Vaccination has played a vital role in reducing the incidence and severity of several diseases in all species of animals. However, these diseases are still present in the dog, cat, rabbit and ferret populations, which reinforces the importance to vaccinate. In the last few years there have been new approaches to vaccination programmes in both dogs and cats.
Dogs
We have recently changed our dog vaccination to one that allows us to tailor the programme to suit the needs of your pet and avoid over-vaccinating. An annual booster is still required as immunity does decrease dramatically for a few of the diseases after a year. Other components of the vaccine can be done every 2-3 years unless your dog is in a high risk area.
Our routine vaccination includes the following viruses:
1. Canine Distemper Virus
2. Canine Parvovirus
3. Canine Parainfluenza Virus
4. Canine Leptospirosis canicola
5. Canine Leptospirosis icterohaemorrhagiae
6. Canine Adenovirus Type 2
7. Canine Coronavirus.
We can start your puppy’s vaccine programme from 6 weeks of age with a second vaccine 2-4 weeks later. Do remember that even though he or she will have a degree of protection from the first vaccine it is very important to keep your puppy away from dog populated areas until a week after the second vaccination at 10 weeks.
Some boarding kennels request that your dog has a vaccination against Bordetella Bronchiseptica (kennel cough). This vaccine is given into one of the nostrils and should be done a minimum of 72 hours prior to your dogs visit to kennels. This vaccine must be repeated on an annual basis.
Cats
We have also upgraded our cat vaccines so we are able to offer a programme specifically for your pet’s needs.
Our routine vaccination includes the following viruses:
1. Feline Calicivirus
2. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
3. Feline Panleucopaenia
4. Feline Leukaemia Virus.
If your cat lives alone and does not go outside then we can omit the Feline Leukaemia Virus vaccine but the rest must be done on an annual basis.
We can start your kitten’s vaccine programme from 8 weeks of age with the second vaccination 3-4 weeks later. It is usually safest to keep your cat in until the second vaccination has been done at 12 weeks.
We can also vaccinate your cat against Chlamydia psittaci. This is particularly prevalent in multicat households and breeding environments and we would thoroughly recommend it in these circumstances.
Rabies
We also stock the Rabies vaccination for dogs, cats and ferrets wishing to travel on the Pet Passport Scheme. Your pet must be at least 11weeks old to have this vaccine so it is often given with the second vaccination. We can add the Rabies vaccine at any point during the year but remember, if you are planning on travelling with your pet it will be a minimum of 7 months before your pet can return to the UK after the initial vaccination.
Rabbits
For rabbits we recommend vaccination against Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease. Both these diseases can be transmitted by insects which means that the “house rabbit” can still become infected. These vaccines can be given from 6 weeks of age and then must be repeated annually. They cannot be given on the same day so we recommend giving them 2 weeks apart.
Ferrets
Ferrets are very susceptible to canine distemper virus which is almost invariably fatal. Fortunately the prevalence of the virus is low due to the high percentage of dogs that are vaccinated against it. It is still prudent to ensure that your ferret is protected as well. There is no licensed vaccine for use in ferrets but standard canine vaccines have been used with few side effects.
Ferrets may also catch human influenza so owners with symptoms of ‘flu should minimise contact with their ferret wearing a mask if possible to prevent spread of the virus.