Does my dog need to be vaccinated?
Vaccinations are essential for providing your dog with adequate protection from life-threatening or debilitating diseases. There is the option of Titre testing, which involves blood samples to determine your dog's immunity. Unfortunately, this is not always 100% reliable, it is costly to perform and leptospirosis would still need to be vaccinated against. This is why, at Eastcott Vets, we would recommend core vaccinations on the whole for your dog vaccinations.
Do I have to vaccinate my dog?
As veterinary professionals, we would always recommend vaccinations; as the risk is not worth taking when it comes to keeping your dog healthy.
What dog vaccinations are legally needed?
It is not a legal requirement to have a dog vaccinated, but it is highly advisable. Often, kennels, dog day-care, and dog training services will need your dog to be vaccinated before they can take your dog in. This is to keep your dog and all other dogs they care for safe from these harmful diseases. Insurance can also be invalidated if dogs are not vaccinated.
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Is there an age when you stop vaccinating your dog?
Dogs require annual booster vaccines throughout their lives; this is to ensure maximum protection against life-threatening diseases. We choose the vaccines we administer based on the lifestyle of the dog rather than age.
Could I give my dog vaccinations myself?
Under UK law, only veterinary surgeons can prescribe medications; vaccinations fall into this category. Your vet is required to health assess a pet before prescribing and administering the vaccine. Like many drugs, vaccines can have mild side effects, which is why a health check prior is essential to ensure your pet will be fit and well after the vaccine is administered. Veterinary professionals are trained at administering these vaccines, so it would be inadvisable for a member of the public to administer dog vaccinations themselves. Also, the vaccination bottles, needles and syringes require correct disposal. Some diseases, like diabetes, mean owners will need to inject their animals at home, but correct equipment, training and monitoring is important.
If you know that your dog gets anxious or nervous, speak to the Eastcott Vets team at any time and we can make a plan to reduce stress as much as we can. For example, after a discussion between the owner and our team at Eastcott Vets, some of our anxious dogs have only a minimal health check and the dog vaccination may still be administered. This is carried out when the owner or our team feels that a health examination will be too stressful.
What dog vaccinations will my pet need?
Annual dog vaccination boosters usually cover leptospirosis and kennel cough (can be given every six months). However, distemper, parvovirus and canine hepatitis are usually needed every three years. Therefore, a dog would need a vaccine every year to have maximum protection against diseases.
For annual dog vaccinations, your dog will need to have a vaccination each year. This is why our pet health for life plans are so popular, as they break down these costs into monthly payments. The plan also covers various preventative treatments, including flea treatments, worming treatments, and anal gland expressions in a convenient package. If you haven't already signed up or are looking to find out more - click here.
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For Dog Vaccinations Contact Eastcott Vets
If you need to book your dog's vaccinations, get in touch with Eastcott Vets today! We have three practices in Swindon, Chisledon, and Marlborough, so you can choose which practice area is most convenient for you. We are ready to cater to all of your pet's needs. We also offer cat cat and rabbit vaccinations.
