Nothing is more heartbreaking for our staff, when after a few days in its new home a new pet succumbs to a disease like parvovirus or cat flu. What makes it especially sad is that these diseases could have been prevented with a vaccination program.
Puppies should be vaccinated from 6 weeks of age against Distempervirus, Parvovirus, Hepatitis virus, Bordatella and Parainfluenza virus (A, 5 in 1 vaccine). After this they will need a booster vaccination in 3-4 weeks, with another booster following 3-4 weeks later.
Of these viruses, Parvovirus and entriritis are the two more common viruses causing severe disease in young puppies, and canine cough becoming more prevalent as they get older and meet other dogs.
Parvovirus can affect dogs in two ways: heart failure (normally in young pups) and severe gastro-enteritis. Without treatment, this disease kills puppies quickly. The virus also stays alive in the environment for months.
In kittens, the basic 3-in-1 vaccine includes Panleukopaenia, Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus. There are other vaccinations your vet might consider including into your pet’s vaccination protocol, but this will depend on your pet’ s daily lifestyle.
- Feline Panleukopenia (feline infectious enteritis; feline parvovirus)
- Feline Calicivirus ( FCV)
- Feline Herpes Virus Type 1 (FHV-1; feline rhinotracheitis virus)
- Feline Chlamydial Infection
- Feline Leukaemia Virus ( FeLV)
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
A kitten will not be fully protected until 7-10 days after the last vaccination.
By vaccinating our pets, we ensure that they are immune to these diseases when they get exposed to them, and we will prevent the spread of these diseases in our neighbourhood.