Importance of vaccinating your pet

Many owners know to bring their dog or cat for ‘annual jabs’ but most are not sure why, and some are not even sure if this is necessary.    In short- it really is!

Dogs are vaccinated against Canine distemper virus (CDV), canine adenovirus ( infectious hepatitis), canine parvovirus and Leptospirosis. For many years we did not see a lot of CDV in the UK due to vaccination but case numbers are rising due to increased numbers of dogs imported into the UK from Eastern Europe. Parvovirus is common in urban areas and causes an often fatal diarrhoea especially in puppies. Leptospirosis (Weil’s disease in humans) is caught from rats, specifically  rats urine and is more common in rural areas. Leptosporosis can be passed from an infected dog to a human and is often fatal.

Dogs are also vaccinated against Contagious Canine Cough (kennel cough) this disease causes ill health and is highly contagious but rarely fatal.

Vaccinating cats

Pet rabbits require one vaccination annually to protect against myxomatosis and RDH 1 and 2 (rabbit haemorrhagic disease) all of which can be caught from wild rabbits and are usually fatal. These diseases can be brought into your home or garden from something as simple as walking where wild rabbits have been, so even house rabbits require vaccination. There is also a new strain and therefore a new and additional vaccination – Yurvac – to be given to rabbits annually. (Wellness Plan clients get 25% off this additional vaccination).

Vets recommend puppies have a full vaccination course, and the first annual booster vaccination include everything mentioned above . After the first booster vaccination against contagious canine cough and Leptospirosis is required annually and everything else every third year. Contrary to occasional rumours these vaccinations are not harmful and as animals get older they do not build up a resistance to any of these diseases. The vaccination protocols need to be followed to protect your pet. Out of date/lapsed vaccinations can mean you cannot use doggy day care or boarding kennels and can it can invalidate your pet health insurance policy.

Station House Vets Wellness Plan

Don’t forget – we offer our Wellness Plan which includes your annual vaccination and your preventative healthcare for your pets for the year! Find out more now : https://stationhousevets.com/wellness-plan/

Call 01653 618303 now to book in before the end of August – or click here to book your online appointment now.