There have been some recent changes in the current recommendations on vaccinating your pets by the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA), and we have taken this on board.
Dogs
We routinely vaccinate all of our canine patients with a vaccination called a C5 to ensure they are fully protected for their active, outdoor, Sunshine Coast lifestyle. This includes a vaccination called a C3, which protects against the core diseases (Distemper, Hepatitis, and Parvovirus) and a Kennel Cough vaccination against both parts of the Kennel Cough disease (Parainfluenza and Bordatella bronchiseptica).
We have diagnosed and treated many cases of Parvovirus and Kennel Cough at our surgery. Vaccination is crucial for prevention.
Our vaccination protocol follows the World Small Animal Veterinary Association guidelines. We vaccinate adult dogs against the core diseases (the C3) every THREE YEARS, and against Kennel Cough YEARLY. As Kennel Cough is spread by aerosol in the breeze, vaccination is even advised for dogs with no direct contact with other dogs.
At Nicklin Way Vets Surgery, our puppy vaccination protocol gives your puppy immunity against seven diseases. We recommend your puppy is vaccinated at 6, 9 and 12 weeks then a yearly booster for life. However, if you have missed these time periods, an alternative plan can be made by our vets to ensure your puppy gets the cover he needs from the time he is in your care.
All dogs require a yearly check over to maintain their health, and the veterinarian will discuss which vaccination is required for your dog.
When is my puppy able to play and socialize with other dogs?
Unless it is known that a playmate for your puppy is fully vaccinated, your pup should be kept away from other dogs and communal dog areas until 2 weeks after his/her last vaccine (at 12 weeks in normal circumstances). Puppy preschool is a great way to safely socialize your puppy in a safe environment at the Nicklin Way Veterinary Surgery.
Cats
We routinely vaccinate all of our feline patients with an F3 vaccination to ensure they are fully protected against Cat-Flu (Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus) and Enteritis (the cat equivalent of Parvovirus in dogs).
If your cat is likely to venture outdoors and come in contact with other cats (neighbors cats or stray cats), we recommend that he/she also has the Feline AIDS vaccine (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus or FIV). This virus is in the same family as the human HIV virus and causes immunodeficiency (disrupts the function of the immune system). It can also have effects on the nervous system, behaviour and other body systems due to secondary infections. There is a 28% prevalence of FIV infection on the Sunshine Coast – in other words, 1 in 4 cats are infected with the virus!!!!
FIV is not curable and cats are infected for life once they contract the virus. Many cats can still live a reasonable life span if secondary infections are controlled and other concurrent diseases are not present.
Kittens are vaccinated at 9, 12 and 15 weeks for FIV and must be microchipped at the time of vaccination. Nicklin Way Veterinary Surgery provides a discounted package for kittens including the three boosters and microchip. Ask our staff for more information.
Adult cats can also be vaccinated for FIV, but required an FIV test first to ensure they are not already infected.
Other information
In some circumstances an additional booster of a live modified vaccine for kennel cough may be recommended by our vets when a risk of exposure is anticipated. This is usually before your pet is going to a boarding kennel or if dogs in neighbouring yards have been infected with kennel cough. This vaccine is administered in the nose and gives more effective immunity against kennel cough than the injectable form, and provides immunity within 72 hours.
Dogs travelling overseas may require additional vaccinations such as for rabies. For more information if you are planning to take your pet overseas, make an appointment with our AQIS accredited veterinarians.
