Vaccinations

Dogs, Cats and Rabbits are vulnerable to a range of dangerous infectious diseases. These can suddenly appear in an area and spread from pet to pet causing a lot of distress and heartache

Fortunately vaccines are available for a lot of the common diseases that we see. These are usually combined into a single yearly injection giving you piece of mind knowing and making sure your pet is protected.

We don’t want to give vaccines unnecessarily so we tailor vaccination courses according to your pet’s age, lifestyle and certain other risk factors.

Unlike immunisation in people, it is essential to get your pet vaccinated annually as some of the vaccines only last a year. If you are late you may have to start your pet’s course all over again – adding extra cost to your preventative healthcare programme. For this reason that we send all our clients regular reminders through the post, text or e-mail when vaccines are due.

Vaccinations for Dogs

The primary vaccinations for puppies helps to overcome the remaining anti-body protection that they still have from their mothers and ensures reliable protection at an early age. The first vaccination is usually given at 8 weeks old, followed by a second two to four weeks later (no earlier than 10 weeks old), allowing for an early socialisation programme. At the second vaccination appointment we will provide you with your certificate of vaccination.

MetroVet recommends that yearly boosters are obtained to ensure immunisation is up to date.

The team here at MetroVet we can provide the following vaccinations for your dog:

• Parvovirus
• Leptospirosis
• Distemper
• Canine Infectious Hepatitis
• Rabies
• Leishmaniasis
• Herpes vaccination
• Kennel Cough

A full health check is booked for every dog that is having a vaccination to ensure that they are in good health before giving the injection.

Vaccinations for Cats

The primary vaccination course for kittens consists of two injections. As with puppies, kittens will have some protection from their mothers in their bloodstream, which is why a second injection of the vaccine is required to complete immunisation.

Kitten vaccinations start from 8 weeks of age, with the second vaccine administered three weeks after the first. A certificate of vaccination will be provided at the second vaccination appointment.

It is important for annual boosters to be taken to make sure immunity remains effective.

Here at MetroVet we can vaccinate your cat against the following diseases:

• Cat Flu
• Feline Enteritis
• Feline Leukaemia Virus
• Feline Chlamydophila

We can talk you through any type of vaccination that may be required for your cat.

Vaccinations for Rabbits

We recommend that rabbits are vaccinated against myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD).

Previously this would have been administered through two separate injections, however our new rabbit vaccine means that your pet can be protected against myxomatosis and both strains of VHD with just a single injection.

Vaccinations FAQ

Why does my pet need to have vaccinations every 12 months?

Depending on the disease that your pet is being vaccinated against, the period of time that they are protected will differ. Certain diseases, such as leptospirosis in dogs and flu in cats only carry around 12 months protection, which is why a yearly booster is recommended. Even though you pet might be being vaccinated every 12 months, it is not always against the same diseases – your vaccination card will show you which diseases they are getting boosters for each visit.  Visiting us every 12 months for vaccinations also means your pet gets a full annual health check, which is equally important!

Does my pet need to be vaccinated if they live inside?

Although your pet may not go outside, it is still possible for diseases to be brought into the house. This could be via soil on a dirty boot or via other wildlife that could enter the home. Therefore, having full vaccination can provide the protection needed for all circumstances, meaning you don’t have to take the risk.

I have heard that vaccines are risky and to avoid them – is that true?

Any veterinary procedure that is performed can carry some sort of risk, however in the case of vaccinations, it is important to remember that for the majority of pets the benefits of being vaccinated greatly outweighs the risks. Vaccination reactions are rare and where they do occur, they are mostly short-term and mild. Reactions of this nature show that the vaccine is effectively stimulating the immune system. The team at MetroVet are always happy to talk to you about the benefits and risks associated with vaccinating your pet to help identify the most suitable strategy as part of their wider preventative healthcare programme.

With the current COVID restrictions, are you accepting appointments for vaccinations?

We offer a full range of services, read our COVID guidelines for more information.

Are there any schemes or offers to help with covering the cost of my pets’ vaccinations?

MetroVet’s Pet Health for Life plan gives your pet the very best in preventative health. Being a member of the Pet Health for Life provides exceptional value in caring for your pet. The exclusive additional offers, at 10% discount across the board, help keep your pet in perfect condition and are only available to Pet Health for Life members. Find out more about how you can save on your pet’s essential healthcare.