Vaccinations
Vaccinations in Dogs
- C3 Vaccination – Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis
- Kennel Cough (KC) Vaccination – Bordetella and Parainfluenza
Vaccination programs have played an important role in preventing disease. They are one of our most powerful tools in ensuring a healthy population of pets. Vaccination recommendations are complex and it is being increasingly recognised that veterinarians need to reduce the vaccine load to reduce the risk of adverse reactions.
Three Yearly Vaccinations
Research has emerged that the vaccinations against parvovirus, distemper and hepatitis viruses (C3) may not need to be given annually. Once the dogs are adults a booster vaccination every three years is sufficient to protect your pet. (This is NOT the case for Kennel Cough vaccination however). As science evolves, so too do the schedules recommended to protect our beloved canine family members!
At Inner South Vet Centre we have changed the C3 vaccinations of dogs from annual to a three yearly. Kennel Cough vaccination however still remains as an annual booster. The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA), the nationwide association of Australian vets, and the international organisation the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) supports this change. Boarding kennels also accept these changes in vaccination schedules.
So, what else happens at an annual health check?
When you come each year we will together decide the best vaccination schedule for your dog. Usually, every third year dogs will be given a triennial C3 vaccine. The vaccinations against Kennel Cough – a very serious respiratory disease – need to be given each year. Most dogs also need their annual Proheart® heart worm preventative injection. A through examination from snout to tail is a great tool in the early detection and prompt treatment of any emerging illness or issues.
Vaccinations in Cats
F3 – Cat Flu and Feline Enteritis
Vaccination provides protection against cat flu (feline respiratory disease) and feline infectious enteritis. Boarding catteries require vaccination for these highly contagious diseases.
The traditional annual F3 vaccination has now been replaced with a series of vaccinations administered across a three-year cycle. This will reduce over-vaccination of cats while still keeping them protected against some really nasty diseases.
Adult cats will receive Feline Panleucopaenia (F1) only every three years but Feline Calicivirus and Herpesvirus (F2) will continue to be annually.
FIV – Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
- Does your cat go outside?
- Do they get into fights with other cats?
- Have they ever had an abscess?
- Are there many stray cats in your area?
If the answers are YES, then it is worth chatting to one of our veterinarians about vaccination for FIV.
Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV)
FeLV is also a serious disease. As it is extremely rare in the Canberra area, we do not routinely advise vaccination.
Remember, vaccination is all about preventing serious disease and here at Inner South Vet Centre we want to do that in the best and safest way possible. Call us today to ask more about what vaccinations your dog or cat needs.