Pet Vaccinations
At Vetcare Limited, we emphasise ongoing pet vaccinations as a crucial step in protecting your companions against various illnesses.
Pet Vaccinations in Leigh, Hindley, and Bolton
Vaccinations prepare your pet’s immune system to recognise and combat harmful pathogens. By introducing a harmless version of a virus or bacteria, vaccines teach your pet’s body to respond quickly and effectively should they ever encounter a real threat. This process helps prevent diseases that could otherwise cause serious illness or even prove fatal.
Pet Vaccinations
In the past, many dogs, cats, and rabbits succumbed to a range of awful diseases that we see far less of nowadays thanks to vaccination. Ask any older pet owner and they will remember parvovirus and distemper epidemics.
We now routinely vaccinate all puppies from 6 to 8 weeks of age, kittens from 9 weeks of age, and rabbits from 8 weeks of age to protect them from those same diseases. You will not only be protecting them but also all the pets in your locality. Where people don’t vaccinate or keep up to date with vaccines, we still see outbreaks of these diseases which are often fatal. Some of the diseases (such as Leptospirosis) are zoonotic and can affect people, too.
We write to all pets each year to invite them for their annual health check and booster vaccination. If your pet is overdue, book an appointment today to ensure they are protected.
Many people ask questions about the need for vaccines, the frequency they must be given, and potential side effects. We believe that many vaccines are not only essential for your pet to prevent life-threatening or serious diseases but are also imperative to protect humans and the pet community generally. We do not agree with over-vaccination, so we adjust vaccine protocols and recommendations based on manufacturer data sheets, the endemic situation, and currently available data. For example, we give leptospirosis vaccines to dogs annually but parvovirus every 2 years (or every 3 if you are regularly within 12 months of your last vaccination).
The risks associated with vaccination are small. More common side effects include soreness at the vaccination site for a few days, lethargy, mild diarrhoea, swelling at the vaccine site, and allergic reactions (the latter within minutes or hours of vaccination). Most of these side effects are rare and have to be balanced against the benefit given by the vaccine. If you wish to discuss vaccinations for your pet further, then the vet will happily answer any questions when you are next in.
We routinely recommend the vaccination of dogs against Parvovirus, Distemper Virus, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Parainfluenza Virus, and Leptospirosis. We protect cats against the two cat influenza viruses (Herpes and Calici) and the Feline Leukaemia Virus.
We also have Kennel Cough (an intra-nasal vaccine against Bordetella — one of several organisms that can cause a debilitating respiratory infection) for dogs. Previously, we have given this to dogs going into kennels whilst you are on holiday (most good Boarding Kennels insist on it). We see Kennel Cough commonly and now recommend the vaccine for all dogs who spend time with other dogs.
Many people want to take their pets abroad, for example, to travel in the European Union. This often involves being vaccinated for rabies and having paperwork done. The pet must also have an Identification Chip fitted.
Veterinary Services in Leigh, Bolton and Hindley
Pet Vaccinations
Pet Health Care Plan
Pet Parasites
Pet Radiology
Pet US Scan
Pet Dental Care
Pet Neutering
Nurse Clubs