One of the most crucial core vaccines for cats is Feline Enteritis (also known as Feline Panleucopenia). Feline Enteritis is caused by a highly contagious virus that attacks rapidly dividing cells in the body, particularly those in the intestines and bone marrow. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, dehydration, and anorexia. Kittens are especially vulnerable to this disease but unvaccinated adult cats can also become infected. The good news is that Feline Enteritis can be easily prevented through vaccination. The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce protective antibodies against the virus.

Feline Respiratory Disease, commonly known as Catflu, is a serious illness that affects the respiratory system of cats. It can be caused by several different viruses that affect the nose, throat, and mouth of the animal. Symptoms of Catflu include sneezing, coughing, runny nose and eyes, fever as well as loss of appetite. The disease can also lead to more severe complications such as pneumonia if left untreated.

Fortunately, there are core vaccines available that can help prevent feline respiratory disease along with other serious health problems such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and rabies. These vaccines are recommended for all cats regardless of their lifestyle or living conditions.

Chlamydia (also known as Chlamydophila) is a bacterial infection that affects cats’ respiratory tracts and eyes. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, runny nose and eyes, and conjunctivitis. The disease is highly contagious between cats and can be transmitted through shared food dishes or litter boxes. While not all cats require the chlamydia vaccine, it may be recommended by veterinarians in certain situations.

Feline Leukaemia is a viral disease that can be transmitted through close contact with infected cats. It attacks the immune system, leaving cats vulnerable to infections and other illnesses. Kittens are most vulnerable to contracting FeLV, but adult cats can also become infected if they come into contact with an infected cat’s bodily fluids. The FeLV vaccine is recommended for cats who have access to the outdoors or live in multi-cat households where there may be a higher risk of exposure to the virus.

FIV is a viral disease that primarily affects cats and typically spreads through bites from infected cats. The virus weakens the immune system, leading to chronic infections and life-threatening illnesses in affected cats. Vaccination against FIV helps to reduce the risk of infection by stimulating the production of antibodies that neutralize or kill the virus before it can cause harm. When considering vaccinating your cat against FIV, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian who will determine whether your pet requires the vaccine based on their lifestyle and health status.

• Initial Vaccination Series: Puppies receive a series of vaccinations starting at around 6-8 weeks of age. These initial vaccinations help build their immune system and protect them against common diseases.
• Core Vaccinations: Core vaccines for puppies typically include vaccines against canine distemper, canine parvovirus, canine adenovirus, and rabies. These are considered essential for all puppies and are usually given in a series of doses, with intervals of 2-4 weeks between each dose.
• Boosters: Puppies require booster shots to ensure long-lasting immunity. Boosters are given at specific intervals, usually up until the puppy reaches 16-20 weeks of age. The exact schedule may vary depending on the specific vaccine and our recommendations.

• Core Vaccinations: Adult dogs require regular booster shots for core vaccines to maintain their immunity. The frequency of booster vaccinations varies depending on factors such as the vaccine used, local regulations, and our advice.
• Non-Core Vaccinations: Some non-core vaccines, such as those for Bordetella (kennel cough), Leptospirosis, or Lyme disease, may be recommended for adult dogs based on their lifestyle, geographic location, or risk of exposure.
• Titers Testing: In some cases, instead of automatically giving booster shots, we may recommend titers testing for certain diseases. This involves checking the dog’s antibody levels to assess their immunity. If the titers are sufficient, additional vaccinations may be unnecessary.

Canine Parvovirus, commonly known as parvo, is a highly contagious viral disease that affects dogs, particularly puppies and unvaccinated dogs. It is caused by the canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) virus. Parvovirus primarily attacks the gastrointestinal system, causing severe illness.

Key points about Canine Parvovirus:

• Transmission: Parvovirus is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with infected dogs or their faeces. The virus can survive in the environment for long periods, making it easily spreadable through contaminated objects, surfaces, or environments.
• Symptoms: Dogs infected with parvovirus typically exhibit symptoms such as severe vomiting, diarrhoea (often bloody), loss of appetite, lethargy, and dehydration. The disease can progress rapidly and lead to severe complications, including septicaemia and organ failure.
• Treatment: There is no specific cure for parvovirus, but prompt and intensive veterinary care is crucial. Treatment often involves supportive measures to address dehydration, control vomiting and diarrhoea, and prevent secondary infections. Hospitalisation with intravenous fluids, medications, and close monitoring is typically required.

Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that affects dogs and various other animals. It is caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV), which belongs to the Morbillivirus family. Distemper is a significant health concern, particularly for unvaccinated dogs or those with weak immune systems.

Key points about Canine Distemper:

• Transmission: Canine distemper is primarily spread through respiratory secretions, such as coughing or sneezing, from infected animals. It can also be transmitted through direct contact with contaminated objects or surfaces. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are most susceptible to infection.
• Symptoms: The symptoms of canine distemper can vary but often include fever, nasal and ocular discharge, coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, lethargy, and neurological signs such as seizures or muscle twitches. The virus can affect multiple systems in the body, leading to a wide range of clinical signs.
• Treatment: Unfortunately, there is no specific cure for distemper. Treatment focuses on supportive care to alleviate symptoms, control secondary infections, and provide nutrition and hydration. Hospitalisation, fluid therapy, medications, and close monitoring are often necessary. However, the prognosis can be guarded, and some dogs may not survive despite treatment.

Canine hepatitis, also known as infectious canine hepatitis, is a viral disease primarily affecting dogs. It is caused by the canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1). Canine hepatitis can cause a range of symptoms and potentially serious complications.

Key points about Canine Hepatitis:

• Transmission: Canine hepatitis is spread through contact with body fluids (urine, saliva, nasal discharge) of infected dogs. It can also be transmitted through contaminated objects or surfaces. Dogs can remain carriers of the virus even after recovering from the disease.
• Symptoms: The symptoms of canine hepatitis can vary in severity. Common signs include fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and mucous membranes). In severe cases, hepatitis can lead to liver damage, bleeding disorders, and organ failure.
• Treatment: There is no specific cure for canine hepatitis. Treatment focuses on supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Veterinary care may include fluid therapy, medications to support liver function, and treatment of secondary infections. Severe cases may require hospitalisation.

Canine cough, also known as kennel cough or infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that affects dogs. It is caused by various pathogens, including bacteria (Bordetella bronchiseptica) and viruses (such as canine parainfluenza virus and canine adenovirus type 2).

Key points about Canine Cough:

• Transmission: Canine cough is primarily spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions from infected dogs. It can also be transmitted through airborne droplets or contact with contaminated objects or surfaces, such as water bowls or toys.
• Symptoms: Dogs with canine cough typically develop a persistent, harsh, dry cough that may sound like they have something stuck in their throat. They may also experience retching, gagging, or coughing fits. In mild cases, dogs may remain active and eat normally, while more severe cases can lead to lethargy, loss of appetite, and fever.
• Treatment: Canine cough often resolves on its own within a few weeks without specific treatment. However, veterinary care may be needed for severe or persistent cases. Treatment may involve cough suppressants, antibiotics (if bacterial infection is present), and supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Canine coronavirus (CCoV) is a viral infection that primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract of dogs. It is caused by the canine coronavirus virus, which is distinct from the coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic in humans.

Key points about Canine Coronavirus:

• Transmission: Canine coronavirus is primarily transmitted through contact with infected faeces or oral-nasal secretions of infected dogs. It can spread through direct dog-to-dog contact, contaminated objects, or environments. Puppies and dogs in crowded or unsanitary conditions are more susceptible.
• Symptoms: Canine coronavirus infection can range from mild to severe. Many infected dogs may not show any symptoms or only have mild gastrointestinal signs such as diarrhoea, occasionally with vomiting. In severe cases, dehydration, loss of appetite, and lethargy may occur.
• Treatment: There is no specific antiviral treatment for canine coronavirus. Supportive care focuses on managing symptoms, maintaining hydration, and addressing secondary bacterial infections if they arise. In most cases, infected dogs recover with proper supportive care.

Canine leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria. It affects dogs and can also be transmitted to other animals and humans. Leptospirosis is considered a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted between animals and humans.

Key points about Canine Leptospirosis:

• Transmission: Dogs can become infected with leptospirosis through contact with the urine or bodily fluids of infected animals, such as rodents, wildlife, or other infected dogs. The bacteria can enter the body through mucous membranes, open wounds, or ingestion of contaminated water or soil.
• Symptoms: The symptoms of leptospirosis can vary widely. Some infected dogs may show no symptoms, while others may experience a range of signs such as fever, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, loss of appetite, increased thirst, jaundice, and kidney or liver dysfunction. In severe cases, leptospirosis can cause organ failure and even death.
• Treatment: Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for leptospirosis. Antibiotics such as doxycycline or penicillin are commonly used to treat the infection. Supportive care, including intravenous fluids, may be necessary to manage dehydration and organ dysfunction. Prompt veterinary attention is necessary for a favourable outcome.