Vaccinations
Vaccinations play a big part in preventative health for your pet. They protect from serious and often fatal diseases and help to reduce risk to other pets (and humans!).
We offer core and non-core vaccines for dogs, cats and rabbits here at Southwater. Core vaccinations are recommended by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association and depend on the risks present in each country.
For dogs these include:
- Parvovirus (which causes vomiting, diarrhoea and in most cases death in puppies and adults)
- Distemper virus
- Infectious hepatitis
- Leptospirosis or Weil’s Disease.
We vaccinate annually for Leptospirosis, whereas the other diseases listed above are covered for every 3 years. Puppies (or adult dogs that haven’t had vaccinations before) are given a course of 2 vaccines 4 weeks apart.
For cats:
- Feline panleukopaenia (similar to parvovirus)
- Feline rhinotracheitis and calicivirus (two of the common causes of cat flu)
- Feline Leukaemia Virus.
Similarly to dogs, not every component of the vaccine is given annually, this depends on the duration of immunity the vaccine offers. The primary course consists of two vaccines given 3-4 weeks apart, followed by annual boosters.
For rabbits:
- Myxomatosis
- Viral Haemorrhagic disease. We have vaccines for both RHD 1 and 2.
These are given annually, and don’t require an initial primary course. We strongly advise vaccination of all rabbits, whether indoor or out due to the potential for spread of these diseases by flies.
Some vaccinations are considered “non-core”
- Kennel Cough (Bordatella bronchiseptica). Whilst this vaccine is required by most boarding kennels, it is also advised for any dogs who socialise regularly; whether that be busy dog-walking areas, training or shows. It’s important to note that the vaccine must be given at least two weeks prior to going into kennels. Because it is a live vaccination, if anyone in the household has a weak immune system, it is advised to seek medical advice before giving the vaccine to your dog.
- Rabies. This is essential for travel abroad to most countries. It is usually given every 3 years, although some destinations require annual vaccination. The gov.uk website is a great place to look for more information of the various requirements.
Vaccinations shouldn’t cause any serious side effects. You may notice your pet seems off colour in the days after a vaccination, especially if young but we rarely see anything more concerning than this.
If you have any further questions or queries about the vaccinations we offer, please get in touch.
