Pet Vaccinations (Canine/Feline Core, Kennel Cough, & Rabies)
Pet vaccines are crucial to build their immunity against potential threats
What are Pet Vaccinations?
Ensuring the well-being of your pets is a top priority, and vaccinations play a crucial role in safeguarding them from various diseases by introducing modified bacteria or viruses through injections or intra-nasal methods. This prompts an immune response, protecting your pet against specific diseases.
For young pets, early vaccination is recommended (as early as 6 weeks old). It is crucial as the natural immunity passed to them through their mother’s milk wanes, which can render them susceptible to infectious diseases.
Depending on your pet, there are several vaccination options, known as core and non-core vaccines. Core vaccinations are recommended for all cats and dogs, while non-core vaccines are optional and should be contemplated based on your pet’s specific risk factors, e.g. lifestyle.
It is important to note that no vaccine guarantees complete effectiveness. However, the benefits of vaccinating your pets far outweigh the risks, and they gain crucial protection against potentially life-threatening diseases.
How do Pet Vaccinations work?
Pet vaccines work very similarly to human vaccines and facilitate a quicker and more effective release of disease-fighting antibodies, enhancing your pet’s ability to combat potential threats.
Vaccines comprise weaker or inactive micro-organisms or antigens of a particular disease, which triggers a response from your pet’s immune system – producing antibodies to defend the body against it. Once this response is triggered, your pet’s immune system will create a memory of this disease. If your pet is ever exposed to the same micro-organisms post-vaccination, their immune system will recognise and combat it.
Benefits of Pet Vaccinations
Enhanced immunity
Quick and effective response
Disease prevention
Public health compliance
Long-term health assurance
Cost-effective prevention
Community protection
Building your pet’s immunity contributes to a longer and healthier life
What conditions can Pet Vaccinations treat/prevent?
Many vaccinations are available for dogs and cats for common and uncommon conditions. Pet vaccinations include:
Canine
Distemper: a viral and highly contagious disease that affects dogs. It affects the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. Distemper is incurable and often fatal.
Parvovirus:parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract and bone marrow of dogs.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis (adenovirus): a contagious disease that affects the liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, eyes, and blood vessels. It can result in symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal enlargement and abdominal pain. Hepatitis may even lead to death in severe cases.
Rabies: an incurable viral disease that is invariably fatal. Rabies attacks the brain and spinal cord of dogs and cats, resulting in neurological signs such as aggression, seizures, incoordination and paralysis. Humans can get infected if bitten by a rabies-infected animal.
Kennel cough: a contagious respiratory tract infection that is most commonly caused by bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza, and canine adenovirus 2. Dogs that go boarding or to school are encouraged to get this vaccine.
Leptospirosis:leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that causes bleeding disorders such as kidney failure, liver damage, and bleeding disorders.
Lethargy and loss of appetite are common symptoms of preventable diseases such as leptospirosis and parvovirus.
Feline
Feline rhinotracheitis virus: also known as herpesvirus infection in cats, feline viral rhinotracheitis is a common infectious respiratory disease caused by the herpes virus. Infected cats are usually carriers for life.
Feline calicivirus:calicivirus causes upper respiration infections in cats,just like feline herpesvirus. It can also cause gingivitis and oral ulcers.
Feline panleukopenia (feline parvovirus, feline distemper): a highly contagious viral disease; panleukopenia or feline distemper causes vomiting and diarrhoea and also infects the bone marrow. Pregnant queens may abort or produce mummified fetuses.
Rabies: similar to rabies in dogs, rabies in cats is also incurable and fatal. Rabies virus attacks the brain and spinal cord, resulting in neurological signs such as aggression, seizures, incoordination and paralysis. Humans can get infected if bitten by a rabies-infected animal.
Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV): one of the most common infectious diseases in cats, feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) has been linked to cancer, blood disorders, and immune deficiency.
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV): another common infectious disease in cats, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), causes immunosuppression and predisposes affected cats to secondary infections and cancers.
What results can be expected from Pet Vaccinations?
Vaccinations are designed to provide a range of benefits to ensure the well-being of your beloved furry friend.
Your pets may experience tiredness or mild fever after vaccinations.
You can expect the following results after vaccinations:
Enhanced immunity: you can anticipate a reinforced immune system in your pet due to the vaccination triggering the production of disease-fighting antibodies. This proactive approach strengthens their ability to combat potential health threats.
Disease prevention: your pet is now equipped with a shield against various diseases, safeguarding them from potential health risks and contributing to a longer, healthier life.
Cost-effective prevention: prevention is always better than cure. Vaccinations spare you the expenses and stress of treating preventable illnesses when you take the necessary steps to vaccinate your pet early.
Quick and effective response: you will be able to notice your pet’s immune system respond swiftly and effectively to potential threats.
It is important to note that your pet may experience mild side effects following their vaccination, including tenderness and swelling at the vaccination site, tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite. These side effects are temporary and should only last a few days before they return to their normal state.
How many sessions of Pet Vaccinations are needed?
It is recommended to vaccinate yearly, although, for some pets, vaccine immunity can last for a few years.
Your veterinarian can advise and recommend the ideal vaccination schedule tailored to your pet’s needs and ensure a comprehensive plan that maximises immunity while aligning with your pet’s health and lifestyle.
Need to schedule a vaccination for your pet? Our veterinarians are experienced in administering vaccinations. Contact us today to book an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
When should I get my pet vaccinated?
Generally, puppies and kittens should start their initial vaccinations around 6-8 weeks old, followed by monthly boosters until they are 14-16 weeks old. Thereafter, annual boosters are recommended depending on the lifestyle of the pet. Your puppy or kitten must receive their complete vaccinations before he should be brought outdoors.
Are pet vaccinations risky?
Similar to medical treatments for humans, pet vaccinations have minimal risk of side effects. However, these are usually minor, with their benefits far outweighing the risks as they shield your pet, family and community from potentially fatal diseases.
In rare cases, serious reactions such as an allergic response are possible; however, advancements in vaccines and techniques have greatly reduced serious reactions.
What happens if my pet’s vaccination is delayed?
The steps taken by your vet depend on the timing of your appointment. If your pet’s vaccination is delayed by more than 3 or 4 months, your pet may need to receive two vaccinations within 4 weeks to reinforce immunity against the targeted diseases.
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