Vaccinations
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are important to help prevent infectious diseases in dogs and cats. Vaccinations are given to puppies, kittens, and adult dogs & cats.
What vaccinations does my dog need?
Puppies and adult dogs need vaccinations for parvovirus, canine distemper virus, adenovirus (hepatitis), influenza, and Bordetella bronchiseptica (canine cough).
These may be known as a C5 vaccine, but there are several different names for dog vaccines.
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What vaccinations does my cat need?
Kittens and adult cats need vaccinations for panleukopaenia virus, calicivirus and herpesvirus (cat flu).
These may be known as an F3 vaccine, but there are several different names for cat vaccines.
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Are there other vaccinations that my dog or cat needs?
Depending on the situation, other vaccinations may be recommended such as FIV vaccination in cats, or Leptospirosis vaccination in dogs. We can advise you on whether these are recommended or needed for your pet.
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How often does my dog or cat need a vaccination?
Puppies and kittens need three vaccines in their first 4 months, usually given at 6-8 weeks of age, then 10-12 weeks of age, and then 14-16 weeks of age.
Adult dogs and cats need a health examination and vaccination once a year.
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Will my dog or cat have a reaction to their vaccine?
Vaccine reactions are possible, but are very rare. Reactions may looks like lethargy, reduced appetite, swelling or hives, or vomiting or diarrhoea. The great majority of dogs and cats will seem normal after their vaccine.
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Why should I vaccinate my dog or cat?
Vaccines are the best defence against several common infections. Many of these disease exist in the environment and can easily be spread between individuals, and vaccination gives their immune system the support it needs to keep them as healthy as possible. It can prevent them from getting some infections, or reduce how severely they are affected should they become infected.
There are some individuals that can't be vaccinated, so it's important for the rest of us to protect them by remaining healthy and reducing the risk of transmission of diseases.
Vaccines are required for dogs and cats to enter into boarding facilities, puppy preschool, and often for training classes.
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Need a vaccination for your dog or cat?
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