VACCINATION AND NEUTERING

VACCINATION
At the vet centre we advise that all cats and dogs should be vaccinated against serious and potentially life
threatening illnesses. We also recommend that annual boosters should be given to maintain that immunity.

DOGS can start their primary course at 8 weeks of age and require 2 injections 2 weeks apart and then boosters annually. The vaccines offer protection against Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza and Leptospirosis. There is also an intra-nasal vaccine available against Kennel Cough, which is recommended if your dog is going into kennels (at least 7 days before).

CATS can start their primary course at 9 weeks of age and require 2 injections 3 weeks apart and then annual boosters. The vaccines offer protection against Feline Flu, Infectious Enteritis and Leukaemia. Your cat’s requirements may vary depending on if they will go outdoors, this will be discussed with your vet at the start of the course.

RABBITS can be vaccinated against Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease, ask one of the vets for more info.

NEUTERING
Neutering is a surgical procedure also known as spaying (ovariohysterectomy) for females and castration for males.

CATS- we recommend that all cats not to be used for breeding should be neutered, the ideal time being around 6 months. This reduces the risk of unwanted pregnancies and has important health and behavioural benefits.

DOGS- we recommend that all bitches, not to be used for breeding, should be neutered. This can either be done 2 months after her first season/heat or prior to her first season at 6 months old. This should be discussed with one of the vets to decide which is best for your dog. Male dogs can be castrated if required- again a discussion with one of the vets prior to the operation is recommended. 

RABBITS- we recommend that all rabbits should be routinely neutered, ideally at 6 months of age, due to the health and behavioural benefits.