Vaccination of Pets Is a Must!

It is highly recommended by vets that you vaccinate dogs, cats and certain pocket pets and some birds to help improve their health and lifespan. Our staff can discuss the vaccines that are recommended and their schedules. Also many vaccines need to be boosted annually to give appropriate protection.

Its common to vaccinate dogs against:

Parvovirus, Hepatitis, Distemper and Kennel Cough. Depending on where you live, the vet may also recommend Leptospirosis vaccines.

Common cat vaccinations are:

Herpesvirus, Feline Enteritis and Calicivirus. Cats that go outdoors or live in specific areas may also need to be vaccinated against Feline leukaemia virus, Chlamydia felis, Bordetella bronchiseptica and Feline immunodeficiency virus.

Before the advent of vaccinations many pets died due to diseases such as distemper. With the vaccinations today, this disease is very seldom seen in general practise anymore. Parvovirus is still commonly seen in very young as well as elderly dogs, but usually in areas where the prevalence of vaccinations tends to be low. The cost of treating parvovirus is high and can cost many thousands of dollars with no guarantee that the pet will survive the very intensive treatment process. Vaccinations are not expensive and can save you emotional heartbreak as well as financial expenditure from having to deal with a pet with the disease.

While you should vaccinate dog pets as well as vaccinate cat pets when they are young, you must ensure that you stick to the frequency the immunisations are required and that they are only vaccinated as necessary. Puppies and kittens will receive vaccinations at 6 to 8 weeks, 10 to 12 weeks and then at 16 weeks. Thereafter they should be given booster vaccines at least every 3 years. In some areas the requirement may be for more frequent vaccinations.

During your vaccination consult, your veterinarian will perform a general health examination on your pet as well as discuss their diet, dental care and preventative health care services. If you have any questions or concerns about when to vaccinate cats and vaccinate dogs, contact the clinic and they can advise from your pets medical records kept on file.