Vaccinations

Pet Vaccinations

Vaccinations are an important part of keeping your pet healthy and protected throughout their life. They help protect dogs and cats against a number of serious infectious diseases, some of which can cause severe or life-threatening illness.

At Macarthur Vet Group, we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to vaccination. Our vets consider your pet’s age, health, lifestyle and individual risk factors when recommending which vaccinations they need and when they should receive them.

More than just a vaccination

A vaccination appointment is also an opportunity to check in on your pet’s overall health.

Before vaccinating your pet, one of our vets will perform a health check and talk with you about how they’ve been going at home. It’s a great time to mention any changes you’ve noticed or ask questions about their health, behaviour, diet, parasite prevention or general wellbeing.

Once your vet is happy that your pet is well enough to be vaccinated, they’ll recommend and administer the vaccinations appropriate for them.

Puppy and kitten vaccinations

Puppies and kittens need a series of vaccinations during their first few months of life while their immune systems are developing.

The protection they receive when they’re young doesn’t necessarily last for life. As your pet grows and ages, further vaccinations may be recommended to maintain protection against important infectious diseases.

Your vet will advise you on an appropriate vaccination schedule based on your puppy or kitten’s age, previous vaccinations and individual circumstances.

If you’ve recently welcomed a puppy or kitten and aren’t sure what vaccinations they’ve already received, bring along any vaccination records or paperwork you have and we can help work out what they need next.

Dog vaccinations

Vaccination helps protect dogs against several important infectious diseases, including canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis (adenovirus) and infectious bronchitis, commonly known as kennel cough.

Some infectious diseases remain a particular concern in the Macarthur and Campbelltown region.

Canine parvovirus

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that can affect dogs of any age but can be particularly serious in puppies and unvaccinated dogs.

It affects the intestinal tract and can cause severe vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and dehydration. Dogs with parvovirus can become very unwell and may require intensive veterinary treatment and hospitalisation.

The virus can also persist in the environment, meaning dogs don’t necessarily need direct contact with an infected dog to be exposed.

Vaccination is an important part of protecting dogs against parvovirus.

Infectious bronchitis (kennel cough)

Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory disease involving a number of infectious organisms and commonly causes a persistent, harsh or hacking cough.

Despite the name, dogs don’t have to stay in a kennel to be exposed. Respiratory infections can spread wherever dogs come into close contact with one another.

Vaccination may therefore be recommended for dogs that go to boarding kennels, doggy daycare, training classes, dog parks, grooming facilities or regularly socialise with other dogs.

Your vet can advise whether kennel cough vaccination is appropriate for your dog and lifestyle.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can affect dogs and can also infect people. Exposure can occur through contact with infected animal urine or contaminated environments.

The level of risk can vary depending on where you live and your dog’s lifestyle, so vaccination against leptospirosis may be recommended for some dogs.

If you’re unsure whether your dog may be at risk, speak with one of our vets.

Cat vaccinations

Vaccination is just as important for cats and helps protect them against a number of infectious diseases.

The vaccinations recommended for your cat will depend on factors such as their age, health, vaccination history and lifestyle, including whether they live entirely indoors or spend time outdoors.

Kittens require an initial course of vaccinations, followed by ongoing vaccination as recommended by your vet.

If you’re unsure what vaccinations your cat needs or when they’re next due, our team can review their vaccination history and recommend an appropriate plan.

After your pet’s vaccination

Most pets are their usual selves after vaccination. Some may be a little quieter than normal or have mild tenderness or swelling around the injection site for a short period afterwards.

If your pet seems unwell after their vaccination, you’re concerned about their reaction, or their symptoms appear more significant than expected, please contact us for advice.

Not sure if your pet is due?

If you’re unsure when your dog or cat was last vaccinated, don’t worry. Our team can check the records we have on file or review any vaccination history you can provide.

We’ll help determine what your pet needs and recommend a vaccination plan appropriate for their age, health and lifestyle.

Book a vaccination and health check with Macarthur Vet Group today.

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