Our normal recommendation is first vaccination at eight weeks old, second vaccination two weeks later. For pups over 10 weeks old and older dogs we normally give two vaccinations two weeks apart. In either case all dogs then need an annual booster each year. It is important to keep giving annual vaccinations throught life to protect both human and animal health

We recommend that all dogs are vaccinated against the following diseases:

Distemper and hardpad

Although less common than it used to be this disease is still a serious threat. Many dogs that do catch it either die or suffer permanent brain damage. Symptoms often start with a cough, sore eyes and diarrhoea and then progress to brain damage. Occasionally the symptoms are subtle and hard to recognise.

Parvovirus infection

Parvovirus infection or simply "parvo" as it is often called causes a very serious form of gastro-enteritis. Symptoms are diarrhoea and vomiting, often with blood in the diarrhoea. Patients rapidly become weak and without aggressive resuscitation many die. Puppies less than three weeks old can also suffer damage to their heart.

Viral hepatitis

This serious and infectious form of hepatitis is less common than it used to be so that if an epidemic does start many dogs will die. The virus can also cause eye problems.

Leptospirosis

Preventing Leptospirosis is one of the most important reasons for having your dog vaccinated. It is a bacterial infection that damages liver and kidneys. Dogs catch it from contact with other dogs or with rats, or from swimming in fresh water. Humans can catch the illness from dogs, most often from urine. The illness can be extremely serious in humans. It is particularly important to vaccinate dogs against leptospirosis every twelve months

Our standard vaccinations protect against Distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis and leptospirosis.

Kennel cough

Kennel cough is a highly infectious illness that happens most often when dogs mix in a group, such as in kennels, at a show or at a popular dog walking spot. There is more than one germ involved but the most important is Bordatella, one of the other germs is called para-influenza.

We offer Kennel cough vaccine for dogs at risk. The vaccine consists of a few drops squirted up the nose. It provides protection after 72 hours and protection lasts 12 months.

Cats
Our normal recommendation, which may vary to suit individual cases, is for cats to receive a first vaccination at 9 weeks old, followed by a second vaccination 3-4 weeks later and then a booster vaccination once a year.

Our normal vaccinations aim to protect against the following diseases:
Feline infectious enteritis (also known as feline panleucopaenia)
This is a very serious bowel disease that causes severe diarrhoea and    vomiting, often death. It is highly infectious

Cat flu
Cat flu is actually two diseases feline calicivirus and feline herpes virus. Both cause not only short term severe illness which can be fatal in kittens or vulnerable cats, but also recurrent long term ill health

Feline leukaemia (FeLV)
Feline leukaemia is an illness caused by a virus from the same family as the virus that causes AIDS in humans. The virus is mainly spread by fighting or mating, so even the best cared for pet cat is at risk if a stray cat comes into the garden and bites them. The virus causes not only leukaemia but also severe anaemia and tumours of chest, bowels and kidneys. Once infected there is no cure.

Special vaccines are also available against feline chlamydiosis and feline bordatellosis. These are more likely to be a problem in breeding establishments or larger groups of cats.

Rabbits

Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease
Our standard routine is two vaccinations two weeks apart, the first against rabbit haemorrhagic disease and the second against myxomatosis. Rabbits can be vaccinated from 10 weeks of age and need an annual re-vaccination.

Myxomatosis
Myxomatosis is a very unpleasant disease that causes many wild rabbits a slow painful death. It is most often spread to pet rabbits by fleas or mosquitoes. Protection from vaccination is not very long lasting so in high risk situations rabbits may need to be given an extra dose half way through the year.