Recently there has been a lot of discussion amongst veterinarians regarding the best vaccination protocols for cats and dogs. Further studies have been carried out to assess the duration of immunity provided by the vaccines.

We all agree that vaccines should be administered to all animals to protect them against life threatening disease and there are many animals that require further vaccines to help prevent diseases that are a less severe health risk.

Current scientific consensus recommends that adult dogs should be vaccinated for canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus and canine parvovirus every 3 years (C3 vaccine). Dogs living in the city or who have contact with other dogs, should also be vaccinated for parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough vaccine) every year. These 5 components together make up the standard C5 vaccine.

Puppies still require 3 vaccines 4 weeks apart with the final puppy vaccination at 14-16 weeks of age or older. They then require their first booster 12 months later. These vaccines will be a C5 meaning that they include all the components.

What this means for your dog

This means when you receive your reminder for your adult dog’s annual health check and vaccination, your dog may only require a booster for kennel cough. It is important to continue this yearly check up and kennel cough booster to maintain immunity against kennel cough and to identify any problems your dog may have.

Your vaccination record will be filled in and you will be reminded for the following year. Your dog will receive a C5 one year, then 2 years of a kennel cough vaccine only. This vaccination schedule will provide full coverage for kennels.

Every animal’s vaccination protocol should be determined based on its individual requirements and occasionally it is in the patients best interests not to be vaccinated.

Cats

Cats require vaccines for feline enteritis and calicivirus and herpes viruses. Kittens need 3 vaccines 4 weeks apart with the final vaccine being at 14 weeks or older. These vaccines have not been proven to last longer than 12 months so at present we will continue to vaccinate adult cats every year. To be allowed to board at a cattery they are required to have had a vaccine in the previous 12 months.

Depending on their lifestyle we also offer a vaccine for feline immunodeficiency virus which is a disease which is transmitted by fighting.