theMillwatermag
vetspeak
Why DoWeVaccinate Pets Annually? Most owners ensure that their puppies and kittens have their initial course of 2-3 vaccinations. However, we commonly get asked ‘do I need to vaccinate my pet every year?’ The answer is YES, and here’s why:
• Our vaccinations cover a combination of common and serious diseases. We consider a full dog vaccination programme to include Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, and Kennel Cough. And for cats the vaccinations protect against Cat Flu and Enteritis; • Your pet is not vaccinated for the same things every year. Depending on the data from the vaccine manufacturer, most animals will receive a ‘full’ booster every 2nd or 3rd year but in the interim years will receive a ‘partial’ booster containing only the vaccines that require annual top-ups; • Viruses change over time (think flu) and by regularly vacci-
nating your pet they will be covered for the new emerging strains that may not have been around a few years ago; • Vaccines are rigorously tested and checked to minimise the risk of them doing ‘harm’ to your pet and so are some of the safest medicines routinely used; • Before vaccination, all of the diseases above were commonly found and it is vaccination that has made them almost disappear; • However: in areas with low vaccination rates, many of these diseases are still very common and demonstrate that they remain out there and are not eradicated. It is heart-breaking to see an animal die of a readily-preventable disease; and • Having a health check each year will give your vet the chance to spot any potential health problems, and hopefully nip them in the bud before they become serious. If you have any questions or queries about vaccinating your pet, please contact the clinic on 09 427 9201. Jemma
