Vaccinations contain harmless forms of the viruses and bacteria from the diseases which stimulate your pet's immune system to form antibodies and immunity to these dangerous diseases.
If an animal is immune to a particular disease, it means there is little or no risk of falling ill to that disease.
Provided the mother is immune, puppies, kittens and baby rabbits are usually protected for the first few weeks of life by the immunity passed in their mother's first milk (colostrum). However this immunity falls rapidly with time, leaving them susceptible to disease after a few weeks, Vaccination at this point simply takes over the mother's role in providing protection.
A course of 2 vaccinations is usually given as a primary course in puppies and kittens from as early as 8 and 9 weeks respectively. The second vaccination usually follows 2 weeks later for puppies and 3 weeks later for kittens.
Rabbits usually have 1 or 2 injections from as early as 6 weeks.
Immunity to these diseases does not last indefinitely and will gradually fall, leaving your pet at risk. Regular booster vaccinations are therefore vital to maintain the immunity your pet needs. Safe and effective vaccines are products of extensive research and manufactured to standards which are no less exacting than those demanded for human vaccines. This research enables the manufacturer to establish the minimum duration of immunity for each vaccine and this in turns allows your vet to recommend the appropriate re-vaccination schedule.
An annual visit to the vet provides an opportunity for a full general health check for your pet as well as any vaccinations required.
Dogs are regularly vaccinated against Canine Parvovirus, Canine Distemper, Canine Infectious Hepatitis, and Leptospirosis. We also can vaccinate against Kennel Cough (Bordetella) and Rabies.
Cats are regularly vaccinated against Cat Flu (Feline Calicivirus and Feline Herpesvirus) and Feline Panleucopenia and we also can vaccinate against Leukaemia, Bordetella, Chlamydia and Rabies.
Rabbits are vaccinated against Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Diarrhoea.