Vaccinations
At Hanson's we strongly recommend vaccinating against preventable disease. Below are some guidelines on vaccinations, but please contact us to discuss the most appropriate vaccination protocol for your pets.Why is it important to vaccinate my pet?
Vaccines and vaccine protocols are designed and routinely checked by pharmaceutical companies and administered by veterinarians to minimize the frequency of vaccination whilst ensuring that your pet would have adequate protection against these highly contagious diseases should they become exposed to them. Some of these diseases are common or have historically been common and are only controlled if large numbers of dogs and cats in a population are regularly vaccinated.
Vaccines contain modified live or killed viruses or bacteria that do not cause disease. They work in your pet by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies and immunity so that if your pet is exposed to the disease, the body is able to recognise and destroy the disease causing agent.
Recommended Vaccines
Dogs & Puppies
Routine vaccinations
- 1st injection against Distemper, Hepatitis (adenovirus2), Parvovirus and Leptospirosis (i.e. DHPL) at 8 weeks of age.
- 2nd injection repeating DHP 2-4 weeks after the first injection
- 3rd injection repeating Leptospirosis 4 weeks after the first injection
- Your puppy can go outside one week after the 2nd injection.
- If your puppy has received a vaccine at 6 weeks old then it may only require a second vaccine at 10 weeks old.
- One year from the last set of vaccines, and yearly for the rest of your dog’s life, he/she should be given a repeat DHPL booster or a reduced vaccination consisting of Parvovirus and leptospirosis. The most appropriate vaccine will be selected by your vet depending on your pet’s vaccination history.
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough (Bordetella Bronchiseptica) is an optional yearly vaccination administered as a solution up the nose. This is recommended for all dogs at least 2 weeks before going into kennels and for dogs that are walked where there are a high population of dogs in the area.
Rabies
Rabies vaccination is compulsory for all dogs travelling abroad. All of our vets are licensed to administer PET PASSPORTS, please phone the surgery to make an appointment re foreign travel and consult the DEFRA website regarding the PETS travel scheme.
Cats & Kittens
Routine vaccinations
- 1st injection against feline viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopaenia (Tricat) from 9 weeks age.
- 2nd injection of Tricat, 3 weeks later at 12 weeks age.
- If your cat is going to be going outside a vaccination against Feline Leukemia Virus is also recommended with each of these injections.
- Booster vaccinations should be given one year after the 1st set of vaccines and yearly for the rest of your cat’s life.
Rabbits
Rabbits can be protected against Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD) and Myxomatosis virus in a single injection every year from 5 weeks of age. These vaccinations are especially important if your rabbit is housed outside where they may be exposed to biting insects and other rabbits.
After a recent outbreak of RHD2 we can now vaccinate against this strain of the illness. This vaccine has to be given at least 2 weeks after the standard vaccine.