We offer a variety of different vaccinations which we can tailor for individual circumstances.
DOGS
Our standard vaccinations are for Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza and 2 strains of leptospirosis (L2). We carry 3 separate brands of these vaccinations, to try to prevent the need for puppies to restart a course which has begun elsewhere (Vanguard, Nobivac [also compatible with Canigen] and Canixin). We also carry a small amount of Nobivac L4, although we do not use this as routine, since the 2 extra strains of serovar included are either not present in the UK (1 strain) or this area (the other one) and we see no point in increasing risk without increasing benefit, nor of delaying puppy socialization. We use this mainly in travelling dogs, who may be exposed to the relevant serovars.
Other vaccinations
Kennel Cough – an intranasal vaccine to help prevent or decrease Canine Infectious Bronchitis, which is a disease causing a harsh, dry cough, a bit like a human cold. Most dogs will recover spontaneously, although they can be quite dramatic and distressed by the cough. Occasionally, just like a cold, the infection can progress into a chest infection, in which case antibiotics are required.
Lymes Disease is an unpleasant disease spread by ticks and is prevalent in this area. The most important preventative is tick prophylaxis, however we also can vaccinate against the offending organism, Borrelia, and we highly recommend this.
Herpes vaccine is only really used in breeding bitches, when it is important to prevent puppy problems. We recommend it just before mating and just before whelping for maximum efficacy.
Rabies vaccination is not routinely required in the UK since we are a rabies-free country, however it is required for any travel outside the UK. The rules for this are currently all changing, so please contact us for up to date schedules of treatment if you are intending to travel with your pet. This may take up to 5 months to be fulfilled, so allow plenty of time. See our passport section below also.
Leishmania vaccinations are also not routinely required. We do not have endemic Leishmania in the UK, nor have the sand fly vector present currently. The disease is however spreading in Europe and is endemic around the Mediterranean and Portuguese coasts. If you are travelling to these areas, we highly recommend vaccinating against Leishmania as it is impossible to completely cure once contracted, and is expensive, long term and difficult to treat. The vaccine course takes nearly 3 months, so please contact us early.
CATS
Our standard vaccinations are for cat flu, enteritis and leukaemia (FHV, FCV, FIE, FeLV), and we also vaccinate against Chlamydia where there is likely to be risk – ie in multicat households or in cats going to shows. We prefer to use ‘Purevax’ vaccines as these have a much lower rate of vaccine induced sarcomata, however we also carry Pentofel and a small amount of Nobivac for those cases where a course has been started as it is preferable not to have to totally restart a kitten.
As with dogs, travelling cats need to have rabies vaccinations for going abroad. Please see the passport section and updates once Brexit has finalized for further details.
