Bicester vets

Vaccination and annual health checks

stethoscopeandpupandkittenPuppies
Puppies are routinely vaccinated against Distemper, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, Viral Hepatitis and Parainfluenza. The initial course is two injections with an interval of 3-4 weeks between them.
The first injection can now be given from 6 weeks of age allowing the puppy to “socialise” at an earlier age.

Annual booster vaccinations are given along with a complete health check examination. We send out reminders to help you remember these important check-ups.

Dogs can also be given a vaccination against kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica). Ideally it should be given at least two weeks before going into a “high-risk” situation – most often boarding kennels, but also pet-shows, training classes, etc.

This vaccination lasts for a year. The vaccination is in the form of some drops into the nose. There is a significant saving if given at the same time as the annual health check and booster.
In recent years we have seen many cases of kennel cough during the autumn months – many of these dogs haven’t been to classically high risk environments like kennels or shows.

Protection is straightforward for most dogs so why not give your dog all the protection you can!

Kittens
We routinely vaccinate against “cat flu”, feline viral enteritis and the feline leukaemia virus. These can all be given together as a single injection at nine weeks and then again 3-4 weeks later.

Annual booster vaccinations are given along with a complete health check examination. We send out reminders to help you remember these important check-ups.

Rabbits
Rabbits can now be vaccinated from five weeks of age against Myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) using a single combined vaccine.

Both viruses cause very serious and often fatal diseases in unprotected rabbits thus vaccination is highly recommended. Annual booster vaccinations are given along with a complete health check examination.

In 2016 there emerged a new form of RHD which requires a different vaccination for protection. There have been cases in our local area so protection is important for your pet rabbit.
Rabbit boosters are also given annually. We send out reminders to help you remember these important check-ups.

Costs
Some people consider the cost of booster vaccinations an unnecessary expense but this is a risky strategy. The widespread reduction in the levels of these largely fatal diseases has arisen from the use of vaccination protocols and is only maintained by their continued use.

Reduction in the use of vaccination protocols will lead to increased outbreaks (as has occurred with measles in children). The annual cost of vaccinating pets is pence per week and is insignificant compared with the cost of feeding them.

To help with the cost of routine preventative care please see our page on Bicester Vets Healthy Pets – our preventative healthcare plan which helps to spread the cost of routine preventative healthcare for your dog, cat or rabbit.

We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule

Please note that you do not have an appointment until you receive confirmation from us. Thank you

RCVS accredited small animal hospital
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