Vaccinations
Cats and dogs are succeptible to a number of diseases and disorders that are preventable through regular vaccination.
Puppy vaccinations
Important shots your puppy needs to get
Regular vaccinations help prevent highly contagious serious diseases that can cause fatalities among puppies and adult dogs. It is crucial all dogs be vaccinated for when they are exposed to other animals, dogs or public areas. Most puppy training or boarding facilities will also not accept unvaccinated puppies for training. Puppies should be vaccinated per schedule for basic immunity with boosters at regular intervals thereafter as recommended by your vet. We can help you plan your vaccination regime at your annual health and wellness assessment. Common animal health issues can be easily prevented with regular vaccination.
As part of the vaccination visit a full health examination and assessment is performed, and we will discuss with you the best vaccination regime for your pet. Here are some of the core shots they should be receiving:
C3 Vaccination
Canine Parvovirus
Also known as “Parvo,” this deadly disease can cause severe damage to your puppy’s intestines, bone marrow, lymph nodes and in some cases, the heart. It is a highly contagious and often fatal disease, affecting dogs of all ages but pups 6 to 20 weeks old are most susceptible. Rottweilers and Dobermans are known to be more susceptible than most other breeds. It is recommended that your puppy be vaccinated for Parvo starting at 6 to 7 weeks of age and complete the 3 step vaccination by 16 to 17 weeks of age.
Distemper
This is another contagious and serious disease. Distemper can affect your puppy’s lymph nodes and tonsils for about a week and if untreated can attack the gastrointestinal, urogenital and nervous system. Puppies with weak immune systems could pass away after two to five weeks of infection, even with treatment. It is also recommended that your puppy be vaccinated against distemper starting at 6 to 7 weeks of age as part of the 3 vaccination regime for initial protection.
Cats can also become infected with distemper (i.e., feline distemper or panleukopenia), and much like dog vaccinations, this viral disease vaccination is also included in the core cat vaccinations. Other core feline vaccinations are: rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis (ICH)
This is a highly contagious, infectious disease caused by the canine adenovirus. Puppies that are infected can show symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and jaundice, which, if untreated, can be fatal. Older dogs may have a milder form of the disease but can develop complications related to the eyes (blue eye) a couple of weeks after the infection. It is recommended that your puppy is vaccinated for ICH from 6 to 7 weeks of age and complete the 3 step vaccination program.
Kennel Cough
Infectious canine tracheobronchitis, commonly known as “kennel cough”, while not as serious or life threatening as the other three diseases does cause a nasty cough which is highly contagious due to it being airborne. This disease can be caused by canine parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica. Whilst dogs most at risk are those coming into contact with other dogs (e.g. dogs going to shows or dogs being boarded) it is important to note that any social pooch may be exposed. Most kennels now require a kennel cough vaccine before your dog can be boarded.
Our recommended vaccination protocol for puppies
- 1st vaccination at 6-8 weeks- parvovirus/distemper/hepatitis
- 2nd vaccination at 10-12 weeks- parvovirus/distemper/hepatitis/parainfluenza/B.Bronchiseptica
- 3rd vaccination at 14-16 weeks- parvovirus/distemper/hepatitis
It is important to note that your puppy will not be fully protected against these diseases until 2 weeks after the final vaccination. Ensure you discuss the annual booster vaccinations required for your puppy after completion of the initial round of vaccines.
Common Kitten Vaccinations
Cat Flu
There are two main viruses we vaccinate against. One is a calicivirus, and the other a feline herpes virus. The calicivirus like the human flu virus exists in many different strains. Vaccination is against the mosty common strains, so while not fully protective it does greatly reduce the change of cat flu. The herpes virus has one strain, so vaccination against this offeres a more complete protection. Kittens initially get some immunity from their mothers. As they get older, this reduces so vaccination is important.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
FIV is an incurable viral infection that produces fatal illness in cats. First, it’s good to know there is no risk to humans, but for cats this is a serious disease that can be fatal and has no known cure.
Vaccinations are the best frontline defence. Kittens can catch this disease from their mothers and may be infected at time of vaccination. Vaccination does not harm an infected cat, but it does not cure either. We recommend that new kittens are tested on purchase.
Feline Panleucopaenia
Feline panleukopenia is a viral disease caused by the feline parvovirus. It is highly contagious though we see less these days with the introduction of vaccines. Kittens usually receive temporary immunity through the transfer of antibodies in the colostrum but after 8 weeks this proteciton can reduce. There is a low survival rate if contracted and vacciniation is the best prevention and defence for your cat.
