A number of dangerous diseases can still affect dogs, cats and rabbits in the UK. Vaccination is the only safe way to provide immunity against all these diseases.
Immunity
Immunity is the body’s natural ability to fight infection. Vaccination confers immunity by exposing the body to a small but entirely harmless dose of disease.
Immunity in newborn animals
Newborns are protected during the first few weeks of life through immunity passed through the mother’s first milk (colostrum). However, this immunity fades rapidly, leaving the newborn animal susceptible to disease within a few weeks.
The first vaccination
The first time a puppy, kitten or young rabbit is vaccinated, a course of two injections (puppies and kittens) or one injection (young rabbits) is usually given. This primary course can be started as early as six weeks of age – but since most pets are already older than that when they’re bought, it’s vital to talk to your vet as soon as possible about vaccination timings.
Primary vaccination course in puppies
Home Visit Vet utilises high quality vaccines that take into account the critical early socialisation period in puppies (from 6 to 14 weeks of age). The first vaccine can be given at 6-8 weeks of age, the second at 10 weeks. This allows puppies to gain optimal immunity and have protection at the time the socialisation period should start to be incorporated. An optional 3rd parvovirus vaccine is recommended for susceptible breeds (Rottweilers, Dobermans and puppies at high risk).
Re-vaccination
Immunity to disease doesn’t last indefinitely, and will gradually fade, leaving your pet at risk. For some diseases, boosters are needed every year. Depending on your pet’s lifestyle, he/she may not require annual vaccinations against all diseases. An annual health check will allow for a “risk assessment” to be determined and recommendations on which (if any) vaccinations need to be given that particular year.
What dog diseases do we vaccinate against in the UK?
What cat diseases do we vaccinate against in the UK?
What rabbit diseases do we vaccinate against in the UK?
For more information about diseases of dogs, cats, rabbits and vaccination, visit Future of Vaccination
What dog diseases do we vaccinate against in the UK?
Canine Parvovirus
A hardy virus that can survive for long periods in the environment. Caused major epidemics in the 1970s and remains widespread in pockets throughout the UK. Usually fatal.
Canine Distemper (Hard Pad)
Another severe, usually fatal disease, mercifully rare in the UK in recent years. However, major outbreaks have occurred in Europe.
Infectious Hepatitis
Still exists in the UK, although now rare. Often fatal.
Leptospirosis
Contracted from the urine of rats and/or other dogs. Canals and rivers can be contaminated, and forms of the disease are widespread in the UK. Can also cause severe disease in humans (Weil’s disease).
Kennel cough
Extremely unpleasant whooping cough-like infection, usually transmitted in places where dogs gather together (kennels, shows etc). It is rarely life-threatening.
Rabies
Fatal disease, not found in the UK. Vaccination is required if your dog is travelling abroad.
For more information about diseases of dogs and vaccination, visit Future of Vaccination
What cat diseases do we vaccinate against in the UK?
Cat ‘Flu (Feline Infectious Respiratory Disease)
Cat ‘Flu remains depressingly common in the UK, and can be very serious, especially in kittens and elderly cats. It is spread between cats by direct contact or through sneezes.
Several viruses and a bacteria are known to cause the disease – either acting alone or in combination – all of which produce similar symptoms such as a runny nose and eyes, high temperatures and extreme lethargy. Vaccines are available for most of the agents that cause cat ‘flu and regular vaccination is the best means of keeping the disease at bay.
Infectious Enteritis (Feline Panleucopenia)
An unpleasant and often fatal disease. Fortunately vaccination has been extremely successful in controlling the disease and it is now relatively rare outside the feral cat population.
Feline Leukaemia
A viral disease, transmitted in the blood and saliva when cats fight each other – or even during grooming. The disease can take months to develop after infection but then – rather like AIDS – it begins to suppress the cat’s immune system, causing secondary infections, tumours and death.
Not long ago, feline leukaemia was both widespread and common, but vaccination is now gradually bringing it under control.
Rabies
A fatal disease, not found in the UK. However, vaccination is mandatory if you plan to take your cat abroad.
For more information about diseases of cats and vaccination, visit Future of Vaccination
What rabbit diseases do we vaccinate against in the UK?
Myxomatosis
Can be rapidly fatal in an unvaccinated rabbit and there are no cures once infected. Myxomatosis is spread mainly by fleas or other biting insects, and is transmitted in this way from wild to pet rabbits. Your vet will advise you of the optimum booster interval for your rabbit.
Viral Haemorrhagic Disease
Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD) can be rapidly fatal, rabbits are often found dead without having shown any signs of disease. VHD is spread by direct contact between rabbits (both wild and domesticated) but also via indirect contact such as from people, clothing, on shoes, other objects and fleas.
For more information about diseases of rabbits and vaccination, visit Future of Vaccination
