Vaccinations
BREEDERS
Vaccination remains the only scientifically proven way to ensure that your pet does not contract and die from preventable diseases like Parvo, Distemper or Leptospirosis.
An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.
Veterinary Associates recommends vaccination protocols according to manufacturer’s specifications. Our current recommendations are as follows:
Puppies
- 6 weeks – Vanguard 5+
- 9 weeks – Vanguard 5+ & Leptoguard
- 12 weeks – Vanguard 5+, Leptoguard & Bordetella (oral)
- 16 weeks – Vanguard 5+
Adult dogs
Regular vaccination against Parvo, Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Adenovirus, Leptospirosis and oral Bordetella. Intranasal Bordetella (Kennel Cough Vaccine) should be given annually or a month prior to times of greatest risk, i.e. before going to a boarding kennel or dog show or event.
Kittens
- 8 weeks – 1st Herpes, Calici and Feline Infectious Enteritis + 1st Feline AIDS (FIV)
- 12 weeks – 2nd Herpes, Calici and Feline Infectious Enteritis + 2nd Feline AIDS (FIV)
- 16 weeks – 3rd Feline AIDS (FIV)
Feline Leukaemia and Feline Infectious Peritonitis vaccinations are available but are not given routinely due to the low incidence of these diseases in New Zealand.
FIV is transmitted via saliva during a cat fight. Like human HIV, FIV impairs the cat’s immune system & can result in lethargy, fever, gingivitis, abscess’ & a variety of other clinical signs.
Unfortunately, it only takes one bite from an infected cat to contract the virus.
Adult cats
Annual vaccination against Herpes, Calici, Feline Infectious Enteritis & Feline AIDS (FIV) is recommended. We do not routinely vaccinate against feline leukaemia.
Unvaccinated adult cats will need an initial vaccination followed approx. 3-4 weeks later with a booster vaccination. As for kittens these cats will then need a annual booster vaccination.