Here at Sandhole Vets, we believe that pet vaccinations are an important part of protecting your pets from severely harmful yet preventable diseases and are an essential part of responsible pet care.
Dogs, cats, and rabbits are susceptible to many life-threatening diseases, but scientific advances and the introduction of immunisation have dramatically reduced the number of cases. It is tempting to assume that they are no longer a threat to our pets as we hear little about them, but they still do remain a constant danger, meaning the correct vaccination programme is the best way to keep your pet safe.
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How Do Pet Vaccinations Work?
Vaccines contain harmless (either weakened or dead) variants of viruses and other infectious agents. When an animal is vaccinated, the immune system responds by generating a protective mechanism by forming antibodies. If the animal becomes exposed to the actual disease later, those antibodies will prevent the disease from developing.
The type of vaccines Sandhole Vets recommends 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 that vaccines don't give lifelong immunity, so regular booster vaccinations are recommended. It is also an excellent opportunity for your pet to have a full health check.
Dog Vaccinations
Puppy Vaccinations
The sooner your puppy is vaccinated, the sooner they will be able to begin socialisation with other dogs. Adult dogs are advised to have an annual booster vaccine. 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.
Your puppy can start receiving vaccinations as early as 6-8 weeks for:
- Distemper: spread by eye and nose discharge dog to dog
- Canine Hepatitis: spread by infected urine, faeces and saliva
- Leptospirosis: spread by infected urine or stagnant water
- Parvovirus: spread via infected faeces dog to dog
Vaccination Schedule:
- 12 Weeks: Typically, the second round of Distemper, Hepatitis, and Parvovirus vaccinations, along with the second Leptospirosis vaccination, is administered at this age.
- 10 Weeks: For earlier socialisation, the second Distemper, Hepatitis, and Parvovirus vaccination can be given at 10 weeks, followed by the final Leptospirosis vaccination 4 weeks later.
- Adult Dogs: Adult dogs require annual booster vaccinations to maintain protection.
Sandhole Vets also offers the following dog vaccines:
- Rabies
- Leishmaniasis
- Herpes
- Kennel Cough
Kennel Cough Vaccination
If your dog needs to go into kennels or daycare, they will need a Kennel Cough vaccination. Please ensure you seek advice to ensure they are covered before booking them in; most kennels request animals be vaccinated at least two weeks before boarding.
The kennel cough vaccination protects against Bordetella and Parainfluenza and lasts for a year so that it may be given at the same time as your annual vaccinations. The vaccine can be given from 3 weeks of age.
This is a live vaccine which is often administered as a nasal spray. It will reduce the chance of your dog contracting kennel cough and the severity of the disease, but it cannot provide full immunity due to the variety of strains involved. Due to this pet vaccination being live, dogs can exhibit mild symptoms of the disease temporarily after the vaccine. If you are immunocompromised, then please inform the Vet as the vaccines will need to be performed without you present.
Rabies Vaccination
Please contact us to discuss rabies vaccinations. If you're planning on taking your pet abroad, they may need the vaccine administered with plenty of time before travelling depending on where you are travelling to. Please see the current guidelines on the government website.
Cat Vaccinations
Kitten Vaccinations
The primary vaccination course for kittens consists of two injections. As with puppies, kittens will have some protection from their mothers in their bloodstream, which is why a second injection of the vaccine is required to complete immunisation.
Kitten vaccinations start from 9 weeks of age for:
- Cat Flu
- Enteritis
- Feline Leukaemia
A second vaccination is required three to four weeks later. We then suggest an annual vaccination.
We can vaccinate your cat against Feline Chlamydophila too. Speak to us for more information on cat vaccines, we can talk you through any type of pet vaccinations that may be required for your cat.
Rabbit Vaccinations
Rabbits are vaccinated against two deadly, infectious diseases:
- Myxomatosis: spread by blood-sucking insects such as rabbit fleas
- Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD): spread between rabbits, or in contaminated hutches and bedding and toys.
There is now a new strain of VHD, called VHD-2, which is also potentially fatal. We administer a combined annual vaccination for Myxomatosis and VHD 1 and 2.
Click on the links below to find out more.
Pet Vaccinations FAQs
Why does my pet need to have vaccinations every 12 months?
Depending on the disease that your pet is being vaccinated against, the period they are protected will differ. Certain diseases only carry around 12 months of protection, which is why a yearly booster is recommended. Even though your pet might be 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. They could be in soil on a dirty boot or transmitted through wildlife animals that could enter the home.
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 the benefits of being vaccinated greatly outweigh the risks for most pets. 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 Sandhole Veterinary Centre is always happy to talk to you about the benefits and risks of vaccinating your pet to help identify the most suitable strategy as part of their wider preventative healthcare programme.
Are there any schemes/offers at Sandhole Vets to help with covering the cost of my pet's vaccinations?
Our Pet Health for Life Plan offers the best value way to vaccinate your pet to ensure they have the preventative health protection they need over their lifetime. Being a member allows you the opportunity to spread the cost over 12 months whilst also receiving discounts on other services at Sandhole Veterinary Centre.
Please contact us if you would like further information on vaccination programmes for your pet or our Friends and Family plan.
