Protecting your pet with vaccinations and flea/tick prevention
Vaccinations are vital
Regularly vaccinating your pet is important to protect them against various potentially fatal or debilitating infectious diseases. During a consultation, we can discuss with you the most appropriate vaccination protocol for your pet to keep them healthy.
Our vets will advise the type of vaccination which will be best for your pet, taking into account your pet’s age and lifestyle – such as whether they are mainly indoors or outdoors, and any risk factors that they might be exposed to.
We follow current world guidelines on vaccine types and frequency of use to ensure your pet is best protected from disease. If your pet has any health problems of concern, or a history of autoimmune disease, we may recommend titre testing to check the pets level of immunity which can then guide the vaccination protocol.
Similar to when us humans get our vaccinations, when your pet has a vaccination there is sometimes some mild pain or discomfort at the site of the vaccination injection. However, pets have a lot looser skin than people, and the vaccination injections are given subcutaneously to pets instead of into the muscle like with us. Some pet vaccinations, such as for canine cough, can also be given orally or sprayed into the nose.
We will be able to explain any common things to be aware of after your pet has had their vaccination, and what to do if you have any concerns. Your pet’s health and wellbeing are of paramount importance to us, so make sure to book in for your pet’s regular vaccinations today.
Flea and tick prevention is essential
By using flea and tick prevention products on your pet, you can help keep your pet healthy and prevent illness and discomfort.
With so many combination flea and tick prevention products now available, we frequently field questions from pet owners about what products to use for their pets.
Fleas are present all over Australia, and can cause severe skin irritation and infection in flea-allergic pets. Fleas can also transmit human diseases, such as cat flea typhus.
Paralysis ticks can be active on the east coast of Australia all year round. Affected animals can suffer paralysis and breathing difficulties, requiring intensive emergency care. This condition can even be fatal for pets.
Other species of tick, such as the brown dog tick and bush ticks, are mostly found in bushland areas near to waterways or the coast, and can cause local skin irritation and also transmit diseases. In northern areas of Australia, ticks can transmit dangerous diseases such as ehrlichiosis in dogs.
A regular program of parasite prevention is recommended for all dogs and cats who go outdoors. In areas where tick-borne diseases are known to occur, it is recommended to use dual prevention with a tick repellent product plus an oral flea/tick prevention product to best protect your pet.
Veterinary studies of flea and tick prevention products have shown these drugs to be safe and effective for pets. Please ask us about the best flea and tick protection options for your pet.
