status, feel free to ask us. When it comes to deciding which vaccines are most appropriate for your pet, we will help you make an informed decision.
Vet Tip: No matter how often you vaccinate your pet, it is important we perform a health check on your pet at least once a year to monitor all aspects of their health including dental health, heart health, joint health as well as monitoring their weight and looking out for any lumps or bumps.
