Why do we vaccinate?
Vaccinations are a safe, effective way of preventing certain infectious disease by introducing dead or weakened versions of the infection into an animal's body, allowing the immune system to build protection against each infection before being exposed to the real thing.
After vaccination, the body will produce protective antibodies against the infectious organisms. These antibodies then act as a "patrol" in the blood stream, so that if the animal comes into contact with the infection in future, it will already have a "blueprint" for producing antibodies to fight the infection in a much faster fashion.
Studies have repeatedly demonstrated the efficacy and safety of vaccination.
After vaccination, the body will produce protective antibodies against the infectious organisms. These antibodies then act as a "patrol" in the blood stream, so that if the animal comes into contact with the infection in future, it will already have a "blueprint" for producing antibodies to fight the infection in a much faster fashion.
Studies have repeatedly demonstrated the efficacy and safety of vaccination.
What do we vaccinate against?
For dogs, we recommend C7 vaccination, which covers the following infectious organisms:
For all cats, including indoor only cats, we recommend F3 vaccination, which covers:
For cats that spend time outside, especially if they have the chance of being bitten by other cats, we also recommend coverage for:
***PLEASE NOTE - if your pet is going into a boarding facility, please check with that facility what their specific requirements are, including WHAT to vaccinate for, and WHEN to vaccinate. Some facilities will not accept pets that have only just been vaccinated. It is your responsibility to make sure you adhere to their requirements.
- Parvovirus
- Distemper Virus
- Adenovirus (Hepatitis Virus)
- Bordetella Bronchiseptica
- Parainfluenza
- Leptospirosis
- Canine Coronavirus
For all cats, including indoor only cats, we recommend F3 vaccination, which covers:
- Parvovirus (Panleukopaenia)
- Herpesvirus
- Calicivirus
For cats that spend time outside, especially if they have the chance of being bitten by other cats, we also recommend coverage for:
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (Cat AIDS virus)
***PLEASE NOTE - if your pet is going into a boarding facility, please check with that facility what their specific requirements are, including WHAT to vaccinate for, and WHEN to vaccinate. Some facilities will not accept pets that have only just been vaccinated. It is your responsibility to make sure you adhere to their requirements.
What else happens during a vaccination visit?
Every visit, we will perform a full physical exam. Cats and dogs age 7 times faster than us, and yearly examinations are our way of screening for developing health issues.
When should I start vaccinating my pet?
Vaccines are given initially from 6-8 weeks of age. For further puppy/kitten recommendations, see HERE
What side effects can vaccinations cause?
The majority of side effects after vaccination are mild and self-limiting, meaning no further treatment is necessary.
Most commonly, pets can experience short term discomfort at the site of vaccination, short term fever that resolves spontaneously, or in rare circumstances, allergic reactions.
What happens if I miss a vaccination?
Updating your pet's protection is usually a simple matter of giving a single booster, but this may vary depending on your location and lifestyle.