Vaccinations
Why vaccinate
Dogs and cats become part of our families. They make us smile, laugh and sometimes even cry. These special family additions want your love and attention. Some dogs may want more attention than most cats but they all look to you to take care of them. Taking care of furry family members includes taking care of their health. There are real and life threatening viruses that your pet can contract. Preventive treatment is better than reactive treatment, this is especially true with viruses that have serious effects or even without cure.
Core and non-core vaccinations
The core vaccinations fight viruses which are an ongoing problem in New Zealand, and given to all dogs and cats. The core vaccinations protect your pet from serious illnesses. There is more information on the specific viruses and the symptoms on our website in our dog vaccinations or cat vaccinations pages.
Non-core vaccinations
Depending on where you live in New Zealand, your pets movements and whether or not you intend to travel will determine the need for non-core vaccinations. Crofton Down Veterinary clinic has world class vets that will advise you based on your circumstances.
When to vaccinate
When a kitten or a pup is still suckling they will have protection from the antibodies in their Mom’s milk. Antibodies start to wear off after weaning. This leaves the furbaby at risk of contracting viruses. Vaccinations generally start between 6-8 weeks of age depending on when suckling stops.
Breeders need to provide all the relevant details to pass on to your vet. The information helps to set up a vaccination schedule. Shelters and animal rescue organisations are not always able to give you the full history of an animal. In these cases, your vet can advise on the best course of action. Complete physical exams are carried out before every vaccination. After the vet is happy that your bundle of furry joy is healthy they will administer the necessary vaccinations.
For details on the schedules for vaccination please see our detailed dog vaccinations and cat vaccinations pages.
What is a vaccination
Vaccinations are used to promote the development of antibodies against diseases. The polio virus was a serious problem for humans, before the vaccination was created. Thanks to the antibodies created due to the vaccines, polio has been eradicated in most parts of the world. Dogs and cats have their own deadly diseases we need to prepare their bodies to fight.
Scientifically modified versions of a virus is introduced into the system of your pet. It triggers the immune system to create the proteins known as antibodies. These proteins protect your animal from certain viruses.
Are vaccines safe
We take every precaution to make sure that your pet is safe and comfortable, it is our top priority. Of course nothing is completely risk free. The vet will answer all your questions and address any concerns you have. Only animals that are in a good state of health will get an inoculation. The vet may reschedule if your four-legged loved one shows signs of illness or fatigue.
There are some minor side effects to look for when you take your little one home. They will be a little lethargic, may run a slight fever, and discomfort or slight swelling at the injection site and this is nothing to worry about. If symptoms persist or seem more than you expect reach out to your vet.
As a pet owner you want to make sure that your pet is happy and healthy. Vaccines are simply modified versions of the virus. The modified version is used to stimulate antibodies to fight the disease, but not able to cause disease in your pet. These antibodies enable your cat to fight off the disease if they ever come in contact with it again.
Sometimes there can be mild symptoms from the body producing antibodies e.g. mild flu like symptoms, but this is nothing compared to actually catching the virus.
Vaccine reactions are extremely rare.
Cat vaccinations
Bringing a new kitten into your home does come with certain responsibilities. Furbaby parents have to make sure that their kitten is taken care of and stays healthy. Kittens cannot take care of themselves so you will need to take care of them.
Why vaccinate?
Indoor and outdoor cats need to be vaccinated. Vaccinations keep your pet safe from contagious diseases. Not only do they keep your animal safe, it keeps your family safe too. You have to vaccinate to make sure that your kitten stays happy and healthy for a long time to come.
At Croftdon Downs Vet Clinic we will help you make sure that your feline friend, regardless of age, is up to date with their vaccinations and keep them up to date. In New Zealand there are mandatory vaccinations to ensure the safety of the overall cat population.
Types of cat vaccinations
There are two types of vaccinations that your vet needs to administer to your kitty. Core and non-core vaccinations.
Core vaccinations:
These are vaccinations that every cat needs, regardless of area they live in and whether they are an indoor or outdoor cat. Core vaccinations are given to all breeds of cats; to keep them safe from serious and contagious diseases. The core vaccinations are for the following infections and diseases:
- Feline Herpesvirus also known as FVH-1 – is a virus which causes infections in your cat’s respiratory tract. This potentially turns into pneumonia which can be fatal. Cats with the FVH- 1 virus spread the infection through contact and surface sharing. The FVH – 1 virus is not transferable to dogs or humans.
- Feline panleukopenia – which is abbreviated to FPV. FPV goes under 2 more names: feline distemper or feline parvovirus. This virus is life-threatening and it is contagious to other cats. Feline panleukopenia is commonly spread through the contact of infected faeces. If your cat comes into contact with the infected poop and gets sick they will become lethargic, not show an interest in food, vomit and have diarrhoea. Kittys will also show signs of a fever. FPV is often fatal and can be difficult to treat.
- Feline Calicivirus known as FCV – This virus causes cold-like symptoms in your cat. They will begin to sneeze, cough and run a fever. Though the symptoms sound mild this virus can cause serious health complications and can even be fatal. This virus is serious to felines but does not threaten the health of humans.
Non-core vaccinations:
These are vaccinations that will be administered on advice from your vet. At Crofton Downs Veterinary Clinic our vets will advise you on any non-core vaccinations required for your furbaby. The vaccinations in this category are:
- Rabies – rabies is no longer a core vaccination in New Zealand, because we are a proudly rabies free country.You will however need to vaccinate your cat against rabies if you plan to travel internationally with your cat.
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) – can lead to Feline Aids which compromises your cat’s immune system. This virus is spread through saliva, often in deep puncture wounds. Thus it is often recommended for fighting cats
Kitten vaccination schedule
Below is a guideline on when to vaccinate your kitten, these are the recommended schedules to follow. The vet will give your kitten a thorough examination before administering any vaccination to ensure the cat is healthy.
- 8 weeks, the first of the core vaccinations are given.
- 12 weeks your kitten will receive its first booster shot.
- 16 weeks final booster injection.
- After that your cat will need a booster shot every 1 to 3 years. It will all depend on the actual product used.
Depending on when your pet received injections with the breeder, this program may need to be modified slightly.
If you adopt a mature rescue cat, or if your cat has missed any of its booster shots, make an appointment as soon as you can with the vet to make sure your cat gets protected.
Dog vaccinations
Keep your dog healthy
Dogs are phenomenal pets. It doesn’t matter if you get a puppy or a more mature rescue dog. Furry friends return the love and affection you give them, with bonding time helping you destress as well. Pets are great for your mental and emotional well being as well as being wonderful company. Big or small, fluffy or smooth our dogs become part of our family. That is why it is important to keep them healthy by keeping their vaccinations up to date.
Why you should vaccinate?
There are several life-threatening diseases that are preventable through the administration of vaccines. Veterinarians use vaccines to prevent the spread and severity of deadly diseases. We want our dogs to be with us for a long time, and have the best quality of life, which is why vaccines are so important.
What are vaccinations?
Vaccinations are a modified form of a specific disease or a combination of diseases. Synthetically modified versions of the vaccine are injected into your healthy dog. The dog’s immune system then creates antibodies to the vaccinated diseases. Vaccinated canines that come into contact with the disease have the tools to effectively fight the otherwise deadly viruses.
Types of dog vaccinations
There are two types of vaccines, the core vaccines and non-core vaccines. Crofton Down Vets are experts and will advise you which of the non-core vaccines, if any your dog will require.
Core vaccinations
Core vaccinations are important for every dog. They protect your puppy and adult dog from these viruses:
- Canine Distemper – a difficult virus to treat, but fortunately is well under control in New Zealand thanks to vaccinations. Canine distemper presents with lethargy, fever, neurological problems – such as seizures, imbalance and unresponsiveness. The virus attacks the animals’ lungs too.
- Parvovirus – the virus is spread by dogs coming into contact with infected stool. Vaccines are proven to help prevent the spread of the virus, which is good thing because it is a resilient virus. Symptoms of canine parvovirus are bloody diarrhoea, lack of appetite, vomiting and nausea and lack of energy and interest. The virus attacks the gastronomical tract and is highly contagious. Puppies are highly susceptible and Parvo has a high fatality rate.
- Canine Adenovirus – which is also called Infectious Canine Hepatits is contracted by contact with infected saliva, urine or faeces. Canine Adenovirus has two distinct strands type I and type II. Type I attacks organs like the liver and kidneys. This strain is fatal if untreated. Type II attacks the respiratory tract of your dog. Vaccinating against Type II Canine Adenovirus protects your pet from both types.
- Parainfluenza – has similar symptoms to kennel cough, and is linked to causing kennel cough but it is not the same. Parainfluenza can lead to pneumonia in puppies or chronic bronchitis in older dogs. The mucus secretions of infected dogs spread the virus. Dogs with parainfluenza cough persistently, likely develop a fever, have a runny nose and are lethargic. Your dog may experience difficulty in breathing normally. The symptoms are much the same as you having a really bad cold. Generally parainfluenza is not life threatening but it is part of the core vaccinations because it is highly contagious.
Non-core vaccinations
Crofton Down Veterinarians will guide you regarding what non-core vaccinations. These are vaccinations that only certain dogs will need, the need depends on location, contact with other animals and the amount of strays in your area. Your travel habits will have an impact on what vaccinations your dog requires too.
- Kennel Cough – Kennel cough vaccines help protect social dogs, or dogs that go to puppy school or to kennels from airborne bacteria. This virus which spreads easily, especially in a place where there are a lot of dogs causes a dry persistent cough, a low-grade fever, sneezing and can cause a runny nose. Kennel cough is treatable but symptoms can last for weeks.
- Leptospirosis – depending on your geographical location your dog could be required to get the vaccination for this life-threatening virus. Leptospirosis affects numerous organs including the kidney and the liver. The virus spreads through contact with infected urine. Dogs become sleepy and lethargic, can show signs of jaundice, don’t want to eat, start to vomit and have diarrhoea if they become infected.
- Rabies – though we are fortunate to have no active rabies cases in New Zealand, people coming to New Zealand with a pet or leaving New Zealand have to have their dogs vaccinated against this deadly virus. Rabies spreads by getting bitten or scratched by an infected animal.
Puppy vaccination schedule
Below is a guideline on when to vaccinate your puppy, these are the recommended schedules to follow. The vet will give your puppy a thorough examination before administering any vaccination to ensure the cat is healthy.
- 8 weeks, the first of the core vaccinations are given.
- 12 weeks your puppy will receive its first booster shot.
- 16 weeks final booster injection.
- After that your dog will need a booster shot every 1 to 3 years. It will all depend on the actual product used.
Depending on when your pet received injections with the breeder, this program may need to be modified slightly.
If you adopt a mature rescue dog, or if your dog has missed any of its booster shots, make an appointment as soon as you can with the vet to make sure your dog gets protected.
