Why do we need to vaccinate our pets? Words by White Horse Vets


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accinations are needed to protect our pets from nasty, life threatening diseases. By vaccinating your pet you can have peace of mind knowing they have immunity to most of these diseases.


Sadly, a lot of the diseases your pet can catch if they aren’t vaccinated are fatal in most cases. Even if your pet catches one and is able to recover, they will often be left with long-term problems which can put them through a lot of pain and distress.


When puppies and kittens are born they are usually protected from infections by their mother's milk, providing she has been regularly vaccinated. However, this protection only lasts a few weeks so they need regular vaccinations from an early age.


Vaccinating your puppy and kitten is one of the most important things you should do in your first few weeks as a pet owner.


Puppies are typically first vaccinated at eight weeks of age with the second dose usually being 2-4 weeks later. Kittens have their first vaccination at 9 weeks and then it’s repeated again 3 – 4 weeks later.


Your puppy and kitten will then require a booster vaccination annually from then on.


The vaccinations will protect your dog from the following diseases.


An independent veterinary practice based in Calne and Lyneham


CALNE SURGERY Tel: 01249 812715 Opening times:


9am to 7pm Monday - Friday 9am to 1pm Saturday


LYNEHAM SURGERY Tel: 01249 890358 Opening times:


9am to 7pm Monday - Thursday 9am to 5pm Friday


9am to 10.30am Saturday


CONSULATIONS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY PLEASE CALL THE SURGERY www.whitehorse-vet.co.uk


14 | Lifein | February | 01380 734376


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Canine distemper Canine parvovirus Leptospirosis


Infectious hepatitis


Your cat vaccinations will protect them from ∙


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Cat flu (feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus) Feline infectious enteritis Feline leukaemia virus


Just like young pets, our older pets are also at risk of catching diseases. As your pet gets older, they might not be quite as strong and find it difficult to get over illnesses. It’s important that you continue to get your pet vaccinated regularly to protect them as being older doesn’t mean they are more resistant to disease – if anything, they are more at risk.


We’d always recommend making a note of when your pet is due for their booster. If you have missed their booster, your vet might advise restarting their first vaccination course again. This is to make sure they’re fully protected.


For further information feel free to contact us at the surgery.


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