There are several dangerous diseases which affect dogs, cats and rabbits in the UK. Some are more common than others but all are a potential risk and can be contracted from the environment or from unvaccinated pets.
One of the most positive steps you can take in looking after your pet’s health is to have your pet regularly vaccinated.
Book a vaccination appointment
Vaccination teaches your pet’s immune system how to recognise and defend against certain diseases that are incurable and can be fatal. Vaccinating your pet will give them the best possible protection against many common pet diseases.
Just as with human vaccines, the immunity provided by each vaccine will wane over time.
If you bring your pet into the surgery each year for a routine assessment and vaccination, we will be able to discuss with you which vaccines need to be boosted.
Vaccinating your pet remains the best possible way of protecting your pet against many preventative diseases. We strongly recommend that all pets are regularly vaccinated, starting from when they are puppies and kittens.
All puppies and kittens will have a full health assessment at the time of vaccination. Annual booster vaccinations are vital for both dog and cats following the initial course of vaccines.
When choosing the Park Veterinary Group, we offer the very best of vaccination cover for both puppies and kittens.
Puppies can be vaccinated from 8 weeks of age. A two injection course is given, as standard with other vets, to give protection for early socialisation. We offer the third vaccination against Parvo Virus to puppies aged between 15 and 17 weeks, to ensure your puppy gets maximum protection. The cost of this additional vaccine is covered within the price of the vaccination course. Kittens can be vaccinated from 9 weeks of age and we would recommend that you vaccinate against flu and enteritis (this vaccination is required by catteries for boarding). You can also vaccinate your kitten against leukaemia, and unless your cat is never going to go outdoors, we would recommend you have this vaccination done at the same time as the routine vaccination.
More than just a vaccination…
When vaccinating your pet at the Park Vet Group, we offer these additional benefits:
- A thorough medical assessment, weight check and advice about flea, worms and neutering
- 24 hour Emergency service at the Park Vet Hospital Glenfield, Leicester
- The option to join the Pet Health for Life which allows you to spread the cost of vaccination and also gives savings and benefits on many other procedures and products.
Read more about the Pet Health for Life here.
Puppy Vaccinations
Puppies can be vaccinated from 8 weeks of age. A two injection course is given, as standard with other vets. To give protection against disease and to allow for early socialisation, which is of great benefit for the behaviour development.
We ALSO give a third vaccination to puppies aged between 15 to 17 weeks (the cost of the vaccine is included in the full course vaccination fee) to ensure your puppy has the maximum protection response to the vaccine as recommended by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.
Book a puppy or dog vaccination appointment
Kitten vaccinations
Unless your cat is never going to go outdoors, we recommend that all kittens are vaccinated against, flu, feline enteritis and leukaemia. You can elect to vaccinate just against flu and enteritis. All catteries request that kittens and cats have had the flu and enteritis vaccine before they can be boarded. The vet will give you advice on what would be best for your kitten. Vaccinations for kittens start from 9 weeks of age.
Save £15 with our Kitten Health Plan
Our Kitten Health Plan includes vaccination against flu, enteritis and leukaemia, a course of wormers, neutering and a microchip for a set fee, payable in three instalments. First payment is made at time of the first vaccination, second payment at the second vaccination, and then the remainder is paid at the time of neutering. Ask at reception for more details.
Booster Vaccinations
We always say ‘more than just a booster’ when you vaccinate your pet at the Park Veterinary Group. A booster vaccination will include:
- Health assessment
- Weight check
- Advice on flea/worm treatments
- Option to join the Pet Health for Life
Book a cat or kitten vaccination appointment
Rabbit vaccinations
You can vaccinate your rabbit from 5 weeks of age against Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease. This vaccine requires just one injection and gives your rabbit protection for 12 months.
Myxomatosis is a potentially lethal disease that can affect all rabbits, both domestic pet rabbits and wild rabbits. Vaccination is strongly recommended
When having the vaccination your rabbit will also have a medical assessment.
Book a rabbit vaccination appointment
Vaccinations FAQ
Why does my pet need to have vaccinations every 12 months?
Depending on the disease that your pet is being vaccinated against, the period of time that they are protected will differ. Certain diseases, such as leptospirosis in dogs and flu in cats only carry around 12 months protection, which is why a yearly booster is recommended. Even though you pet might be being vaccinated every 12 months, it is not always against the same diseases – your vaccination card will show you which diseases they are getting boosters for each visit. Visiting us every 12 months for vaccinations also means your pet gets a full annual health check, which is equally important!
Does my pet need to be vaccinated if they live inside?
Although your pet may not go outside, it is still possible for diseases to be brought into the house. This could be via soil on a dirty boot or via other wildlife that could enter the home. Therefore, having full vaccination can provide the protection needed for all circumstances, meaning you don’t have to take the risk.
I have heard that vaccines are risky and to avoid them – is that true?
Any veterinary procedure that is performed can carry some sort of risk, however in the case of vaccinations, it is important to remember that for the majority of pets the benefits of being vaccinated greatly outweighs the risks. Vaccination reactions are rare and where they do occur, they are mostly short-term and mild. Reactions of this nature show that the vaccine is effectively stimulating the immune system.