Vaccination and Microchipping

Vaccination and microchipping for dogs and cats are essential parts of responsible pet ownership. Here's a breakdown of each:

Vaccination for Dogs and Cats:

Vaccinations protect your pets from various serious diseases, some of which can be life-threatening. There are core and non-core vaccines based on the pet's lifestyle, location, and health status.

For Dogs:

1. Core Vaccines:
   • Distemper: A highly contagious viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
   • Parvovirus: A deadly virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract, often fatal in puppies.
   • Adenovirus (Canine Hepatitis): Causes liver disease and can affect other organs.
2. Non-core Vaccines:
   • Bordetella (Kennel Cough): For dogs that are boarded, groomed, or attend dog parks.
   • Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection, especially for dogs in rural areas or near water sources.
   • Rabies and Lyme Disease: For dogs exposed in endemic areas.

Visit this page for more information about dog vaccination.

For Cats:

1. Core Vaccines:
   • Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper): A highly contagious and deadly viral disease affecting the blood cells.
   • Feline Calicivirus and Herpesvirus (Rhinotracheitis): Common causes of respiratory infections in cats.
2. Non-core Vaccines:
   • Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): For outdoor or high-risk cats.
   • Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): For outdoor or high-risk cats.
   • Chlamydophila felis: For cats at risk of conjunctivitis due to bacteria.

Visit this page for more information about cat vaccination.

Microchipping for Dogs and Cats:

Microchipping is a simple, permanent way to identify pets in case they get lost. A microchip is a small, rice-sized chip implanted under the skin (usually between the shoulder blades). It contains a unique identification number that can be read by a scanner. The microchip number is linked to the owner's contact information in a database.

Benefits of Microchipping:

• Permanent Identification: Unlike collars or tags, microchips can’t fall off.
• Reunification: If a lost pet is found, shelters and veterinarians can scan for the chip and contact the owner.
• Required for Travel: Some countries require pets to be microchipped before international travel.

When to Vaccinate and Microchip:

• Puppies and kittens: Vaccinations usually start at around 6-8 weeks old, with boosters every 3-4 weeks until about 16 weeks.
• Adult pets: They need annual or triennial boosters depending on the vaccine and local regulations.
• Microchipping: Can be done at any age but is often done during spaying or neutering.

Regular vet checkups ensure that your pet stays up-to-date on vaccinations and that the microchip information is current.

Book an appointment for your dogs and cats vaccination in Camden Veterinary Hospital.