Vaccination schedule for puppies and kittens

Vaccinations are crucial to protect pets against serious diseases, some of which can be transferred to humans. And when it comes to vaccinating your pets against these diseases, it’s a case of the sooner the better!

Puppies and kittens should have their first inoculations at 6 weeks, followed by booster shots to ensure full protection. Thereafter, you should take your pet to the vet at least once a year for re-vaccination and a thorough health check.

During the examination your pet will be weighed and physically examined to make sure all is well. Your vet will take their temperature, check their heart and lungs, coat, teeth, gums, eyes and ears – after which they’ll be given booster vaccinations as required.

Vaccinations for dogs

Vaccinations for cats

Why is sticking to a vaccination schedule so important?

Just like humans, dogs and cats are vulnerable to a number of serious and fatal diseases. Here are some of the most serious diseases:

Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system, leading to progressive and fatal inflammation of the brain. Once symptoms appear, the disease is incurable in both animals and humans. Rabies is spread through the saliva of infected animals, usually through bites or open wounds.

Symptoms include change in behaviour (aggressive animals may become passive and vice versa), excessive saliva (caused by the animal’s inability to swallow) and, in the end, difficulty in walking, disorientation, seizures and paralysis.

Owing to the seriousness of the disease, owners who fail to inoculate their pets may be liable to prosecution by the State. If you cannot afford to take your pet to a private vet, please call your nearest SPCA or make use of mobile state vet services.

Canine Distemper

Highly contagious among dogs – but not cats or humans – this virus spreads through mucus discharged from the eyes and nostrils. It’s an extremely serious disease and difficult to treat. So if your dog gets it, he or she will probably die. Even if they survive, there may be permanent damage to the central nervous system.

Symptoms include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea and difficulty in breathing. In the final stages, the dog may have seizures and paralysis.

Parvovirus

Parvovirus can be deadly, especially to puppies and young dogs that have not been vaccinated. The virus is highly contagious and is spread by contact with infected faeces or virus-contaminated surfaces. It can live on your dog’s paws or fur, and even on your own hands and clothing. From there, it can be transferred to surfaces in your home or garden, where it can survive for months – even years.

Symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and severe, bloody diarrhoea. If left untreated, the dog is likely to die. If you suspect parvo, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.

Infected pups should be isolated from healthy pups. All contaminated bedding, and surfaces need to be sanitised with bleach or a specialised veterinary cleaner to prevent re-infection.

Feline panleukopaenia virus (FPV), is a member of the same family as canine parvovirus. It affects kittens, typically charaterised by depression, loss of appetite, high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and consequently severe dehydration.

Prevention is vital and highly effective vaccines are available to help protect cats against this virus.

Kennel Cough (Parainfluenza Virus)

A variety of highly contagious viruses and bacteria are involved in canine cough. It is often found when dogs are in close proximity to each other, hence the popular name, ‘kennel cough’.

Although not usually fatal, the virus can lead to serious conditions such as broncho-pneumonia in puppies and bronchitis in older dogs. It is spread through aerosol droplets and contact with infected surfaces. Symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose, loss of appetite and a loud, dry cough.

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis or Snuffles

This serious upper respiratory infection is contagious and often fatal. Even if your cat recovers, he or she will remain a carrier for life. Snuffles symptoms include discharge from the nose and eyes, sneezing and fever.

Feline Calicivirus

Vaccination for this disease is crucial. It is similar to snuffles in that it affects the upper respiratory tract. There are a number of different strains of the disease. Some cause visible symptoms while others don’t. All strains are spread through bodily fluids and are extremely contagious.

Symptoms can range from mild to serious, and may include, fever, pneumonia, tongue blisters and ulcers. Treatment is difficult and even if your cat recovers, they may be left with chronic sneezing, gum disease and runny eyes. They will also be at risk of infecting other cats.

Feline Leukaemia or FeLV

Feline leukemia is a common disease that spreads easily among cats. It destroys your pet’s white blood cells, leading to a compromised immune system and making your cat susceptible to other infections, cancer and death.

Your cat may carry and transmit this virus for months or even years before showing any signs or symptoms. Symptoms include pale or inflamed gums, weight loss, poor coat condition, diarrhoea and chronic skin, eye, respiratory or urinary tract infections.
Unvaccinated cats are extremely vulnerable to contracting this disease, so kittens should be vaccinated as early as possible.

Deworming

Along with keeping your pet’s vaccinations up to date, don’t forget regular deworming. Kittens and puppies under 3 months are treated every 2 weeks. then every month from 3-6 months of age and thereafter every 3 months.

Don’t forget to protect your pets against parasites like ticks and fleas as well. Carefully read instructions to make sure the treatment is suitable for the type of pet and its age.