Vaccinations

Dog Vaccines

All dogs require a course of puppy vaccinations followed by adult boosters to provide protection against the following:

Canine Parvovirus is a very contagious virus which causes severe gastroenteritis and is often fatal. It is highly prevalent in the Townsville area. The virus survives for a long time in the environment and your dog may become infected even without coming into contact with another sick dog. Young dogs under 6 months are most susceptible, though it can affect dogs of any age. Signs of infection include depression, vomiting and diarrhoea containing blood.

Canine Hepatitis (Canine Adenovirus Type II) causes liver disease. It is extremely contagious and may be fatal. Signs include abdominal pain and depression. It is also a potentially fatal disease and those that recovery may be left with permanent liver damage.

Canine Distemper is a highly contagious fatal viral disease which may cause signs of vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle twitching and convulsions. The recovery rate for this disease is low and dogs may be left with permanent brain damage.

Infectious Bronchitis (Canine/Kennel Cough) is caused by viral and/or bacterial infection. Infected dogs develop a dry hacking cough which will persist for several weeks and is very contagious.

Our vaccination protocol for puppies is as follows:

  • 6-8 weeks C3 (Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis)
  • 12 weeks C5 (Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis and Canine Cough)
  • 16 weeks C5 (As above)

After the initial course of puppy vaccinations, puppies should wait two weeks before being taken into public places such as the local park to ensure they are adequately protected.

Booster vaccinations are needed to maintain immunity in adult dogs. We will send out a reminder to you when this is due. This visit always includes a full physical check up by a Veterinarian.

Cat Vaccines

All kittens require a course of vaccinations to provide protection against Feline Enteritis and Feline Upper Respiratory Disease (cat flu). Additionally, vaccination against Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is recommended for outdoor cats.

Feline Enteritis/Panleucopenia is caused by a very contagious virus that results in severe, often fatal gastroenteritis. Cats will suffer vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration and often death.

Feline Upper Respiratory Disease is caused by Feline Herpes virus and/or Calicivirus and affects cats of all ages. Signs of infection include sneezing, runny eyes, nasal discharge, coughing and mouth ulcers. Severely affected cats can suffer dehydration and pneumonia.

Kittens that are unvaccinated are at risk of developing severe disease and possibly death.

Our vaccination protocol for kittens is as follows:

  • 6-8 weeks F3 (Feline Upper Respiratory Disease and Feline Enteritis)
  • 12 weeks F3 (as above)
  • 16 weeks F3 (as above)

An annual booster vaccination is needed to maintain immunity in adult cats. This visit always includes a full physical check up by a Veterinarian.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus / AIDS (FIV) is an incurable disease affecting the immune system of cats. The virus is closely related to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), although it is important to realise that FIV cannot be transmitted to humans. An infected cat may be able to live with FIV for years, eventually however, secondary infections overwhelm the compromised immune system.

The virus is present in the saliva of infected cats and thus, is transmitted by cat bites. Therefore, it is recommended that any outdoor cat should be vaccinated against the virus. The vaccination can be given to the kitten with the standard F3 vaccinations. Cats over 6 months of age should have a blood test prior to vaccination to see if they are already infected.