Health Checks & Vaccinations

Make sure your new pet is given the best possible start in life!

Health checks

New pets are extremely exciting; even more so if they’re your first pet. However, just like us, they need lots of care and attention while they’re young to ensure they’re growing up healthy and happy.

At The Neighbourhood Vet, we strongly recommend that you bring your new pet to see us once a month until they’re six months old.

This allows us to monitor their progress, catch any potential problems early on, and develop a great bond with the new addition to your family. It also helps your pet learn to love their visits to the vet, which should stick with them throughout their adult life.

Once your pet is 6 months old, they should only need to come and see us annually for a routine check-up, or if they’re unwell.

Vaccinations

When it comes to the health of a young animal, any veterinary professional will explain to you the importance of vaccinating them.

A vaccination is an injection that is given to an animal to prevent them from developing some of the nasty diseases they’re susceptible to. At The Neighbourhood Vet your companion couldn’t be in better hands.

“We have extensive experience when it comes to administering vaccinations. This means the whole process is over quickly, with very little pain or stress. It’s very important that a pet’s first experiences at the vet are positive and we feel this is just as important as any of the more complicated procedures we do.”
Suzanne McNabb – Veterinary Surgeon

In the majority of cases, two initial injections are required a couple of weeks apart. Once your pet has received these they will only need a ‘booster’ vaccination once a year.

Puppies

Puppies should have their first vaccination between 6-8 weeks of age and their second 2-4 weeks later. They can be vaccinated against:

  • Canine Parvovirus
  • Canine Distemper Virus
  • Infectious Canine Hepatitis
  • Leptospirosis
  • Parainfluenza
  • Kennel Cough
  • Rabies

Kittens

Kittens should have their first vaccination at 9 weeks of age and their second 3 weeks later. They can be vaccinated against:

  • Cat Flu Viruses (Feline Herpes and Feline Calici Virus)
  • Infectious Enteritis
  • Feline Leukaemia Virus

Kits (Baby Rabbits)

Kits (baby rabbits) should be vaccinated against Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD) from 5 weeks old.

At The Neighbourhood Vet we understand that some of our clients may have concerns about vaccinations and the frequency they are given. We now offer serology antibody testing for clients who prefer to only have their animals vaccinated when absolutely essential. This involves a blood test (just as you may have at the doctor) and will highlight which of the antibody levels are low and therefore would be required that year. This is becoming more popular every year.