VACCINATIONS
Vaccination remains the cornerstone of our preventative care policy. DO NOT be put off by those ill-informed people who say regular booster vaccination is either unnecessary or unsafe. They are wrong!. We regularly see heartbreaking stories where someone, as found out the hardest way of all that this, is not the case.
At Westside vets, inclusive in the price of a vaccination appointment is a full health assessment with a vet. We have lost count of the number of life-threatening conditions that have been picked up at a vaccination appointment and treated more simply, successfully and cheaply had there been a delay until more obvious signs were apparent.
Vaccination is a safe, reliable and cost-effective way of giving your dog the best chance of living a long and healthy life.
What should cats be vaccinated for?
Cats are vaccinated against Feline viral infectious disease (Catflu) a virus that causes severe flu-like symptoms, Feline Leukaemia virus – a cancer-inducing disease of cats and against the Panleukopaenia virus (Enteritis), fatal gastroenteritis.
When should vaccines be given to kittens?
Initial kitten vaccines are given at 9 and 12 weeks of age. At the appointment, a kitten pack is also given which has lots of information on the kitten and cat care as well as a free sample of Hills Science Plan food. Additional information can always be found on our Kitten Care page and the Lifelearn section of our website. After the initial course, annual booster injections are given to ensure full disease protection. A full clinical health examination is also performed as well as a discussion on routine care of your cat.
DOGS
What should dogs be vaccinated for?
The injection protects against Distemper, Canine Infectious Hepatitis, Parvo Virus, Leptospirosis and Parainfluenza virus. Fortunately, most of these diseases are now relatively rare due to effective vaccination compliance. 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. A vaccine for Kennel Cough is also recommended in high-risk situations such as those experienced when taking your dog to kennels, mixing with lots of other dogs or has a dog walker. If you would like to travel abroad with your pet they will need a Rabies vaccination.
When should vaccines be given to puppies?
Initial vaccines are done at 8 and 10 weeks of age. The vaccine for Kennel Cough can be done from 8 weeks and is given annually with the booster. At the initial course, a puppy pack is provided with lots of information on puppy care as well as a free food sample of Hills. Additional information can always be found via our Puppy Care page and the Lifelearn section of our website.
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RABBITS
What should rabbits be vaccinated for?
We advise vaccinating against Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhage Disease (VHD). A more convenient combined vaccine has been developed for use.
When should vaccines be given to rabbits?
The injection is given from 12 weeks of age. In addition to the vaccination, we recommend a thorough annual examination for all rabbits as they are prone to suffer from many avoidable conditions such as bad teeth and gum problems.