Vaccinations

at Small Friends Veterinary Hospital

Small friends are delightful companions, and we want to keep them happy and healthy. Some contagious diseases can severely affect cats, dogs, or rabbits, and often there are no effective cures. Young animals may suffer permanent effects or even death if unprotected. Luckily, vaccinations provide effective protection against many of these illnesses.

Regular vaccinations, combined with annual health checks, are a great way to ensure your small friend stays fit and healthy. At Small Friends Veterinary Hospital, Dr Matt will tailor a vaccination schedule to your small friend’s specific needs, considering factors such as environment, lifestyle, and health status.

Dog receiving vaccination at Small Friends Veterinary Hospital
  • How Do Vaccines Work?

Vaccines are given as an injection under the skin and introduce a small, harmless amount of a virus or bacteria. This stimulates your small friend’s immune system to produce antibodies, which will attack the virus if exposed in the future. Vaccination helps your pet build immunity without causing disease.

  • When Should I Start Vaccinating My Small Friend?

Pups and Kittens

Protected by their mother’s antibodies at birth. From around six weeks of age, maternal protection begins to decline, and vaccination courses should start. Until completion, avoid contact with unvaccinated animals.

Rabbits

Usually protected until 10–12 weeks. The first vaccination should be given at this age, with annual boosters for life. Rabbits adopted before 10 weeks may require two initial vaccinations.

  • Vaccinations For Cats

Indoor Cats

Indoor cats should be vaccinated against:

  • Feline Infectious Enteritis (Panleucopaenia): Causes fever, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, and dehydration. Very difficult to treat.

  • Feline Infectious Respiratory Disease (“Cat Flu”): Caused by Feline Herpes Virus and Feline Calicivirus. Symptoms include sneezing, runny eyes, fever, and oral ulcers.

Outdoor Cats or Cats That Mix With Others

In addition to the above, vaccination against the following is recommended:

  • Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV): Suppresses the immune system and may cause cancer. Often fatal.

  • Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): Lifelong infection that weakens immunity and can lead to death. No cure exists.

Other Cat Vaccines

We vaccinate only against diseases that are prevalent locally, life-threatening, and preventable with effective vaccines. Vaccination against unnecessary diseases may increase the risk of adverse events.

Not recommended: Chlamydia vaccination. This vaccine can sometimes trigger disease rather than prevent it.

  • Vaccinations For Dogs

All dogs should be immunised against:

  • Distemper: Attacks the respiratory, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems. Often fatal.

  • Infectious Canine Hepatitis: Mainly affects the liver, can be fatal, highly contagious.

  • Parvovirus: Attacks the intestines causing vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, and death. Highly contagious.

  • Infectious Bronchitis (Kennel Cough): Contagious respiratory disease. Vaccination available against Parainfluenza Virus and Bordetella.

Other Dog Vaccines

We recommend vaccination only for diseases prevalent in the local area and which can cause severe illness.

Not recommended: Coronavirus (CCV) and Leptospirosis (in ACT dogs). These are low-risk in our region or have ineffective vaccines for healthy local dogs.

  • Heartworm Protection

Heartworm can cause serious disease in dogs. Protection is essential and should be tailored to your dog’s age and heartworm status. Discuss the best prevention strategy with Dr Matt.

Read more on our Parasite Prevention page.

  • Vaccinations For Rabbits

Rabbit Calicivirus (Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus): Highly contagious and fatal, causes liver failure and blood clotting abnormalities. No effective treatment exists.

Myxomatosis: No legal vaccine in Australia. Protection relies on mosquito-proof housing and keeping rabbits indoors during peak mosquito hours.

  • Why Are Regular Vaccinations Important?

Vaccination protection wears off over time. Boosters ensure antibody levels remain high and protect your small friend. Annual health checks also allow you to discuss your pet’s overall health, behaviour, and nutrition with Dr Matt.

  • Missed Vaccinations?

If your small friend has missed a booster, a vaccination course may need to be restarted. Up-to-date vaccinations are also required for boarding at kennels and catteries. Contact us on 6262 2233 to discuss your pet’s specific requirements.

  • Are Vaccinations Harmful?

Vaccinations are generally safe. Some pets may experience mild, short-term effects such as being quiet, off their food, or minor swelling at the injection site. Serious reactions are rare. If symptoms persist beyond 48 hours, contact us immediately.

Book A Vaccination Appointment Today

Keep your small friend happy, healthy, and protected from preventable diseases. Contact Small Friends Veterinary Hospital today to schedule your pet’s vaccinations and discuss their individual vaccination needs.

Call the Clinic