Why vaccinating your pets is important
Vaccinations are an important part of your dog's or cat's healthy care routine.
By vaccinating your pet, you help to protect your animals against various diseases, including rabies, distemper, parvovirus (cat-flu), infectious hepatitis, Bordetella, feline leukaemia and others.
You should always discuss your pet’s health and particular medical needs with your veterinarian.
According to the Brakpan SPCA, the following general guidelines are appropriate for most animals:
* All puppies should receive a four-in-one DA2PP vaccine starting at six to eight weeks of age and repeated every three to four weeks until the puppy is at least four months of age.
* Adult dogs not previously vaccinated as puppies should receive a four-in-one DA2PP vaccine twice, three to four weeks apart.
* All kittens should receive a three-in-one FVRCP vaccine starting at six to eight weeks of age and repeated every three to four weeks until the kitten is at least four months of age.
* For both cats and dogs, booster vaccines are typically given a year later, every year.
* Cats and dogs must be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age and receive boosters on an annual basis.
For more information regarding inoculations, contact the SPCA on 011 742 2007.
