Point Cook Vet Reveals: When, How and Where to Vaccinate Your Pet to Ensure a Longer, Healthier and Happier Life

VICTORIA, Australia October 2014 – Parvovirus, a highly contagious life-threatening viral illness that affects the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular systems of canines, frequently breaks out in dogs that haven’t been vaccinated against it. Even with aggressive treatment, pups and adult dogs may not survive once infected. Like Parvovirus, Feline AIDS (FIV) is a highly transmittable virus, and can result in rapid death for kittens.* But both viruses can be completely avoided with the administration of an appropriate vaccine.

According to Point Cook vet, Dr. Karen Davies, unvaccinated pets aren’t always the consequence of owners choosing not to protect their animals against disease, virus and illness. Instead quite often, owners aren’t aware of the simple vaccinations against viruses like Parvovirus and FIV that can ensure the health of their dog or cat. “Despite treatment, animals still risk a 30 to 70 per cent chance of fatality from Parvovirus, so the cost of prevention is insignificant compared to the amount of money that can be spent trying to save your puppy,” Dr. Karen says.

“Unfortunately, Australia also has one of the highest rates of the Feline AIDS infection worldwide. Usually spread by saliva during grooming or cat fights, Feline AIDS is also a terrible virus that can be completely and easily prevented with a simple vaccination.” www.directvetservices.com.au

Dr. Karen Davies, the veterinary manager at Direct Vet Services, says the easiest and cheapest way to avoid infection or illness in pets is for owners to vaccinate and prevent the virus or disease.

Dog owners should be aware that a pup will need follow up vaccinations after the initial one from the breeder (at 6 to 8 weeks) at 12 weeks and again at 16 weeks (pups need to wait 10 to 12 days after this vaccination before socialising with other dogs).

As the 16 week vaccination prevents puppies from socialising at a time vital to their social development, Direct Vet Services offers the option of a different type of puppy vaccine at 10 to 12 weeks of age. “This vaccine acts differently with the immune system to allow socialisation 10 to 12 days afterwards,” says Dr. Karen. “These puppy vaccines all protect against Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Distemper and, for owners wondering about the Kennel Cough vaccine, puppies will receive protection for that through this vaccine too.”

After the completion of the puppy vaccination schedule at 16 weeks, dogs should be immunised with the C5 vaccine every year. It protects against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Bordetella, Kennel Cough and Parainfluenza.

Similar to puppies, kitten vaccinations begin at six to eight weeks with an F3 that protects against Cat Flu and Feline Panleukaemia. This vaccination needs to be repeated at 12 weeks, 16 weeks and annually onwards. Owners should also consider the FIV vaccine, to protect their cat against Feline AIDS. “Feline AIDS affects approximately 25 per cent of cats with outdoor access in the Melbourne area. It causes symptoms similar to human aids and shortens a cat’s life significantly after contracting the virus,” Point Cook vet Dr. Karen says.

“Feline Leukaemia causes leukemic cancers in one to three per cent of cats. Their expected life span once infected is between two and five years. Both of these vaccines are recommended for cats with outdoor access.”

But dogs and cats aren’t the only household pets that require preventative medical attention annually. Even uncommon exotic pets need vaccinations to maintain their health and prolong their lifespan. “Rabbits need annual vaccinations for Calici virus from 12 weeks of age. Ferrets need vaccinations twice when they’re babies, and from then on annually,” Dr. Karen says. “Owners need to also keep in mind that ferrets can contract human colds and influenza, so it’s really important to limit pet handling when you have a head cold or respiratory infection.” www.directvetservices.com.au

Direct Vet Services offers discounts for two or more pets presented for vaccination. They also provide breeder discounts for litters of three or more for puppies and kittens, to get them on the right path from the very beginning.

Direct Vet Services client Sarah Absolom says, “Karen has been our Vet for well over a decade. I would never, never, never take my pets anywhere else!”

To learn more about the exotic pet, kitten and puppy vaccination schedule, visit www.directvetservices.com.au.
 
Source:
*http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/west/cat-owners-urged-to-get-their-pets-vaccinated-after-outbreak-of-deadly-feline-parvovirus/story-fngnvmj7-1226865046060?nk=a8f98ca14753b1a521b9931ce5002779

Contact Information

Dr Karen Davies

Veterinary Manager

Direct Vet Servies

(61) (03) 9369 1822

directvetservices@bigpond.com