Why vaccinate?
Our pets are susceptible to numerous contagious diseases that can result in serious veterinary care or, in some cases, can be life-threatening! But there’s no need to worry! Vaccinations are here to come to the rescue! The Kibbles team is ready to assist you in understanding how vaccinations offer your pet the ultimate protection.
What’s a vaccination and how does it work?
Getting your pet vaccinated usually involves a tiny injection at the back of their neck, the kennel cough vaccine is a few drop of liquid squirted up the nose. These injections prepare and strengthen their immune systems, warding off nasty diseases. Baby animals start off with some immunity from mama, but as they grow, that immunity fades. Without those vaccinations, they’re at risk of getting really sick!
Diseases we vaccinate against in cats:
- Feline Herpesvirus and Feline Calicivirus
These sneaky viruses team up to create the dreaded “cat flu,” symptoms include watery eyes and nose. Once your furry friend catches these viruses, they might just lay dormant, hiding for years, popping back to life during stressful moments.
- Feline Infectious Enteritis
This nasty bug mimics the parvovirus in pups, including severe bloody diarrhoea. Yikes!
- Feline Leukaemia Virus
This virus is super contagious, spreading through cat brawls or grooming. Symptoms can vary, but you might see your kitty losing their appetite or weight.
Diseases we vaccinate against in rabbits:
- Myxomatosis
A notorious disease among rabbits, this virus travels in on the fleas from wild rabbits. Symptoms include puffy eyelids, noses, and even some unfortunate parts down below, leading to a slow decline over days.
- Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease
This situation is serious, frequently leading to sudden death within just 1 to 3 days after contracting the virus. It’s quite the swift farewell!
Diseases we vaccinate against in dogs:
- Canine Distemper
A super contagious virus that shows up with runny noses, watery eyes, and patients can even present with seizures. Some pups might also end up with tough, thick foot pads.
- Infectious Canine Hepatitis
This liver attacking disease brings on jaundice and possible seizures, and some dogs might develop a characteristic symptom “Blue eye.”
- Parvo Virus
Particularly tragic for young puppies, this virus causes brutal vomiting and diarrhoea and can be a real heartbreaker… literally!
- Leptospirosis
Think of it as the canine version of Weil’s Disease, affecting the liver and kidneys showing symptoms such as jaundice and sickness. It comes from contaminated water and other infected mammals, like rats.
- Infectious Canine Tracheobronchitis
Better known as “kennel cough,” this virus can strike even dogs that have never stepped foot in a kennel. Look out for that harsh cough—it might just escalate into pneumonia!
When’s the perfect time for a vaccinations?
Well, the immunity from mamma starts to fade around 7-8 weeks! The Kibbles crew is here to help you get he the timing right for your furry friend’s vaccination schedule. Some patients we see will need their initial vaccinations, this is two injections spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart. And don’t forget those boosters—due every 12 to 36 months to keep your pet covered with that lifelong protection!
