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Vaccinations

See below our advice on vaccinating your pet

Vaccinations

See below our advice on vaccinating your pet

Animals are susceptible to a number of infectious diseases, which can be fatal if they do not receive the appropriate vaccinations. Fortunately, there are numerous vaccinations available, which have been developed through rigorous testing and can protect your pets from these dangerous and sometimes life threatening infections.

We recommend vaccinating your cats, dogs and rabbits as soon as a vet deems possible, before allowing your pet to socialise with other animals outside of the family home.

Prior to administering a vaccination our experienced vets will give your pet a thorough health check. They will then be able to recommend the appropriate vaccinations based on a number of factors including your pets’ age, weight and lifestyle.

Dog vaccinations

Dogs are routinely vaccinated by injection against Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis and Leptospirosis and by nasal spray for Kennel Cough. Puppies can receive their primary injections at 8 weeks old with a second injection 4 weeks after. A further 10 days is needed before puppies can begin to socialise with other dogs and exercise in public areas. If you are planning on using a kennel whilst you are on holiday your dog will require a kennel cough vaccination at least 2-3 weeks prior. Similarly, when travelling abroad it may be necessary for them to have a rabies injection in order to obtain a pet passport or enter certain countries and this is often 30 days before travel.

Cat vaccinations

Kittens can receive their first injection at 9 weeks old and a second 3 weeks after. In conjunction these injections help protect against Cat Flu and Enteritis which can cause nasty flu-like symptoms and Feline Leukaemia Virus. 10 days after the second injection, and once they have been neutered, they can go outside and mix with other cats. A booster is required once a year. If you would like to travel abroad with your cat, they will also require a rabies vaccination and pet passport.

Rabbit vaccinations

Following a thorough medical examination, rabbits should be vaccinated to protect against Myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease 1 and 2 (RDH1 and RDH2), both of which are fatal and have been seen in the local wild rabbit population. This involves 2 vaccinations with a 2-week gap in between.

How often should I vaccinate my pet?

The effectiveness of a vaccination can reduce as viruses change and develop and new diseases emerge. Therefore, it is important that your pet receives annual boosters to ensure they continue to be fully protected. Our Pet Health Club is an excellent way to spread the cost of preventative healthcare such as boosters over the course of the year into monthly payments via direct debit.

How are vaccinations administered?

Most vaccinations are administered through a sterile needle into the scruff of your pet’s neck. This is a quick procedure, which is relatively painless for your pet. The ‘Kennel Cough’ vaccination is however administered via droplets of liquid in your dogs nose.

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