Vaccination for your Pet
Vaccination
Immunity is the body’s natural ability to fight infection. By vaccinating we expose animals to antigens (the part of the virus or bacteria that causes disease) so that they can mount an antibody response which protects them against the disease.
As long as the mother is immune, her offspring are usually protected during the first few weeks of life, thanks to the immunity passed through her milk. However, this immunity fades rapidly, leaving the offspring susceptible to disease within a few weeks. At this point, vaccination takes over to provide protection.
Immunity to disease doesn’t last indefinitely and will gradually fade, leaving your pet at risk. Annual boosters are essential to maintain protection. You will be given a vaccination card that tells you when the next booster is due. Keep this card safe as you will need to bring it with you to each vaccination appointment. You will also need it if your pet ever has to go in to boarding kennels or cattery.
There is no satisfactory treatment for many of these serious diseases, which can kill your pet.
In the absence of vaccination, or if the interval between vaccinations is too great, your pet may be unprotected against fatal disease.
If you are in doubt as to whether your pet is properly protected please contact the office.
Vaccinations for your dog
The initial vaccination course can be started as early as 6 weeks of age. It consists of 2 injections given 2-4 weeks apart. Your puppy is not fully protected until a week after the 2nd vaccination is given. However, it is important to start socialising your puppy as soon as possible so you can introduce them to friends with dogs you know are vaccinated.
When you bring your puppy in for a vaccination we will provide you with a free puppy pack containing a booklet, food samples etc
Canine Parvovirus – causes severe diarrhoea which can prove fatal.
Infectious hepatitis – typo in infectious
What canine diseases do you vaccinate against?
Vaccinations for your Cat
Several dangerous diseases still affect cats in the UK.
Vaccination is the only safe way to provide immunity against these diseases, and if carried out regularly, can protect your cat for life. A kitten’s vaccination course starts at 9 weeks of age. A second vaccination is given 3-4 weeks later. Your kitten is fully protected a week after the second vaccination.
Just as in human vaccines. the immunity provided by vaccines wanes over time. Booster vaccinations are carried out yearly. All cats should keep up with their boosters to help maintain good health.
When you bring your kitten in for a vaccination we will provide you with a free kitten pack containing a booklet, food samples etc
What feline diseases do you vaccinate against?
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