Vaccinations

What it involves

Vaccination teaches the immune system to recognise a specific virus or bacterium before a real infection occurs. In dogs we protect mainly against distemper, parvovirus, infectious canine hepatitis (Rubarth's disease) and rabies (compulsory in Poland), and additionally against leptospirosis and kennel cough. In cats the core vaccines are against panleukopenia, feline herpesvirus and calicivirus, and in outdoor cats also against feline leukaemia (FeLV) and rabies.

Every vaccination is preceded by a short clinical examination. We vaccinate only a healthy animal, because only then will immunity develop properly. We record the vaccination in the health booklet or passport and in the patient record.

We plan the schedule individually: differently for a puppy from a breeder, differently for an indoor cat, differently for a dog that travels to shows or abroad.

When it is used

Puppies and kittens start the course at around 6–8 weeks of age and receive 2–3 doses every 3–4 weeks, until they reach 16 weeks. Rabies vaccination in dogs is compulsory after the age of 3 months and must be repeated every year.

In adult animals we give booster doses every 1–3 years, depending on the vaccine and lifestyle. If vaccinations are overdue we do not start from scratch; we work out how many doses actually need to be caught up.

Indications: symptoms that should prompt a visit

• You have a puppy or kitten at home that has not yet been vaccinated.
• Your dog is over 3 months old and has not had the compulsory rabies vaccination.
• The date of a booster dose recorded in the health booklet is approaching.
• You are planning to travel abroad with your dog or cat, or a stay in an animal boarding facility.
• The cat has started going outdoors and is in contact with other cats.
• You have adopted an animal without documents or a vaccination history.

Conditions for which we use it in particular

Diagnostics beforehand

Before each dose the veterinarian examines the animal: temperature, mucous membranes, lymph nodes, auscultation. If the cat or dog has diarrhoea, a fever or has recently been ill, we postpone the vaccination; a dose given to a sick animal and entered in the schedule gives a false sense of protection.

For kittens of unknown origin we recommend an FeLV/FIV test before FeLV vaccination. Worming 1–2 weeks before vaccination improves the response to the vaccine.

How it proceeds

Aftercare

On the day of vaccination it is best to limit long walks and vigorous play. Mild drowsiness or a reduced appetite may last 1–2 days, and a small lump at the injection site can persist for as long as a dozen or so days; all of this resolves on its own.

Please call immediately if vomiting, swelling of the muzzle, difficulty breathing or marked lethargy appear. These are rare signs of a reaction that require prompt intervention.

Frequently asked questions