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Has your pet received its annual vaccination?

Jun 8, 2022 | Kildare Vets News

You look after yourself, so why not your pet? We believe that vaccinations are an important part of protecting your pets from severely harmful, yet preventable diseases and are an essential part of responsible pet care. Dogs, cats and rabbits are susceptible to a number of life-threatening diseases, but scientific advances and the introduction of immunisation has been very effective in reducing the number of cases dramatically. It is tempting to assume that they are no longer a threat to our pets as we hear little about them, but they still do remain a constant danger, meaning the correct vaccination programme is the best way to keep your pet safe.

Bringing your pet in for an annual health examination allows your vet to pick up on any problems be they major or minor. Early diagnosis is important especially in conditions such as diabetes mellitus, heart diseases and cancers. At your pet’s yearly check-up, he or she may also receive a booster vaccination. This vaccination stimulates the immunity provided by their first set of puppy or kitten vaccinations.Most puppies can be vaccinated from 6 weeks of age and kittens should receive their first vaccine at 9 weeks and their second vaccine three to four week later. Dogs and cats should then be vaccinated annually from then on, to ensure protection against a number of serious infectious diseases they may become exposed to. If your older pet has never received vaccinations before, it’s never too late to start. An animal may contract an infectious disease at any age, particularly if their immune system is suppressed due to illness or stress.

Vaccines are safe and effective. They protect your own pet and contribute to the health of the pet population at large.