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To spread the cost of routine and essential healthcare for your pet, we offer our Pet Health for Life plan, which includes an annual health check for your pet.
Vaccinations
Dogs, Cats and Rabbits are susceptible to a range of dangerous infectious diseases. Fortunately, we can immunise against most of these diseases making cases and epidemics rare but it is still very important to make sure your pet is fully vaccinated as the diseases are still a constant threat.
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We don’t want to give vaccines unnecessarily so we tailor vaccination courses according to your pet’s age, lifestyle and certain other risk factors. Unlike immunisation in people, it is essential to get your pet vaccinated annually as some of the vaccines only last a year. We send all our clients regular reminders through the post, text or e-mail when vaccines are due to help your pet stay protected
How do vaccines work?
Vaccines contain harmless (either weakened or dead) variants of the viruses and other infectious agents. When an animal is vaccinated the immune system in the body responds by generating a protective mechanism through the formation of antibodies. If the animal then becomes exposed to the actual disease at a later date, those antibodies will prevent the disease from developing. The type of vaccines Village Vets we recommend will be based on your pet’s lifestyle, risk factors and current guidance. Modern vaccines give protection to multiple diseases with just one or two injections. It is important to remember though that vaccines don’t give lifelong immunity and that is why regular booster vaccinations are recommended. It is also an excellent opportunity for your pet to have a full health check. We send out reminders for all vaccinations; please contact us to book an appointment.
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Vaccinating your cat
Cats are vaccinated against viruses that cause severe flu-like symptoms, Feline Leukaemia virus – a cancer-inducing disease of cats – and against Panleukopaenia virus – a fatal gastroenteritis. In kittens the initial course of two vaccinations is administered at 9 and 12 weeks
Here at Village Vets we can vaccinate your cat against the following diseases:
- Cat Flu
- Feline Enteritis
- Feline Leukaemia Virus
- Feline Chlamydophila
We can talk you through any type of vaccination that may be required for your cat.
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Vaccinating your dog
Dogs are vaccinated against Distemper, Hepatitis, Pavro virus and Leptospirosis. A vaccine for Kennel Cough is recommended in high risk situations such as those experienced when taking your dog to kennels and shows. In puppies the initial course of two vaccinations is administered at 8 and 10 weeks of age. This allows early socialization under controlled low-risk situations from 9 weeks of age and puppies are ready to face the world at 12 weeks.
Rabies vaccination, for obtaining a Pet Passport, is required at least every two years although, when visiting certain countries, annual vaccination is needed – ask your local Village Vet for more advice.
The team here at Village Vets can provide the following vaccinations for your dog:
- Parvovirus
- Leptospirosis
- Distemper
- Canine Infectious Hepatitis
- Rabies
- Leishmaniasis
- Herpes vaccination
- Kennel Cough
A full health check is booked for every dog that is having a vaccination to ensure that they are in good health before giving the injection.
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Rabbits
We recommend that rabbits are vaccinated against myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD).
Previously this would have been administered through two separate injections, however our new rabbit vaccine means that your pet can be protected against myxomatosis and both strains of VHD with just a single injection.
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Vaccinations FAQ
Why does my pet need to have vaccinations every 12 months?
Depending on the disease that your pet is being vaccinated against, the period of time that they are protected will differ. Certain diseases, such as leptospirosis in dogs and flu in cats only carry around 12 months protection, which is why a yearly booster is recommended. Even though you pet might be being vaccinated every 12 months, it is not always against the same diseases – your vaccination card will show you which diseases they are getting boosters for each visit. Visiting us every 12 months for vaccinations also means your pet gets a full annual health check, which is equally important!
Does my pet need to be vaccinated if they live inside?
Although your pet may not go outside, it is still possible for diseases to be brought into the house. This could be via soil on a dirty boot or via other wildlife that could enter the home. Therefore, having full vaccination can provide the protection needed for all circumstances, meaning you don’t have to take the risk.
I have heard that vaccines are risky and to avoid them – is that true?
Any veterinary procedure that is performed can carry some sort of risk, however in the case of vaccinations, it is important to remember that for the majority of pets the benefits of being vaccinated greatly outweighs the risks. Vaccination reactions are rare and where they do occur, they are mostly short-term and mild. Reactions of this nature show that the vaccine is effectively stimulating the immune system.The team at Village Vets are always happy to talk to you about the benefits and risks associated with vaccinating your pet to help identify the most suitable strategy as part of their wider preventative healthcare programme.
Spread the cost of essential healthcare for your pet
