Vaccinations
Vaccines are given to animals to stimulate immunity against infectious diseases. The body responds to the material in the vaccine, which is effectively a safe, tiny modified dose of the disease. It then produces antibodies in order to help protect the body if it is presented with these diseases in the future.
Young puppies and kittens have natural immunity that is passed on from the mother in the uterus and following birth via her milk. However this immunity will not protect the animal for life, therefore we begin a vaccination plan.
When
do I need to start vaccination?
A routine vaccination course
consists of two initial vaccinations given 2-4 weeks apart. The first
vaccination can be given to dogs from the age of 6 weeks and cats from the age
of 8 weeks. This is dependant on the type of vaccine being used.
How
often do I need to give my pet boosters?
Booster vaccinations are
given annually in order to maintain your pets’ level of immunity against each
disease.
Why should I vaccinate my pet?
Vaccination certificates are
required by boarding kennels and catteries prior to entry, and particularly if
you plan to take your pet abroad. However, vaccines are ultimately given to
protect the health and welfare of your pet. Without vaccination your pet will be
susceptible to any one of the following diseases, all of which will make your
pet seriously ill and may prove fatal.
Canine: Distemper, Parvovirus, Infectious Hepatitis, Leptospirosis and Para-influenza.
Bordetella Bronchiseptica (a form of kennel cough) can also be immunised against using an individual vaccine.
Feline: Panleucopenia (Enteritis), Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Chlamydia Psittaci and Leukaemia
As well as the vaccination itself, your pet will also benefit from a full health examination. Visiting the vets for vaccinations also provides owners with an excellent opportunity to discuss any health care or behavioural matters that maybe troubling them.
Are
there any side-effects?
Millions of dogs and cats
are vaccinated every year and the incidence of side-effects is rare. Some pets
may suffer from mild injection site reactions or lethargy for a couple of days
after the vaccination is given. This normally subsides but obviously we are
always available if you are concerned about your pet. The vaccinations that we
use are safe and unlikely to harm your pet. Indeed, they are more likely to save
their life.
The
Vaccines that we use at Church House Veterinary Clinic
Canine
Duramune DAPPI+LC®
This vaccine is administered by injection.
The vaccine is used for the protection of healthy dogs against Canine Distemper Virus, Canine Parvovirus, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Leptospirosis and Canine Para-influenza.
The first vaccination can be given at 6 weeks of age, and then the second given at 10 weeks of age, or 2-4 weeks after the first.
Puppies’ immunity will be adequate at 12 weeks of age and the puppy can then be socialised safely.
Annual booster vaccinations are required to maintain levels of immunity.
Intrac®
An intranasal vaccine, administered via a short spray of vaccine directly into the nasal cavity.
The vaccine is used to protect healthy dogs from Bordetella Bronchiseptica (a strain of ‘kennel cough’).
One vaccination will protect your dog for 6 months.
Canine and Feline
Nobivac Rabies®
Used to protect pets that travel abroad against Rabies.
For the purpose of the ‘pet passport’ for overseas travel, cats and dogs have to be permanently identified with a microchip before the vaccination is administered.
Feline
Fevaxyn iCHP®
This vaccine is administered by injection.
The vaccine is used for the protection of healthy cats against Feline Panleucopenia (Feline Enteritis), Feline Calicivirus and Feline Rhinotracheitis.
Calicivirus and Rhinotracheitis are forms of respiratory disease.
The first vaccination can be administered to cats aged 8 weeks and over and the second given at 12 weeks of age, or 3-4 weeks after the first.
Annual booster vaccinations are required to maintain levels of immunity.
Fevaxyn Pentofel®
This vaccine is administered by injection.
The vaccine is used for the protection of healthy cats against Feline Panleucopenia (Feline Enteritis), Feline Calicivirus, Feline Rhinotracheitis, Feline Chlamydia Psittaci and Feline Leukaemia Virus.
The first vaccination can be administered to cats aged 9 weeks and over and the second given at 12 weeks of age, or 3-4 weeks after the first.
Annual booster vaccinations are required to maintain levels of immunity.
Vaccinating Rabbits
Rabbits can be vaccinated against two infectious diseases, Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD). Both of these diseases are highly contagious and extremely fatal. There is no specific treatment for either disease; therefore vaccination is essential to protect your pet.
Nobivac Myxo®
Administered by injection.
Healthy rabbits should be vaccinated at 6 weeks of age and over.
Booster vaccinations every 6 months to a year are recommended. This is dependant on the level of risk of the area in which the rabbit is kept.
Cylap®
This vaccine is administered by injection.
Healthy rabbits should be vaccinated at 10-12 weeks of age and over.
Annual booster vaccination is recommended.
Avoid administration within 14 days prior to or after any other vaccine.