Newborn animals have immunity to infectious diseases by means of antibodies transferred by the mother. These antibodies protect the young against viral and bacterial diseases until the age of 6 weeks when the antibodies decreased and no longer protect them.

Vaccinations are injections that are given to dogs and cats in a series, starting in puppy and kitten stage and extending through adulthood. They depend on the animals lifestyle and age as to what types and how many vaccines will be given. The purpose of the vaccine is to introduce tiny amounts of virus particle that cause the body to create an immune response. This response allow the body to be protected, so if the animal is exposed to the virus or bacteria, the body will have antibodies against it and not become sick.

At this clinic we use the vaccination protocol as advised by the South African veterinary association: By law all dogs and cats in South Africa must be vaccinated against Rabies.

Dogs:
6 weeks old: Parvo and Distemper
9 weeks old: Parvo, Distemper, Parainfluenza, Adenovirus
12 weeks old: repeat of 9 week vaccine plus Rabies virus
16 weeks old: 2nd Rabies vaccination
There after yearly booster: Parvo, Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza and Rabies.
For dogs going into kennels or situations where there are a lot of dogs together e.g. dog schools we recommend the kennel cough vaccination.

Cats:
6weeks old: Herpes, Panleucopenia, Calicivirus.
9 weeks old: repeat of 6 weeks vaccine
12 weeks old: repeat of 6 weeks vaccine plus rabies vaccine
16 weeks old: Rabies vaccine
There after yearly booster of Herpes, Panleucopenia , Calici and Rabies.
Feline leukaemia vaccination is optional for cats at risk and can be given at 8 weeks old with a second dose 3 weeks later.
For cats going into catteries we recommend the snuffles vaccination.