Pet Vaccinations

Dogs

Puppies are usually vaccinated for the first time at 7—8 weeks of age and again 2 weeks later at 10 weeks of age. Until 7 days after the second vaccination puppies should not be allowed to mix with unvaccinated dogs or go to places where unvaccinated dogs have been.

Vaccinations help to protect the puppy against a number of illness most of which may be fatal and some of which could also affect the owner.

These diseases are:

  • distemper (hardpad)
  • viral hepatitis
  • parvovirus para-influenza virus
  • leptospirosis

After the initial course of puppy vaccinations your dog should receive a booster vaccination every 12 months to keep their protection up to date. Older animals that have not had regular booster vaccinations or have never received their vaccinations also require two vaccinations 2-4 weeks apart followed by a yearly booster.

It is possible to protect the dog against kennel cough should you be planning to put the dog into kennels while you go away on holiday.

Rabies vaccinations are available for those pets who wish to travel. Find out more about travelling with your pets.

Cats

Cats and kittens require two vaccinations 3-4 weeks apart. The first vaccination can be given from 9 weeks of age. All kittens should be vaccinated against cat flu and infectious enteritis. Ideally cats should also be vaccinated against leukemia. This illness is spread between cats through infected saliva and occurs when an infected cat bites another cat or through prolonged contact with an infected individual. Infection with leukemia is lifelong and although an infected cat may appear healthy for long periods the virus damages the cats immune system leaving it vulnerable to a number of serious illnesses or tumours. Once again annual boosters against these illness are recommended.

Rabbits

Rabbits can be vaccinated from 6 weeks of age against viral haemorrhagic disease and myxomatosis. Both of these illnesses are highly contagious and are usually fatal. Vaccination should be repeated annually though in high risk situations myxomatosis should be repeated every 6 months.