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Vaccination

Vaccinations have revolutionised the control of infectious disease in our pets. In order to protect our pet population as a whole, it is important that all pets are adequately vaccinated.

Dog Vaccinations

Responsible pet ownership requires puppies to be given an initial course of three vaccinations. This will ensure they can safely socialise and integrate as part of your family. But this cannot protect them for the rest of their lives. Therefore, adult dogs require regular vaccinations to maintain immunity against and control the spread of disease.

We at Tallebudgera Veterinary Clinic do not, however, believe in over-vaccinating your pets. We follow a vaccination protocol as recommended by the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA).

If you’ve just welcomed a new puppy into your home, or if your furry friend is due for a vaccination booster, our caring veterinarians and nurses are here to help! Contact us now and book in for your next appointment.

A beige dog panting on some grass.

Puppy Vaccination

Puppies are protected against many diseases by antibodies received through their mother’s milk. But this is temporary and only protects them for a very short period of time. These maternal antibodies decline in the first few months of their lives however, until they drop sufficiently, they can also neutralise vaccines. This is why Tallebudgera Veterinary Clinic uses a vaccination protocol of three vaccinations which are administered two weeks apart starting at 6-8 weeks of age and finishing at 12 weeks of age. This early finish vaccine protocol allows you to socialise your puppy at an earlier age.

The first vaccination is known as a C3 DHP (Canine Distemper, Canine Hepatitis and Canine Parvovirus); the second and third vaccinations are C5 [which is comprised of the C3 plus two strains of Canine Cough (KC)]. Puppies are able to go out into public areas one week after the last vaccination and are considered fully protected for one year, after which they need annual boosters.

Learn more about our puppy vaccination schedule here.

Adult Dog Vaccination

The immunity gained from puppy vaccination weakens over time and your pet can again become susceptible to disease. Annual health checks and booster vaccinations are required and will provide the best protection for the life of your pet.

Tallebudgera Veterinary Clinic follows the (AVA) protocol of tri-annual C3 DHP (Canine Distemper, Canine Hepatitis and Canine Parvovirus) vaccination and annual Canine Cough (KC) booster vaccination.

After Vaccination Care

Following vaccination, your dog may be off-colour for a day or two or have some slight swelling or tenderness at the injection site. Access to food and water and a comfortable area to rest are usually all that is required for a quick recovery. However, if the response seems more severe, you should contact us for advice.

Please give us a call on (07) 5522 4566 to discuss a suitable vaccination regime for your pet puppy or dog.

Infectious diseases that we vaccinate dogs against

Canine Parvovirus

Canine parvovirus is a disease that affects dogs of all ages but is most serious in young pups and older dogs. The virus attacks the intestines causing bloodstained diarrhoea, uncontrollable vomiting and severe abdominal pain. Dogs often die from severe dehydration despite intensive veterinary care.

It is not necessary to have direct contact with other dogs for the disease to be spread. The virus is so persistent that the infected dog’s environment needs to be cleaned with a potent disinfectant to prevent spread to other dogs. Outbreaks occur regularly throughout Australia, especially in summer.

Canine Distemper

Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that can affect dogs of any age with young puppies being at highest risk.

Symptoms vary but can include fever, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and depression. Muscle tremors, fits and paralysis usually occur later in the disease. Treatment is usually ineffective and the recovery rate very low. Dogs that do recover may have permanent brain damage.

Canine Hepatitis

Canine hepatitis is a viral disease which, like distemper, is extremely contagious and often fatal. Dogs of any age can become infected, however severe cases are rare in dogs over two years of age.

Symptoms include high fever, depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea and acute abdominal pain. In severe cases, death can occur within 24 to 36 hours. Dogs that recover may develop long term liver and kidney problems and can act as carriers, spreading the disease to other dogs for many months.

Canine Cough (Kennel)

Canine cough is a condition produced by several highly infectious diseases, which can be easily spread wherever dogs congregate, such as parks, shows, obedience schools and boarding kennels. Among the infectious agents associated with canine cough is the bacterium known as Bordetella bronchiseptica and the canine viruses parainfluenza, adenovirus type 2 and distemper.

Affected dogs have a dry, hacking cough which can persist for several weeks. It is distressing for pet dogs and their owners. It is a major problem for working and sporting dogs. Pneumonia can also be a consequence of infection.

For any questions concerning vaccinations for your dog or the previously mentioned infectious diseases, contact our team today on (07) 5522 4566.

A Border Collie laying on some grass.

Cat Vaccinations

Responsible pet ownership requires kittens to be given an initial course of vaccinations, however this will not protect them for the duration of their lives. Adult cats require regular vaccinations to maintain immunity against and control the spread of disease.

Whether you’ve just bought your first kitten or are looking for a caring vet clinic to administer booster vaccines for your adult cat, our compassionate team are here to help! Get in touch with us today and book your next appointment for your furry family member.

A small kitten laying on a mattress under a blanket.

Kitten Vaccination

Kittens are protected against many diseases by antibodies received through their mother’s milk. These maternal antibodies decline in the first few months of their lives and, until they drop to an adequate level, they can also counteract vaccines. This is why Tallebudgera Veterinary Clinic uses a vaccination protocol of two vaccinations which are administered one month apart starting at 6-8 weeks of age and finishing at 12 weeks of age.

Our clinic vaccinates kittens with the F3 vaccine (comprising of feline panleucopenia, calicivirus and rhinotracheitis). If your cat will be an outdoors cat or go outdoors, it is likely to come into contact with other outdoors cats. All outdoors cats should also be vaccinated for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), which is highly contagious and can be fatal. These are given at the same time as the F3 vaccination but initially require 3 vaccines 2 weeks apart and then annually.

Learn more about our kitten vaccination schedule here.

Adult Cat Vaccination

The immunity from kitten vaccination weakens over time and your cat can again become susceptible to disease. Annual health checks and booster F3/FIV vaccinations will provide the best protection for the life of your pet.

After Vaccination Care

Following vaccination, your dog may be off-colour for a day or two or have some slight swelling or tenderness at the injection site. Access to food and water and a comfortable area to rest are usually all that is required for a quick recovery. However, if the response seems more severe, you should contact us for advice.

Please give us a call on (07) 5522 4566 to discuss a suitable vaccination regime for your pet puppy or dog.

Infectious diseases that we vaccinate cats against

Feline Enteritis (or Feline Panleucopenia)

Feline Enteritis is very contagious and the death rate is high, especially under 12 months of age. Pregnant cats may lose their young or give birth to kittens with abnormalities, quite often with brain damage. Symptoms are depression, loss of appetite, uncontrollable vomiting and diarrhoea, often with blood and severe abdominal pain.

The virus spreads so easily that heavily contaminated areas may need cleaning with a special disinfectant. Cats that do recover may continue to carry the virus for some time and infect other cats.

Feline Respiratory Disease (Cat flu)

In 90% of cases, feline respiratory disease is caused by feline herpes virus (feline rhinotracheitis) and/or feline calicivirus.

Feline respiratory disease affects cats of all ages but especially young kittens, Siamese and Burmese cats. It is highly contagious and causes sneezing, coughing, runny eyes, nasal discharge, loss of appetite and tongue ulcers.

Fortunately, the death rate is low except in young kittens, but the disease is distressing and may persist for several weeks. Recovered cats can continue to carry and spread the infection for long periods and can show signs of the disease again if they become stressed.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

Feline AIDS is a disease caused by infection with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and affects the cat’s immune system. Their natural defence against attack by other diseases may be seriously affected, much in the same way as human AIDS. This disease is not transmissible to humans.

FIV is almost always transmitted by bites from infected cats. The virus that causes the disease is present in saliva. While some infected cats show no sign of disease, others may display initial symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, lethargy and swollen lymph nodes.

As the disease progresses, symptoms may occur such as weight loss, sores in and around the mouth, eye lesions, poor coat and chronic infections.

Eventually, the immune system becomes too weak to fight off other infections and diseases. As a result, the cat may die from one of these subsequent infections.

Unfortunately, in Australia, a lot of cats are infected with this virus.

For any questions concerning vaccinations for your cat or the previously mentioned infectious diseases, contact our team today on (07) 5522 4566.

A black cat with green eyes.

Be a responsible pet owner and vaccinate your pet today.

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