This is a common question asked by new owners and, depending who you ask, there is often conflicting advice given. Vaccinations are our way of protecting our pets from a variety of diseases that are all potentially fatal. Cats are vaccinated against leukaemia virus, cat flu and a diarrhoea virus. Dogs are vaccinated against 7 different viruses, including parvovirus and leptospirosis.
Every time you dog or cat goes outside where other animals have been, then they are at risk of contracting one of these diseases. Yearly vaccinations stimulate the animals’ own defence mechanisms, and allow them to fight the disease, usually without showing an outward signs of this battle. If vaccinations are missed, or never even started then these pets will not have sufficient defence to protect themselves. Puppies and the elderly are the most at risk, but if adult dogs are unvaccinated then they can carry the disease to the more vulnerable.
A common argument against vaccination is if someone has had an animal for many years, with no vaccinations, and never had a day sick in its life. What I would say to this is that he/she is one of the lucky ones, as we still see unvaccinated animals contracting parvovirus in dogs, and leukaemia in cats, and not surviving. All that would have saved them was a yearly vaccination.
It is important to remember, that you are not just paying for the ‘jab’, but we also give your pet a full check over to ensure they are fir and healthy. Take this opportunity to get the vet to check any lumps, clip nails, or give that difficult cat a worming tablet!
An additional vaccination in dogs is usually required if they are going to stay in kennels.
This protects them against ‘kennel cough’, a nasty bacterial infection that causes a severe cough, and may cause chest infections in the young or vulnerable. It is given by a squirt of a small volume of liquid up the dog’s nostril, and provides localised protection. This can sometimes be quite a surprise for the dog, so it is important that they are used to having their head held and nose touched, before they come in for this appointment. Unfortunately we cannot vaccinate against all causes of coughing, much like the common cold for us, so occasionally after contact with other dogs, yours may have a mild cough, even though it is vaccinated. These infections are usually less severe than true kennel cough, though sometimes still need treating.
If you’re pet’s vaccinations have lapsed, and you want to get them up-to-date, then contact your local vets for a full health check and vaccination.
In an emergency please telephone (01793) 522483 (24hrs).
Drove Veterinary Hospital, 252 Croft Road, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 4RW.
