Vaccinations
Protect your pet against life-threatening diseases
Annual vaccinations for dogs, cats and rabbits are vital when it comes to protecting them against, and stopping the spread of harmful and life-threatening diseases.
Dog & puppy vaccinations
As early as 6 weeks of age, your puppy can start their vaccination course to protect them against the below diseases. Each year they should have a booster vaccination for optimal protection. Find out about our Best Start package for puppies with included vaccinations.
The below viruses remain in the environment for months and can be spread between apparently healthy dogs.
- Parvovirus – attacks the bone marrow and gut lining, weakening the immune system and causing bloody vomiting and diarrhoea. Puppies can die from dehydration and sepsis.
- Canine Hepatitis – causes severe liver disease, including jaundice, vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Canine Distemper – attacks the brain, lungs and intestines.
The below diseases are covered by separate vaccines:
- Leptospirosis – transmitted by rat’s urine and picked up from farms, puddles or watercourses, this bacteria is really hard to diagnose and causes liver and kidney failure.
- Kennel Cough – can be picked up from anywhere your dog comes into contact with other infected dogs, not just ‘in kennels’. It’s highly contagious and will make your pet feel uncomfortable, although it’s not usually a serious condition.
Cat & kitten vaccinations
The kitten vaccine can be given from 9 weeks of age and gives protection against diseases which can be fatal or give life-long infection. Your cat should have annual boosters for the best protection. Find out about our Best Start package for kittens with included vaccinations.
Feline diseases include:
- Feline Parvovirus (or infectious enteritis / panleukopenia virus – FPV) – highly contagious, severe infection that causes gastrointestinal, immune system, and nervous system disease.
- Cat Flu (Herpes and Calicivirus) – can cause a runny nose and eyes, a sore throat, aches & pains in the muscles and joints, mouth ulcers, dribbling, sneezing, loss of voice and fever.
- Feline Leukaemia virus (FeLV) – damages the immune system and is easily spread by mutual grooming or cat bites. This requires a separate or combined vaccine.
Rabbit vaccinations
Rabbit diseases are more often than not fatal, so it’s important to protect your rabbit with annual vaccinations.
- Myxomatosis – vaccine can be given at 6 weeks of age – spreads through insect bites or by contact with an infected rabbit; attacks the eyes, skin, lungs and genitals.
- RVHD & RVHD-2 – vaccine can be given at 5 weeks of age – both strains of Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease are highly contagious and have high mortality rates; causes massive internal bleeding.
BOOK A HEALTH CHECK FOR YOUR PET
We often get asked, why do pets need vaccinations every year? The simple answer is, annual dog, cat and rabbit vaccinations give the highest level of protection against devastating diseases which can not only affect your pet, but many other pets too. The team at Apex Vets in Denny can advise you on how best to protect your pet.
Ask us about vaccinations
ALL-ROUND PREVENTATIVE CARE
As well as annual vaccinations, your pet’s preventative healthcare routine should include all-year-round parasite protection, microchipping and regular health checks. You can get all of this when you sign up for our Healthy Pets Club – find out more.
We have a video on our Youtube channel about the importance of this annual visit for further information.