Vaccinating your puppy is one of the most important things to do in your first few weeks as a dog owner. Regular vaccinations help puppies grow into dogs who remain free of infectious diseases, and also prevents them from passing nasty diseases on to other animals.
When puppies need to be vaccinated?
Puppies are typically vaccinated at eight and ten weeks (although they can be vaccinated as early as four-six weeks) with the second dose usually being given two to four weeks later. Speak to your vet about the best timings.
Your puppy will then require a booster vaccination at 6 or 12 months. As your puppy grows into an adult dog it’s important to ensure you visit the vet and keep your dog’s vaccinations up to date.
The diseases they protect against:
- Canine distemper
- Canine parvovirus
- Kennel cough
- Leptospirosis
- Parainfluenza
Who can vaccinate my dog?
When you first get your puppy or adult dog, the first thing you should do is register with your local vets who will be able to carry out the vaccinations your pets needs. Your vet is always the best source of information on the vaccinations and treatments your new family member will need.
Cost of puppy vaccinations
The costs can vary depending on what vaccines are given and when. But the costs are usually far less than treatment for the diseases they prevent.
What if I rehomed my puppy from a charity or animal home?
If you adopt a puppy or dog from us, we’ll have already given them initial vaccinations. That’s one of the reasons we charge an adoption fee when we rehome an animal. You should still register with your vet, and talk to them about additional vaccines in the future.
Vaccinating cats and kittens
Vaccinations help to protect your cat from severe infectious diseases. It also prevents them from passing anything nasty on to other animals in your area. Vaccinating your kitten is one of the most important things you should do in your first few weeks as a cat owner.
When should kittens be vaccinated?
Your kitten will need two sets of vaccinations to get them started – their first set at nine weeks old and a second booster set at three months old. After this, kittens and cats usually need ‘booster’ vaccinations once a year. Until your kitten is fully vaccinated (and neutered), you should keep him or her inside.
What diseases can vaccinations protect against?
Cats are commonly vaccinated against:
- Cat flu (feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus)
- Feline infectious enteritis
- Feline leukaemia virus
Your vet can advise which vaccinations your cat or kitten will need to help protect them from infectious diseases. When you get your kitten or adult cat, one of the first things you should do is register them with a local vet, who will be able to carry out the vaccinations your cat needs.
How much do cat vaccinations cost?
Speak to your vet to see if they offer a health care plan for your pet. These allow you to spread the cost of preventative veterinary treatment, such as regular health checks, annual vaccinations and flea and worm treatments.
How long are vaccinations effective?
Some vaccines are given as booster injections every year. Your vet will give you a vaccination record, which you’ll need to keep safe.
What if I adopted my kitten – will they be vaccinated?
If you adopt a kitten or cat from us, they will be vaccinated before they leave our care. That’s one of the reasons we charge an adoption fee when we rehome an animal.
Some kittens may be rehomed before they’re ready for their second set of vaccinations. If this is the case, we’ll let you know and may arrange for you and your kitten to come back at a later date. Otherwise, you can make arrangements with your local vet.
If you’re looking to buy a cat from a breeder, please make sure you see the mother in their home environment. Never arrange to collect an animal from a layby / carpark.
