Your guide to canine and feline vaccinations
Vaccinations for pets work just the same way as they do for us, giving your pets protection against a range of diseases. Some vaccinations, such as the rabies vaccination, don’t just protect your pet but are also important to protect the wider public.
Whichever vaccinations your pet needs to get, the vaccination itself will cause them very little distress, if any. Most are given using a small needle, injected just under the skin. If your pet experiences any side effects, these will be mild and go away within a week. Common side effects include a little swelling or redness around the injection site, mild discomfort or irritation, and/or a mild fever.
The benefits of vaccinations far outweigh the mild, temporary side effects. Keeping up with your pet’s vaccinations can save their life.
What vaccinations do dogs need?
There are core vaccinations that your dog must get legally and then there are non-core vaccinations which are not mandatory but give your dog extra protection.
Core canine vaccinations are given against:
- Adenovirus-Type 1 — given at 6–16 weeks
- Adenovirus-Type 2 — given at 6–16 weeks
- Distemper — given at 6–16 weeks, with 2 doses are given 4 weeks apart
- Parvovirus — given at 6–16 weeks
- Rabies — given from one year onwards, with boosters every year
Non-core canine vaccinations are given against:
- Bordetella bronchiseptica — 2 vaccines given anytime
- Canine influenza
- Leptospirosis
- Lyme disease
- Parainfluenza — given at 6–8 weeks
What vaccinations do cats need?
As with dogs, there are core vaccinations are mandatory for your cat and other non-core vaccinations that are not mandatory but give your cat extra protection.
Core feline vaccinations are given against:
- Feline herpesvirus 1
- Feline parvovirus
- Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia — given at 6–8weeks, 10–12weeks, 14–16weeks, one year and 3 years
- Rabies — given from one year onwards, with boosters every year
Non-core feline vaccinations are given against feline leukaemia virus.
To get your pet vaccinated, get in touch with our experienced vets.