We advise vaccinating, cats, dogs, ferrets, and rabbits. Typically, a primary vaccination course is followed by annual booster vaccinations in line with manufacturer recommendations; not all components of routine vaccinations are required every year.
Dogs
In the UK, dogs typically receive vaccinations to protect against several infectious diseases.
The core vaccinations recommended for dogs include:
- Canine Distemper Virus (CDV): This virus affects a dog's respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. It can be deadly, especially in puppies.
- Canine Parvovirus (CPV): Parvovirus is highly contagious and can cause severe vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, and in some cases, death, particularly in puppies.
- Infectious Canine Hepatitis (ICH): This is caused by the canine adenovirus type 1 and affects the liver, kidneys, spleen, and lungs. It can be fatal, especially in young dogs.
- Canine Parainfluenza Virus (CPiV): This virus is one of the causes of kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs.
- Leptospirosis: Caused by bacteria and can affect dogs, other animals, and humans. It can lead to liver and kidney damage and can be transmitted through contact with infected urine or contaminated water.
These vaccinations are typically administered in a combination vaccine known as the DHP/L vaccine, which covers distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, along with a separate vaccine for leptospirosis.
Dogs can also be vaccinated against Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (‘Kennel Cough’).
If you intend to travel abroad with your dog they will also require vaccinating against Rabies; we suggest talking to the surgery as this cannot always be done at the same time as annual vaccinations due to licenses associated with rabies vaccinations.
The rationale behind vaccinating dogs is to prevent the spread of these contagious and potentially life-threatening diseases, protect individual dogs from illness and suffering, and contribute to the overall public health by reducing the transmission of zoonotic diseases (diseases that can spread from animals to humans). Regular vaccination also helps maintain herd immunity within the dog population, reducing the risk of outbreaks.
Cats
In the UK, cats typically receive vaccinations against several diseases to help protect their health. The core vaccinations recommended for all cats include:
- Felineviral Rhinotracheitis (FVR): This is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection caused by the feline herpesvirus. Symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge, and conjunctivitis. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia.
- Feline Calicivirus (FCV): Another common cause of upper respiratory infections in cats, FCV can cause symptoms similar to FVR, including sneezing, nasal discharge, and mouth ulcers.
- Feline Panleukopenia (FP): Also known as feline distemper, this is a highly contagious viral disease that attacks rapidly dividing cells, primarily affecting the gastrointestinal tract and bone marrow. It can lead to severe vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, and even death, especially in kittens.
These vaccinations are typically given as a combination vaccine. Following a primary vaccination course, annual booster vaccinations are given in line with manufacturer recommendations; not all components of routine vaccinations are required every year.
In addition to the core vaccinations, feline leukemiavirus vaccination may be recommended based on the cat's lifestyle and risk factors. This virus can cause immunosuppression, anemia, and cancer in cats. Cats at higher risk, such as those that go outdoors or live with other cats of unknown FeLV status, may benefit from vaccination.
The reason for vaccinating cats against these diseases is to prevent them from contracting potentially serious or life-threatening illnesses. Vaccination helps to stimulate the cat's immune system to produce protective antibodies against the viruses, reducing the likelihood of infection and the severity of symptoms if the cat does become infected. It also helps to protect other cats in the community by reducing the spread of these contagious diseases.
If you intend to travel abroad with your cat they will also require vaccinating against Rabies; we suggest talking to the surgery as this cannot always be done at the same time as annual vaccinations due to licenses associated with rabies vaccinations.
Ferrets
In the UK, ferrets are typically vaccinated against two main diseases: canine distemper and rabies. In high-risk areas, or individuals, additional vaccinations may be required and this should be discussed with your veterinary practice.
- Canine Distemper: This is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease that affects awide variety of animals, including ferrets. It can cause respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological symptoms. Vaccination against distemper is crucial for ferrets as it helps protect them from contracting the disease and suffering its severe consequences.
- Rabies: Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. While the UK is considered rabies-free, vaccination against rabies is still recommended for ferrets, especially if they are going to travel abroad where rabies might be present. Additionally, rabies vaccination is required for ferrets entering the UK from certain countries to prevent the spread of the disease.
These vaccinations help protect ferrets from serious illnesses and ensure their health and well-being.
Rabbits
Rabbits typically receive vaccinations to protect against two main diseases: myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD). These diseases are highly contagious and often fatal, so vaccination is crucial for protecting the health of pet rabbits.
- Myxomatosis: Myxomatosis is a viral disease that affects rabbits and is spread primarily by biting insects such as fleas and mosquitoes. It causes swelling of the eyes, nose, and genitals, as well as skin lumps and respiratory issues. Myxomatosisis often fatal, with survival rates being quite low. Vaccination helps to prevent the onset of this disease or at least reduce its severity.
- Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD): Also known as viral hemorrhagic disease (VHD), RHD is caused by a calicivirus and affects the liver and other organs of rabbits. It leads to internal bleeding, liver failure, and often sudden death. There are two strains of RHD: RHDV1 and RHDV2. Vaccination protects against both strains.
Vaccination protocols may vary slightly depending on the specific needs of the rabbit and the recommendations of the veterinary surgeon. Typically, rabbits are vaccinated annually to ensure ongoing protection against these diseases. Some vets may recommend additional vaccinations depending on the rabbit's lifestyle and risk factors. It's always best to consult with a vets to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for your rabbit.
