Vaccination is still one of the most useful forms of preventative medicine. Young animals are most susceptible to disease and early immunisation will save lives. Early protection also allows earlier socialisation. Mixing with other pets at a young age can help avoid a lot of behavioural problems.

UK licensed vaccines that are available for common pets include Dogs, Cats and Rabbits and Ferrets.

There have been a lot of changes recently in the ages when vaccination can be started and the duration of protection with some vaccines. The section below gives information at the time of writing but expect changes.

Vaccination is a good time to take the opportunity to microchip your pet.

Puppies and Dogs

Conventional approach: A first puppy vaccine from 8 weeks old and a second vaccine 2 weeks later with puppy allowed to mix with others 1 week after that. Annual boosters.

In adult dogs and dogs over 12 weeks either unvaccinated or where vaccines have lapsed then a DHPPiL and a second Parainfluenza and Leptospirosis vaccine (PiL) given 2-4 weeks later. The DHP components are licensed for 3 years and PiL for 1 year.

Full explanation: Conventional vaccination UK includes Distemper, Viral Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza virus and Leptospirosis (DHPPiL). Some manufacturers add a Coronavirus vaccine in with these 'core' vaccines but it's validity is subject to argument.

A puppy receives immunity from it's mother, mostly through the first milk. Where puppy may have been deprived or bottle fed or where there are higher risks there is an argument for vaccinating earlier. Parvovirus vaccine is licensed from 4 weeks of age. Early vaccination may be blocked and that is why a second vaccine is used conventionally. When using very early vaccination there may be an argument for using three sets or starting with DHPPiL from 6 weeks but giving the second dose at 10wks. These are matters for individual patient discussion. One year later a DHPPiL is the licensed recommendation at which point DHP is then valid for three years and the PiL annually

Kennel Cough: Parainfluenza is part of the Kennel cough complex and usually given with a combined Bordatella vaccine as nose-drops for risk situations (such as kennels).

Rabies vaccines: Usually used from 3 mths of age as a single dose licensed for three years. It is possible to start vaccination as young as 4 weeks but then repeating that vaccine completing at 3 mths or older.

Herpesvirus: This is available for some breeding situations.

Babesia: This is not a UK problem at the time of writing but warmer summers and Pets on foreign holidays make this a consideration for the future and for Dogs going to Mediterranean countries now.

Tetanus: Might be considered where dogs are at higher risk - with horses or on farms.

Other vaccines: Not licensed in the UK at this time include Lymes disease.

Kittens and Cats

Conventional approach: A first kitten vaccine from 9 weeks old with a second dose 3 weeks later and then an annual booster. For overdue or unvaccinated cats then two doses 3 weeks apart and annual boosters.

Full explanation: Conventional vaccination UK includes Panleukopaenia, Herpesvirus, Calicivirus and Feline Leukaemia virus vaccinations. Nobivac Forcat includes a Chlamydophila vaccine too.

Currently the Panleukopaenia component is licensed for 3 years and the other parts for 1 year. This is due for imminent re-licensing according to rumour.

Bordatella: This vaccine is given as nose-drops from 1 month old. We haven't recognised any significant problems in our area with Bordatella in cats and we remain alert.

Other vaccines: Not licensed in the UK at this time include Feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIP) and Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).

Rabbits

Conventional approach: A vaccination against Myxomatosis from 6 weeks of age. The duration of immunity is arguable with UK risk time highest in late summer through the winter. It may be best to give this vaccine in May or June or in risk situations to give it 6-monthly. Viral Haemorrhagic Disease as a single dose from 2.5 - 3 mths old - annual boosters.

Ferrets

Ferrets are very susceptible to Canine Distemper. In the UK there is no licensed Ferret vaccine although these do exist abroad. There is an 'off-label' indication for using some brands of Canine Distemper vaccine in ferrets in the UK.

Other Animals

We are a small animal, pet, practice but those clients with pet poultry may want to consider some of the vaccine available for those species. Anyone with pet Mink?

Vaccines

Puppies and Dogs

Kittens and Cats

Rabbits

Ferrets

Other Animals

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