Client Factsheets / Vaccinating your pet

Dogs

What diseases do we vaccinate against?

Canine Parvovirus

- this virus is often fatal especially in puppies. It is a hardy virus that can survive for long periods in the environment, and can be spread by healthy 'carrier dogs'.

Canine Distemper

- another usually fatal disease which due to vaccination is now rare in the UK but there are still major outbreaks in Europe.

Infectious Hepatitis

- Serious virus causing acute liver failure.

Leptosporosis

- contracted from the urine of affected rats and dogs. Canals and rivers can also be infected. Can also cause severe disease in humans (Weil's disease).

Canine Parainfluenza Virus

- It can be severe in puppies, geriatric and debilitated dogs. The disease is highly infectious and transmitted readily by aerosols (coughing or sneezing).
Secondary bacterial infections can result in fatal disease.

Kennel cough

- an unpleasant whooping cough like infection. Usually transmitted in areas where dogs gather together i.e. Kennels, shows, etc but can also be spread by nose to nose contact when out walking.

Rabies

- fatal disease. Not found in the UK. Vaccination required if travelling abroad (see pet passports).

When does my dog need vaccinating?

We recommend that puppies are vaccinated at 8 weeks old, they will then require a second vaccination 2 weeks later but will not have full immunity until 11 or 12 weeks of age. Vaccinations must be boosted every 12 months to provide continuing protection and this is also used as an opportunity for the vet to give your pet a full health check.

Further information can be found at www.future-of-vaccination.co.uk.

Cats

Which diseases do we vaccinate against?

Feline Infectious Respiratory disease (cat flu)

- very serious, especially in kittens and elderly cats. Often causes sneezing and runny eyes for the rest of the cats life.

Feline Panleucopaenia (enteritis)

- an unpleasant and often fatal disease, vaccination has made this a relatively rare disease these days.

Feline Leukaemia

- a fatal virus spread by direct contact (mainly fighting) with other cats. Can take months or years to develop into disease caushing tumours, anaemia and immunosuppression.

Rabies

- see above

When does my cat need vaccinating?

Kittens are first vaccinated at 9 weeks and have a second vaccination 3 weeks later. They require annual vaccinations to keep their protection up to date and this is also used as an opportunity for the vet to give your pet a full health check.

Further information can be found at www.future-of-vaccination.co.uk.