As pet owners, we all want to protect our furry friends from harm, and one of the best ways to do this is by ensuring they receive regular vaccinations.
Just like us, pets are vulnerable to a variety of diseases, some of which can be deadly if left untreated.
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent these diseases and keep our pets healthy. Here, we will explain why vaccination is so important and break down the key vaccines for both dogs and cats.
Vaccines for Dogs
For dogs, there are several core vaccines that protect them from serious diseases. Let's dive into the most important ones:
1. Parvovirus
Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that attacks a dog's gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems. This disease is particularly dangerous for puppies who haven't been vaccinated, and it can be fatal. It spreads through infected dog feces, so it's important to keep your dog away from areas where infected animals may have been.
2. Distemper
Distemper is another serious viral infection that spreads through direct contact with infected fluids, such as feces, or saliva. It affects the dog's respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, and central nervous system. Like parvovirus, distemper can be fatal, and early vaccination is the best protection.
3. Hepatitis
Hepatitis is another disease that dogs can get. There are two types: one affects the liver, while the other is associated with kennel cough and can have widespread effects on the body. This virus is transmitted through infected feces, and saliva, making vaccination crucial for keeping your dog safe.
These three diseases form part of the C3 vaccination protocol, which is the basic vaccination combination for dogs.
4. Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is caused by two main strains:
• Bordetella bronchiseptica
• Canine influenza virus
Both of these strains can cause symptoms similar to the flu, including sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge. Kennel cough spreads through airborne particles and saliva, making it highly contagious. While it is often mild, untreated cases can lead to pneumonia, especially in older dogs or those with weakened immune systems.
When combined with the C3 vaccination, kennel cough vaccines form part of the C5 vaccination protocol, which we recommend for full protection.
Dog Vaccination Schedule
Puppies need to follow a vaccination schedule to build their immunity. Here's a typical schedule:
• 6-8 weeks: First C3 vaccination
• 10-12 weeks: C5 vaccination
• 14-16 weeks: Second C5 vaccination
Once your dog has completed the puppy vaccination series, they will need a booster shot at around 12 months. After that, the C3 vaccine is administered every three years, but the kennel cough vaccine (C5) is given annually.
Vaccines for Cats
Just like dogs, cats need protection against a variety of diseases. There are six main diseases that your cat can be vaccinated against. Let's take a look at each one:
1. Cat Flu or Upper Respiratory Infections
This is actually a combination of two viruses:
• Feline herpesvirus (or rhinotracheitis) is a common infection that causes sneezing, tearing, and nasal congestion. It spreads through infected saliva, and in some cases, it can lead to more serious secondary infections.
• Feline calicivirus is similar to herpesvirus and attacks the cat's respiratory system. This virus is common in kittens and can cause mouth ulcers and nasal discharge.
2. Feline Panleukopenia (Cat Parvovirus)
Panleukopenia is a severe and often fatal disease that attacks the cat's gastrointestinal system, causing diarrhea and vomiting. It spreads through infected, and vaccination is critical to protect against this potentially deadly disease.
3. Chlamydia Infection
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that affects the upper respiratory tract in cats, leading to symptoms like sneezing, nasal and eye discharge, and congestion. If left untreated, secondary infections are common. The good news is that a vaccine is available to protect your cat from this bacterial infection.
These three diseases form the F4 vaccination protocol for cats, which is essential for their overall health.
4. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
FeLV severely affects a cat's immune system, making them more susceptible to secondary infections. It is typically spread through bites and scratches from other infected cats, but it can also spread via shared food and water bowls. Cats infected with FeLV can live with the disease for life and can experience serious complications.
5. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
FIV, also known as feline AIDS, weakens a cat's immune system, making them more vulnerable to infections. This virus is most common in outdoor cats who fight with other cats, as it is transmitted through bite wounds. Cats diagnosed with FIV often live longer, but they need consistent care.
Cat Vaccination Schedule
Kittens, like puppies, also need a series of vaccinations:
• 6-8 weeks: First F4 vaccination
• 10-12 weeks: Second F4 vaccination
• 14-16 weeks: Third F4 vaccination
After the final kitten vaccination, your cat will receive their first adult F4 vaccination at 12 months. From there, the F4 vaccine should be given annually, with the FeLV and FIV vaccines also administered yearly.
Vaccination is one of the most important aspects of keeping our pets healthy. By staying on top of regular vaccinations, we can help protect our pets from life-threatening diseases and ensure they live long, happy lives. Lykkers, if you haven't yet scheduled your pet's vaccination, make sure to book an appointment soon to keep them safe and healthy. Your pet will thank you for it!
