Vaccinations

Vaccinations
Why vaccinate
Vaccination protects animals against various diseases that can cause pain and distress, and that are often fatal. Vaccinating your pet against preventable diseases is a vital part of responsible pet care. By vaccinating your pet you have peace of mind, knowing they are well protected. As well as safeguarding your own pet, it also prevents diseases from being passed onto other animals.

What are vaccinations

Vaccinations contain a harmless form of the virus or bacterium that causes a particular disease. They work by stimulating the bodys natural defence mechanisms. These are then remembered and triggered when the pet comes into contact with the disease for real so protecting the pet.

Primary and booster vaccinations

Pets should receive a primary vaccination course early in life, followed by booster vaccinations. Booster vaccinations are needed because the bodys immune response gradually fades over time. Booster vaccinations are often given every year, depending on the vaccine. The primary vaccination course for cats and dogs varies with the type of vaccine used. The first vaccine can sometimes be given as young as 6 weeks old, with the second usually given 2 to 4 weeks later. Rabbits can usually be vaccinated from about 6 weeks of age.

Which major diseases do vaccines protect against

Meeting other animals

Puppies and kittens should be vaccinated before they mix with other animals outside the home. It is essential for their normal development that they are allowed to socialise with other animals while they are very young, so you should get them vaccinated as soon as possible.

canine distemper canine parvovirus infectious canine hepatitis kennel cough leptospirosis parainfluenza

cat flu feline chlamydia feline infectious enteritis feline leukaemia virus Ask your vet when they can start meeting other animals. Begin to socialise puppies and kittens as soon as its safe to do so.

myxomatosis viral haemorrhagic disease

or Ask your vet f advice on when to vaccinate your pet.

PDSA vets advise Vaccinating your pet against preventable diseases is a vital part of responsible pet care.

Pet insurance products can help protect pet owners from unexpected vets bills. There are many different types of product on the market and policies can vary considerably so it is important to research the market thoroughly for a policy that suits your and your pets needs. PDSA provides its own insurance, and the charity receives vital income for each policy taken out. For a quote from PDSA Petsurance visit www.pdsapetsurance.co.uk or freephone 0800 980 6000 quoting RPC. Calls may be monitored and recorded.
PDSA Trading Limited is an introducer appointed representative of BDML Connect Ltd who administer and arrange the policies. BDML Connect Ltd is registered in England at the Connect Centre, Kingston Crescent, Portsmouth PO2 8QL (Registered No. - 2785540). Policies are underwritten by AXA Insurance UK Plc who are registered in England at 5 Old Broad Street, London EC2N 1AD (Registered No. - 78950). Both BDML Connect Ltd and AXA Insurance UK Plc are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. You can check this information on the FSAs Register by visiting the FSAs website www.fsa.gov.uk/register or by contacting the FSA on 0845 606 1234.

PDSA For pet owners registered at PDSA PetAid hospitals a range of preventive treatments are sold. These include neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, prescription diets, and flea and worm treatments. Leading veterinary charity, PDSA, funds and provides veterinary care to the sick and injured pets of people in need and promotes responsible pet ownership. The charity operates through a UK-wide network of 48 PetAid hospitals and over 350 PetAid practices (contracted private practices). For more information on PDSA and its work and to find out how you can help support the charity by fundraising, volunteering or making a donation: freephone 0800 917 2509 email info@pdsa.org.uk PDSA Head Office, Whitechapel Way, Priorslee, Telford, Shropshire TF2 9PQ
Registered charity nos. 208217 & SC037585
SVA0-0181 The Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals 2010

www.pdsa.org.uk