Vaccinations at Merrylands Vet
Individualised Care for Your Pet
Like people, dogs and cats require regular vaccinations to protect them from infection and disease. A tailored vaccination program functions as the first line of defense to prevent disease and maintain wellness.
Because each dog and cat is unique, your Merrylands Vet veterinarian will create a vaccination plan just for your pet, taking into account the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) vaccination guidelines.
At your pet’s first visit, Merrylands Vet veterinarians will develop a vaccination schedule that is specific to your pet’s individual needs. We understand that your pet’s lifestyle may change over the years and their first visit with us may not be their first visit with a veterinarian.
At your first visit with Merrylands Vet, you can expect that prior records and vaccinations will be reviewed to determine the best options for your pet. Discussing your pet’s health and daily life activities with your veterinarian will assist us in organizing the most appropriate and conservative plan to target their specific needs.
Distemper, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza and Adenovirus (DAPP): Your dog should begin this vaccination between 8 and 16 weeks. Puppies receive a series of this particular vaccination every four weeks until they reach the age of 16 weeks. An adult dog will receive a booster at 1 year and require boosters every year.
Bordetella (Kennel Cough): This vaccination is also referred to as the “Kennel Cough” vaccine. Initial vaccination should be given at 8 to 12 weeks of age and given through drops in the nose or intranasally. Puppies receive a series of this vaccination which includes one intranasal vaccination and an additional two injectable vaccinations. Adult dogs will receive an injectable booster vaccination every year based on their lifestyle, previous vaccination history, and needs.
Leptospirosis (Lepto): This disease is becoming more prevalent in urban and suburban areas, and therefore we are now recommending that all dogs be regularly vaccinated against Leptospirosis. This vaccination should be given to puppies at 12-16 weeks of age and then boostered annually.
Canine Influenza (CIV Bivalent): The dog flu vaccination is based on your pet’s individual needs and lifestyle. Dogs that go to regular boarding, dog parks, and doggie daycare can benefit from this vaccination.
Feline Distemper, Herpesvirus and Calicivirus (FVRCP): Kittens begin this vaccination between 8 and 16 weeks of age. Kittens require a series of this particular vaccination every four weeks until they reach the age of 16 weeks. An adult cat will receive a booster at 1 year and require boosters every year.
Outdoor cats require Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) vaccinations between 8 and 16 weeks of age due to the number of animals being affected in Western Sydney
Rabbit calicivirus disease is a highly infectious, fatal disease that affects wild and pet European rabbits. Calicivirus will often break out in springtime and vaccination against this fatal disease is imperative.
We recommend that initially pet rabbits get two vaccinations one month apart then a booster vaccination every 6 months. Reducing contact with wild rabbits and controlling mosquitoes and fleas in your rabbit’s environment is also very important. Revolution top spot can be used monthly to control fleas.
By following these simple guidelines and making sure your rabbit is vaccinated every six months you can ensure good protection against this otherwise fatal disease. If your rabbit is not up to date with vaccination, or you are not sure, please call and schedule an appointment. When it comes to Calicivirus infections – there is no cure, only prevention and it is very VERY important to stay up to date!
Vaccination is the only protection for the potentially fatal disease Distemper. Ferrets require vaccination at 6 to 8 weeks of age and then again at 12 weeks. Annual vaccination boosters are essential to maintain protective immunity.
