Dog Key Points
- All puppies should be vaccinated & need yearly boosters
- Elderly dogs still need their vaccinations
- These diseases are still around, and they can kill!
- No reputable boarding establishment will take your dog or cat if their vaccination shave lapsed.
- Remember kennel cough if your dog is going to kennels.
- Rabies vaccinations are available for pets destined to travel abroad.
Treatment of sick and injured animals is obviously a very important part of our work, but we are great believers in preventative medicine. Vaccination of puppies plays a major role here.
What does vaccination do?
Routine vaccination provides protection against four life-threatening diseases. Which may be contracted from the environment or from unprotected dogs – Distemper, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis and Hepatitis. We still see cases in unvaccinated dogs, and the heart-breaking fact is that they can be so easily prevented! Once puppies have had their initial vaccination course, it is really important for them to have an annual booster vaccination. It is vital to maintain their immunity as older dogs can still succumb to these killer diseases. There is no evidence that the immunity lasts longer in older dogs; elderly dogs, like elderly people, are more likely to have a poor immune system.
Free Health Check Included
At Westway Veterinary Group a full health assessment is included in the price of a vaccination appointment and this is always a good opportunity to examine your pet for any problems that you may, or may not, have been aware of. We have lost count of the number of life-threatening conditions that have been picked up at a vaccination appointment. Early diagnosis of a condition is generally the key to a successful outcome!
In summary vaccination is a safe, reliable and cost-effective way of giving your pet the best chance of living a long and healthy life. We will send a reminder when boosters are due, which offer a discount if presented on time.
Latest research indicates that the protection given against some of these diseases lasts longer than one year so we only vaccinate against those diseases which require annual vaccination, whilst the others are given as necessary. This policy ensures your dog received a valuable annual check up and is given the protection it needs whilst avoiding the worry of over-vaccination.
Kennel Cough
Kennel Cough is an infectious condition that can result in a harsh cough and bronchitis and requires a separate intranasal vaccine for protection. Your dog is at risk through attending boarding kennels, dog shows or missing with other dogs. Kennel cough is administered every 12 months and can be given along side the annual booster. Most boarding kennels insist on this vaccine.
