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.
Book a vaccination appointment
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.
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.