Vaccinating pets is the single most important thing we can do to prevent them from developing serious and sometimes fatal disease.

Why Vaccinate Your Dog or Cat?

Many of the diseases we vaccinate against have no specific cure. Much of the veterinary treatment for these diseases only supports the animal in the hope that their immune system can overcome the infection. Vaccination means that the immune system is taught to recognise and fight diseases as your dog encounters them.

Your pets immunity over time may wane and for certain diseases your pet will require an annual booster. All diseases which we have vaccines for still occur in different parts of the country and are by no means eradicated. Fortunately, many pets are protected by vaccination which helps prevent these diseases spreading. However, if we stop vaccinating we risk these diseases re-emerging and outbreaks occurring.

Also, vaccination time is the perfect opportunity for your pet to have a health check. As dogs and cats get older, a variety of health concerns can be picked up during these checks, such as dental disease or arthritis.

Diseases Your Dog can be vaccinated against

Canine Distemper – This infectious disease can cause variable symptoms and is often fatal.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis – This disease attacks the liver, kidneys and lungs. Some dogs can recover then shed the virus for many months, posing a threat to other dogs. Thanks to vaccination, this disease, like distemper, is relatively rare.

Canine Parvovirus – This virus is highly contagious and very persistent in the environment Dogs of all ages can be affected but puppies are particularly susceptible. Outbreaks still regularly occur. Canine Parvovirus is often fatal.

Coronavirus – Coronavirus may increase the severity of diseases caused by other viruses.
Leptospirosis – This is a condition which can be passed from animal to humans. It targets the internal organs. Signs vary from flu-like symptoms to severe abdominal pain.
Kennel Cough (Canine Parainfluenza and Bordatella) – Kennel cough is highly contagious from dog to dog and is passed on through airborne droplets from one dog to another.

Diseases Your cat can be vaccinated against

Feline Panleucopenia – this disease can affect cats of all ages, with kittens particularly at risk. The disease is passed on through faeces and is often fatal.

‘Cat Flu’ – cat flu is easily transmitted from infected cats and contaminated environments. Several organisms are involved and regular vaccination is required to help keep them at bay.

Chlamydia – this disease is spread by close contact between cats. It can cause severe conjunctivitis which may be very uncomfortable and long lasting.

Feline Leukaemia Virus – this viral disease can cause severe damage to the immune system and may also cause tumours. It is spread through close contact between cats such as during grooming or fighting. There is no effective treatment and the only way to ensure your cat is not at risk from the Virus is to make sure it is vaccinated.

Diseases your Rabbit can be vaccinated against

Rabbits are also at risk of serious fatal disease, Myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD). Each year, thousands die unnecessarily from these highly infectious viral diseases, which spread rapidly through contact with other rabbits (including wild rabbits). Other routes of infection include biting insects such as fleas and mosquitoes and also contamination of materials such as equipment, bedding or clothing, so even indoor rabbits are at risk. Both diseases are almost always fatal, and pets can suffer badly without prompt professional attention. Vaccination provides the best protection and peace of mind for your family.