Vaccinations
Pet Vaccinations
We offer vaccinations for dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets.
Two by Two Veterinary Centre’s veterinary surgeons can offer you advice on which diseases to vaccinate your pets against, so they are immunised against life-threatening diseases. Contact us to for advice on vaccinations for your pet.
The role of vaccination in dramatically reducing mortality of companion animals worldwide cannot be understated. Several debilitating and deadly infectious diseases have fortunately been consigned to a past era due to strong uptake in vaccination amongst pet owners in this country over the past few decades. However, outbreaks do appear from time to time with potentially fatal consequence so regular vaccination is still strongly advised.
Vaccination stimulates an animal’s immune system to develop protection against a given infectious disease that can allow prevention of that disease from developing if exposure occurs at a later date. If administered regularly as recommended by Two By Two Veterinary Centre, vaccination can prevent the development of these diseases through life. There are a variety of different vaccinations available and the protocol used can be tailored to your individual pet on a disease development risk-benefit basis.
As there are sometimes shortages of vaccines due to circumstances out of our control, for example production and supply issues, please contact us in advance before the vaccines are due to book your appointment.
Why Vaccinations Matter
Vaccinations work by training your pet’s immune system to recognize and fight specific diseases. Regular vaccination not only protects your individual pet but also helps maintain community immunity, protecting other pets in the area.
Dog Vaccinations
Core Two By Two Veterinary Centre recommends vaccinating dogs against Canine Distemper, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Hepatitis and Leptospirosis.
Optional Ideally all dogs would be vaccinated against Kennel Cough in addition to the Core Vaccinations outlined above. If taking a dog to places where there is a high density of dogs such as kennels, training classes, dog walker/sitters, this vaccination is highly recommended. Recently a vaccination against tick-borne Lyme Disease has become available so if regularly frequenting areas with known heavy tick populations, this should be considered.
Travel For clients travelling under the Pet Travel Scheme, rabies vaccination is a requirement with boosters administered every three years. If travelling to countries in the Mediterranean basin where Leishmaniasis is endemic, vaccination against the Leishmania parasite is advised prior to travel.
Other When breeding, Herpes vaccination of the pregnant bitch should be considered to prevent abortion.
Cat Vaccinations
Core Two By Two Veterinary Centre recommends vaccinating all young cats against infectious respiratory disease (‘cat flu’), infectious enteritis and Feline Leukaemia Virus.
Optional If a cat will always be an indoor cat without ever having access to the outdoors or stray cats, Feline Leukaemia Virus vaccination can potentially be dropped in the years after the first annual booster which will include this component, has been administered.
Rabbit Vaccinations
Core Rabbits should receive vaccination against Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD-1) annually. In recent years, a second strain of Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD-2) has emerged in the UK pet rabbit population requiring a different vaccination to be given bi-annually, six months apart.
Ferrets
Core Ferrets can be fatally affected by Canine Distemper Virus and vaccination with the canine vaccine provides cross-species immunity.
Vaccination Schedules
Puppy Vaccinations
- 8 weeks: First vaccination
- 10 weeks: Second vaccination
- 12-16 weeks: Final vaccination
- 15 months: First booster
- Annually: Regular boosters
Kitten Vaccinations
- 9 weeks: First vaccination
- 12 weeks: Second vaccination
- 15 months: First booster
- Annually: Regular boosters
Adult Pets
- Annual health check and vaccination
- Antibody testing when appropriate
- Risk assessment for lifestyle changes
- Travel vaccination requirements
What to Expect
Before Vaccination
- Health examination to ensure your pet is well
- Discussion of your pet’s lifestyle and risks
- Review of vaccination history
- Explanation of vaccines being given
During the Visit
- Quick and relatively painless procedure
- Most pets tolerate injections well
- Immediate vaccination record update
- Scheduling of next appointments
After Vaccination
- Monitor for any adverse reactions (rare)
- Some pets may be quiet for 24 hours
- Contact us if you have concerns
- Keep vaccination certificates safe
Important Notes
Pre-Vaccination Tips
- Ensure your pet is healthy before appointment
- Bring previous vaccination records
- Inform us of any previous reactions
- Schedule when you can monitor afterward
Vaccination Records
- We provide official vaccination certificates
- Keep records safe for travel/boarding
- Digital records available on request
- Annual reminders sent automatically
Vaccination and Immunity
How Vaccines Work
Vaccines contain weakened or inactivated parts of organisms that cause disease. When administered, they stimulate your pet’s immune system to produce antibodies without causing the actual
illness.
Building Immunity
Young pets receive some protection from their mother’s milk, but this fades over time. Vaccination courses build up their own immunity gradually and safely.
Booster Vaccinations
Immunity can fade over time, so regular booster vaccinations help maintain protection. Annual health checks also allow early detection of other health issues.