Why to Vaccinate?

Vaccinations provide protection against certain diseases. In this way they prevent disease, and prevention is always better than cure.

Canines (Dogs)

For dogs, we recommend the C5 vaccine, which protects against the Canine Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvo viruses but also Parainfluenza and Bordetella, the major components of Canine Cough (also known as Kennel Cough).

Recent innovations in the way vaccines can be given have allowed us to give C5 vaccines to dogs 12 weeks old and over, protecting them for 12 months.

Viral infections cannot be treated by current drugs, so vaccination is the best way to provide immunity.

Felines (Cats)

For cats there are also several vaccines available. The most commonly given vaccination is called the F3. This provides protection against feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus and feline parvovirus. The feline herpes and caliciviruses are major causes of respiratory disease and are commonly called 'cat flu'.

Kittens receiving their first vaccinations at 8 weeks of age require 2 further boosters 4 weeks apart. This booster system is to ensure a full 12 months protection when they reach adulthood. Adult cats that have never had vaccinations or are majorly over due require 1 booster, 4 weeks after the initial dose.

There is also a vaccine available against Feline Leukemia Virus. This viral infection causes a deadly form of leukemia. It is spread by close contact with infected cats and vaccination is recommended for those cats that roam and are in multiple cat households. For more information about this or any other vaccine, please ask our staff.

New Vaccine Released Overseas

In the USA there is a new vaccine (only released this year!) available to protect against some strains of FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, similar to HIV). There has been some success, but a definite solution is still several years away. The company producing the vaccine so far claims approximately 80% protection, but only against the strains of FIV found in the USA and Canada. No word yet on production of the vaccine for Australian strains.

All of the diseases mentioned are specific to cats and dogs; there is no crossover to humans (people are not affected by these cat viruses).