Dog, cat, and rabbit vaccinations

• Canine Distemper Virus 
• Canine Parvo Virus 
• Canine Adenovirus 
• Canine Leptospirosis 
• Canine Parainfluenza 
• Canine Bordetella Bronchiseptica – also known as Kennel Cough 

Puppies can be vaccinated from 6-8 weeks old. The primary vaccination course includes protection against Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus and 4 types of leptospirosis.  A second vaccine is given 4 weeks later. Puppies are not allowed to socialise with unvaccinated dogs until a week after their second vaccination. 

Adult dogs are required to have an annual booster with the first given at 15 months old.  

Although kennel cough itself is generally considered a mild illness, it is highly contagious and can make dogs feel unwell. In puppies and old/weak dogs, the symptoms can be more severe. In some cases, it can lead to pneumonia – we have seen several outbreaks in the area in recent years. 

Kennel cough is typically spread by direct dog to dog contact, most commonly through coughing and nasal secretions. Sniffing and greeting another dog on the street or at the park could lead to infection. It can also be spread via contaminated inanimate objects, such as bowls and toys. 

Whilst it is true that kennel cough spreads more quickly in places where there are lots of dogs interacting, such as boarding kennels, doggy day care, dog shows, and public parks, due to the contagious nature of this disease, it can be picked up anywhere. 

Boarding kennels – Most kennels request your dog receives a kennel cough vaccination at least 2 weeks before their stay, if they haven’t received their annual booster.   

Routine/core vaccines: 

• Cat Flu (Feline Herpes Virus & Calicivirus) 
• Feline Herpes Virus (Feline Rhinotracheitis) 
• Feline Infectious Enteritis (caused by Panleukopenia) 
• Feline Leukaemia Virus (optional) 

Additional/optional vaccines: 

• Chlamydophila Felis* 

* A vaccine for Chlamydophila Felis may be recommended if there is a risk of exposure i.e. history of illness/multi-cat household. This disease is one of the causes of conjunctivitis in cats. 

Kittens can be vaccinated from 9 weeks of age, with a second vaccination 3-4 weeks later.  The primary vaccination course provides protection against Feline Panleukopenia/Infectious Enteritis, Feline Rhinotracheitis, and Feline Leukaemia. 

We recommend that cats are vaccinated annually with the first adult booster taking place at 15 months old.  

Vaccines are available for the two main infectious diseases that affect rabbits in the UK, Myxomatosis and two strains of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD): RHD1 and RHD2.   

Unfortunately, there are no effective treatments for these deadly diseases, so vaccination is essential.  At The Hampshire Vet we use a combined vaccine, which provides immunity against all three diseases and can be given from 5 weeks old.   

This vaccine may not be suitable for your rabbit if it has previously been vaccinated against Myxomatosis but not RHD 2. We are happy to give an alternative course of vaccinations if required.