Treatment of sick and injured animals is obviously a very important part of our work, but we are great believers in preventative medicine. Vaccination plays a major role here.
DOG VACCINATIONS:
- Parvovirus, Distemper and Hepatitis
This is the core vaccine. Puppies should be vaccinated from six weeks of age. Boosters are then given every 3-4 weeks until 14-16 weeks of age. Pups are not fully protected until at least one week after the final vaccination and so must be kept away from areas such as parks, streets and sand dunes where other dogs have been. Ideally, they should be confined to a well fenced section. A booster a year later is required to maintain immunity. After this, a booster every one to two years is recommended.
- Canine Cough
Canine cough is a social disease and is particularly common when dogs meet, such as in boarding kennels or rescue centre’s (Pound or SPCA). It can even spread in situations where dogs are just socializing, such as training classes (obedience/agility), doggy daycare, grooming parlors, dog shows or even the beach or park. In these situations, further protection against canine cough is necessary. All reputable boarding kennels require this vaccination to be done. This vaccine can be given at around 9 and 12 weeks of age along with the core vaccine. This vaccine requires annual boosters.
- Leptospirosis
This disease is usually fatal causing liver and kidney failure and can be passed on to humans causing persistent flu like symptoms. Dogs most at risk are those in contact with rats or mice, particularly in rural areas, e.g. Terriers, hunting, sporting and farm dogs. This vaccine can be given at around 9 and 12 weeks of age along with the core vaccine. Annual boosters are required.
CAT VACCINATIONS
An all in one vaccine that covers three diseases
- Feline Rhinotracheitis – A severe and very contagious respiratory infection that
can lead to death in young kittens. - Feline Calici Virus– A severe respiratory infection often resulting in ulcerations of
the nasal and oral cavities. - Feline Panleucopenia– An infectious highly contagious gastroenteritis that can
result in death.
We recommend vaccinating your kitten for the first time at 8 weeks old. A booster is required one month later and then in a year for adequate immunity to develop. Thereafter vaccinations every two years are required to maintain this immunity. There are some catteries in the Bay of Plenty that request the vaccinations are done annually so it is important to check with your cattery before boarding.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a disease that attacks the cat’s immune system and is transmitted via cat fights. It is becoming more prevalent in New Zealand and the Bay of Plenty area. There is now a vaccination available to help prevent your cat from contracting this disease. These vaccinations are given at 8, 10 and 12 weeks and then annual boosters are required.
A FULL HEALTH ASSESSMENT
A full health assessment is carried out at the time of every vaccination, and this is always a good opportunity to examine your pet for any problems that you may, or may not, have been aware of. Early diagnosis of a condition is generally the key to a successful outcome.
