Dogs
When do I need to vaccinate my dog?
Dogs should have their first vaccination at 6-8 weeks of age, followed by another vaccination at 10-12 weeks of age. We then encourage owners to maintain their dog’s vaccinations annually from there onwards.
What do these pet vaccinations cover?
Canine distemper – Highly contagious, viral disease that typically affects the respiratory system, gastrointestinal and nervous system. Infected dogs may show the following symptoms: persistent coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, fits, seizures, paralysis and overgrown foot pads. There is no known cure.
Parvovirus – A highly contagious, viral disease that is highly resistant and can remain in the environment for a number of years. It attacks the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems of dogs. Infected dogs may show the following symptoms: bloody diarrhea, lethargy, and repeated vomiting.
Canine Hepatitis (Adenovirus) – Canine adenovirus is a virus that causes upper respiratory tract infections and targets other organs such as the kidneys, liver and eyes. Affected animals may show signs of anorexia, lethargy, enlarged abdomen, tonsillitis or corneal swelling. The disease can be fatal or leave dogs with chronic kidney failure.
Parainfluenza & Bordatella (Kennel Cough)- Commonly known as ‘kennel cough’, Parainfluenza and Bordetella are responsible for infectious tracheobronchitis in dogs. It is highly contagious and many dogs would have been infected once in their lifetime. Puppies are more susceptible to kennel cough due to their weaker immune systems. Clinical signs such as coughing (or retching), nasal discharge, and inappetence typically appear 4-5 days post-exposure to the microorganism.
Leptospirosis- Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease. It is caused by the Leptospira bacteria, which are found in water and soil contaminated with animal urine. Infected dogs may present with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), and shivering. Puppies can be vaccinated for leptospirosis from 6-8 weeks of age.
Pet Vaccination Sydney – Protect Your Pets with Ease
Pet vaccination is an important part of pet ownership. Not only are you protecting your pet from getting a preventable disease, you are also reducing the risk of getting a large vet bill.
If you are looking for the best place to get pet vaccination in Newington, Lidcombe, Olympic Park or anywhere in the Sydney area, then come and meet the team at Animal Tracks.
Todd, Catriona and Connie have extensive experience in veterinary care, and their love and passion for pets has made the clinic at the heart of Homebush a welcoming place for pets big and small. With well over 40 years of experience between them, you know your pets are in safe hands when they are under the care of the Animal Tracks team.
Animal Tracks look after pets and their humans at all stages of life, and as part of this dedication, they offer regular check-ups, to include vaccinations.
Protect Your Pet with Pet Vaccinations in Homebush
Vaccinations are an essential part of your pet’s immediate health and lifelong wellbeing. They minimise (and in many cases, completely eradicate) the risk of your pet contracting perfectly preventable diseases and health problems. We at Animal Tracks Vet Clinic are happy and proud to be the first line of defence against these risks, and are here to help you protect your beloved, furry friend. Vaccinations are quick, simple processes – but in a matter of minutes, you and our qualified vets and nurses may just save your little one’s life.
Where Are You Located?
We are located in Homebush Village, but we offer convenient pet vaccination near Newington, Lidcombe, Olympic Park, Strathfield, Burwood, Rhodes, Wentworth Point, and Sydney. Wherever you are in New South Wales, it’s easy to reach our Homebush clinic.
What Do Pet Vaccines Cover?
The pet vaccines we provide cover a range of preventable diseases, including…
Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is extremely contagious. It is a viral disease that can attack your pet’s respiratory system, nervous system, and gastrointestinal system. If your dog is infected, it might display such symptoms as vomiting, persistent coughing, diarrhoea, seizures and fits, and swollen, overgrown footpads. There is no known cure for canine distemper, so it’s extremely important to get your dog vaccinated as soon as he or she is old enough.
Parvovirus
Parvovirus is not only highly contagious, but also highly resistant to treatment, and can linger for years. It is a viral disease that attacks the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems of a dog. This can cause bloody diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, and lethargy.
Canine Hepatitis (Also Known as Adenovirus)
This viral disease triggers infections in the upper respiratory tract. It also targets the eyes, liver, and kidneys. If your pet is suffering from it, it may display signs of anorexia (food avoidance, for example), lethargy, an enlarged abdomen, corneal swelling, or tonsillitis. It is very important to vaccinate against Canine Hepatitis, as it can be fatal. Dogs can also suffer chronic kidney failure.
Parainfluenza and Bordatella (Kennel Cough)
Despite its whimsical nickname, parainfluenza, or Bordatella, otherwise known as kennel cough, is no fun and can be pretty nasty. This disease causes tracheobronchitis in dogs, which can lead to coughing, retching, and thick nasal discharge, and loss of appetite. Puppies in particular are at risk of contracting parainfluenza, as they have less developed (and therefore weaker) immune systems.
What are the Social Benefits of Vaccinations for Dogs?
Many puppy pre-schools (including ours!), dog parks, kennels, and independent boarders will not accept your dog into their programmes without proof of fully completed and up to date dog vaccination in Sydney. If you don’t vaccinate your pets, you run the risk of isolated them from the social interactions and playtime that they need in order to develop healthily.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of the diseases that vaccines can prevent. For more information, especially information specific to dogs, cats, and rabbits, please visit the vaccinations page of our website to learn more. We’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have!
So, reach out to us today for pet vaccination near Wentworth point or pet vaccination near Olympic Point! We’ve got you covered.
Vaccinating my Cat – What Do I Need to Know?
Cats need to begin their cat vaccination schedule between 4-6 weeks, with a second round at 8-10 weeks and a third at 12-14 weeks.
Cat immunisations cover the following diseases:
- Feline Enteritis
- Feline Herpes
- Feline Calicivirus
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
These diseases are highly contagious, and some can be fatal, if not life-altering.
Vaccinating my Rabbit – What Do I Need to Know?
Wild rabbits have now been designated as pests, so to control them the government has introduced Rabbit Calicivirus into the environment. This disease is fatal to rabbits. Rabbits need to be vaccinated by 10-12 weeks, with a booster a month later. You need to ensure that your rabbit receives yearly boosters after this, as the disease can be spread by encountering an infected environment, or if you have other pets that could have come into contact with it. Even humans can communicate this to their pets.
Speak to us at Animal tracks about vaccinating your pet today. Whether you have a recently purchased puppy or kitten, or you have adopted an older animal, keeping on top of vaccinations is vitally important to the health and wellbeing of your new family member.
Ask About Our Pet Vaccinations Today!
If you’d like to book an appointment for your pet to see the vet or access any of our wellness or other pet-related services, simply call us now on 9764 6066.
We’re based at The Crescent in Homebush, opposite Homebush Railway Station and are open 7 days a week for your convenience.
Animal Tracks is the experienced & friendly Veterinary Clinic in Sydney. We serve many surrounding suburbs including Veterniary Homebush West, Veterniary Rhodes, Veterinary Burwood, Veterinary Lidcombe & Veterinary Strathfield, which makes it easier for pet owners to visit their nearest Veterinarian for all routine check-ups & treatments anywhere in Sydney.
What is the heartworm vaccination?
For dogs, we also recommend that they receive a preventative injection against heartworm. This disease is transmitted through mosquito bites and is characterized by large parasitic worms that infect and damage the heart of your pet, resulting in the organ needing to work extra hard in order to maintain blood flow. Puppies should begin their preventative treatment by 3 months of age.
Symptoms of heartworm can include:
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- Difficulty Breathing
- Persistent Coughing
- Weight Loss
- Lethargy and weakness
- Heart Failure.
A blood test is the best way to confirm whether your dog is positive with heartworm. It is also important for the vet to conduct a blood test prior to your dog’s first heartworm prevention injection as their could be severe side effects giving this treatment on a heartworm positive dog.
Cats
When do I need to vaccinate my cat?
We recommend that kittens receive their first vaccination between 6-8 weeks of age, followed by another vaccination between 8-10 weeks and a final vaccination between 12-14 weeks.
When do these vaccinations cover?
Feline Enteritis- A highly infection virus that results in severely low blood count in infected cats and has high mortality rates. The virus is highly resistant to a number of disinfectants and can remain in environments for years. Infected cats may present with a hunched up appearance, show signs of severe dehydration, listlessness and have a rough coat. Other symptoms include convulsions, vomiting and diarrhea and death less than a week after infection.
Feline Herpes Virus- Feline herpes is the most common cause upper respiratory tract disease in cats and will remain in a cat for life once they have been infected. Symptoms may include sneezing, conjunctivitis, nasal discharge, loss of appetite and fever. Kittens and senior cats are more susceptible and outbreaks can be triggered by stressful situations such as overcrowding, new environments and pregnancy.
Feline Calicivirus- Feline calicivirus is virus affecting the upper respiratory system of cats. Typical signs include ulceration of the tongue, mouth and intestines. Other signs include gingivitis, salivation, sneezing, conjunctivitis, nasal discharge, loss of appetite and fever.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)- FIV is virus commonly transmitted between outdoor cats that engage in cat fights, but can also be spread through the sharing of food bowls and litter trays or mutual grooming with infected cats. Cats that are FIV positive may not show signed until years later. This is because the virus is slow acting, however once it takes hold, the cat’s immune system can weaken rapidly. Symptoms may include fever, dishevelled rough coat, gingivitis, behavioral changes and anemia. Cats with FIV can maintain good quality of life for many years, provided they are kept in a stress-free environment and are kept on a good diet with regular veterinary check ups.
The best way to determine whether your cat is FIV positive is through a blood test.
Note: The standard vaccination for cats is the F3, which covers Feline Enteritis, Feline Herpes and Feline Calicivirus, however for cats that are allowed to roam outdoors, we strongly recommend owners immunize their cats with an FIV vaccination as well as the FIV vaccine.
What about heartworm protection for cats?
Unfortunately for cats, there yet to be an annual heartworm preventative available on the market for felines. However, there are many off the shelf products such as Advocate, Revolution or monthly doses Milbemax that can help to protect your cat against heartworm.
Symptoms of heartworm can include:
- Wheezing
- Persistent Coughing
- Weight Loss
- Lethargy and weakness
- Heart Failure.
A blood test is the best way to confirm whether your cat is positive with heartworm.
Rabbits
When do I need to vaccinate my rabbit?
We recommend that rabbits receive their first vaccinations between 10-12 weeks of age followed by a booster 1 month after. Yearly boosters are required thereafter.
What does this vaccinations cover?
Rabbits are considered a pest species in Australia. In effort to control the rabbit population, rabbit calicivirus has been released into the environment. The disease is typically fatal and causes internal bleeding. Possible symptoms range from bloody discharge from the mouth or nose to sudden death with no symptoms. The virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted through infected environments, objects, parasites and other animals that have come into contact with an infected environment or animal.
This means that indoor rabbits can also be affected if their owner has come into contact with and infected area.
What about myxomatosis?
There is currently no vaccine for myxomatosis.