Here at Warren House Vets, we believe that vaccinations are an important part of protecting your pets from severely harmful yet preventable diseases and are an essential part of responsible pet care.
Dogs, cats and rabbits are susceptible to many life-threatening diseases, but scientific advances and the introduction of immunisation have been very effective in reducing the number of cases dramatically. It is tempting to assume that they are no longer a threat to our pets as we hear little about them, but they still do remain a constant danger, meaning the correct vaccination programme is the best way to keep your pet safe.
Book a vaccination appointment
Find your local Warren house Vet practice in Kent with four locations in Rochester, Walderslade, Lordswood and High Halstow.
How do vaccines work?
Vaccines contain harmless (either weakened or dead) variants of the viruses and other infectious agents. When an animal has vaccinated, the immune system in the body responds by generating a protective mechanism through the formation of antibodies.
If the animal then becomes exposed to the actual disease at a later date, those antibodies will prevent the disease from developing. The type of vaccines Warren House recommend will be based on your pet's lifestyle, risk factors and current guidance. Modern vaccines give protection to multiple diseases with just one or two injections. It is important to remember that vaccines don't give lifelong immunity, so regular booster vaccinations are recommended. It is also an excellent opportunity for your pet to have a full health check. We send out reminders for all vaccinations; please contact us to book an appointment.
Vaccinating your Dog
Puppies
The primary vaccinations for puppies help to overcome the remaining antibody protection that they still have from their mothers and ensures reliable protection at an early age. The first vaccination is usually given at eight weeks old, followed by a second, two to four weeks later (no earlier than 10 weeks old), allowing for an early socialisation programme. At the second vaccination appointment, we will provide you with your certificate of vaccination.
We recommend that yearly boosters are obtained to ensure immunisation is up to date.
Dog vaccinations we offer
The team here at Warren House Vets we can provide the following vaccinations for your dog:
- Parvovirus
- Leptospirosis
- Distemper
- Canine Infectious Hepatitis
- Rabies (if your pet is travelling)
- Leishmaniasis
- Herpes vaccination
- Kennel Cough
A full health check is booked for every dog that is having a vaccination to ensure that they are in good health before giving the injection. Contact your nearest Warren House Vets in Medway for more information.
Book a vaccination appointment for your dog
Vaccinating your Cat
Kittens
The primary vaccination course for kittens consists of two injections. As with puppies, kittens will have some protection from their mothers in their bloodstream, which is why a second injection of the vaccine is required to complete immunisation.
Kitten vaccinations start from eight weeks of age, with the second vaccine administered three weeks after the first. A certificate of vaccination will be provided at the second vaccination appointment.
Annual boosters need to be taken to make sure immunity remains effective.
Cat vaccinations we offer
Here at Warren House Vets, we can vaccinate your cat against the following diseases:
- Cat Flu
- Feline Enteritis
- Feline Leukaemia Virus
- Feline Chlamydophila
We can talk you through any type of vaccination that may be required for your cat. Contact your nearest Warren House Vets in Medway for more information.
Book a vaccination appointment for your cat
Vaccinating your Rabbit
We recommend that rabbits are vaccinated against myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD).
Previously this would have been administered through two separate injections; however, our new rabbit vaccine means that your pet can be protected against myxomatosis and both strains of VHD with just a single injection. Contact your nearest Warren House Vets in Medway for more inforation about rabbit vaccinations.
Book a vaccination appointment for your rabbit
Cat, dog and rabbit Vaccinations FAQ
Why does my pet need to have vaccinations every 12 months?
Depending on the disease that your pet is being vaccinated against, the period of time they are protected for will differ. Certain diseases, such as leptospirosis in dogs and flu in cats, only carry around 12 months of protection, which is why a yearly booster is recommended. Even though your pet might be vaccinated every 12 months, it is not always against the same diseases – your vaccination card will show you which diseases they are getting boosters for each visit. Visiting us every 12 months for vaccinations also means your pet gets a full annual health check, which is equally important!
Does my pet need to be vaccinated if they live inside?
Although your pet may not go outside, it is still possible for diseases to be brought into the house. This could be via soil on a dirty boot or via other wildlife that could enter the home. Therefore, having full vaccination can provide the protection needed for all circumstances, meaning you don't have to take the risk.
I have heard that vaccines are risky, and to avoid them – is that true?
Any veterinary procedure that is performed can carry some risk; however, in the case of vaccinations, it is important to remember that the benefits of being vaccinated greatly outweigh the risks for the majority of pets. Vaccination reactions are rare, and where they do occur, they are mostly short-term and mild. Reactions of this nature show that the vaccine is effectively stimulating the immune system.
Warren House Vets are always happy to talk to you about the benefits and risks associated with vaccinating your pet to help identify the most suitable strategy as part of their wider preventative healthcare programme.
Are there any schemes to help with covering the cost of my pets' vaccinations?
The Warren House Vets Pet Health For Life Plan offers the best value way to vaccinate your pet to ensure they have the preventative health protection they need over their lifetime. Being a member allows you the opportunity to spread the cost over 12 months whilst also receiving discounts on other services at Warren House Vets in Medway.
