Vaccination

Vaccination is strongly recommended as sadly we are often presented with pets that we cannot save suffering from diseases that could have been prevented.Vaccines will not protect absolutely every pet against every absolutely every included disease because individuals respond differently to immune stimulation but the level of protection afforded is extremely high and extremely safe.We will always assess the need for vaccination on an individual basis and as a practice are keen not to overvaccinate.

You would spend more on just one days treatment for a dog suffering Parvo virus enteritis than it would cost to protect against all of the common infectious diseases for 12 months.

Vaccination is like all forms of insurance ~ you always regret not having it until after your loss ~ either of pet or money.

We provide a complete complementary health examination and review at the time of vaccination.

 Dogs can be vaccinated against canine distemper, canine parvo virus, hepatitis, two types of leptospirosis and the minor flu part of the kennel cough complex. An initial course of vaccination for puppies comprises two injections, two to four weeks apart. The main part of the vaccine is given at 10 weeks or older and we use the most up to date vaccine to permit early socialisation in pups. In the adult dog, yearly vaccination is essential to maintain immunity. Some kennels may require vaccination against bacterial kennel cough - this vaccine is intranasal and lasts for 12 months and should though effective within 72 hours most kennels will require it be given seven days before going into kennels. Protection against every type of kennel cough is not possible.Combination with the booster is advised for many dogs.

Puppies

We give a full injection of all diseases at both parts of the vaccine course for dogs. Some practices reduce the components at the first injection leaving your puppy less well protected for several weeks. This reduces the cost but Ashwood believe it is not an acceptable risk.

• 6 to 8 weeks - first vaccine distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis (2 types), parvo virus, para influenza,k corona virus.
• 10 weeks - first vaccine distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis (2 types), parvo virus, para influenza, corona virus.
• 11 to 12 weeks - Puppy can go out for walks and socialise
• Annually - Booster vaccine required

Cats are vaccinated routinely against cat flu, enteritis and leukaemia. An initial course of two injections fifteen to twenty-one days apart is given, starting from nine weeks of age. As with dogs, annual vaccine is needed and recommended to maintain protection. Protection against every strain of cat flu is not possible but the vaccine covers the main strains.

Kittens

• 8 - 9 weeks - first vaccine for 2 types of flu, enteritis, leukaemia and chlamydia.
• 12 weeks - Repeat as 1st vaccine
• 13 weeks - Kitten can socialise
• Annually - Booster vaccine required

Rabbits

Rabbits are protected against two main diseases, myxomatosis and HVD (haemoragic viral diarrhoea).

Myxomatosis is a big problem in this area and at the practice we are constantly being presented with wild rabbits affected with this appalling disease that inevitably we have to put to sleep.

As a practice we treat wild life entirely at our own expense & will see on average either a pigeon, wild rabbit, squirrel or hedgehog most days.

• 8 weeks or over - Myxomatosis
• 10 weeks or over - HVD
• 6 month booster for Myxomatosis & annual for HVD
• Information leaflets are available at reception giving more details on these diseases.