The Importance of Getting Your Dog or Cat Vaccinated
Vaccinations are a vital part of maintaining your dog or cat’s overall health and wellbeing. They are also key in protecting your pet against disease, ensuring a long and thriving life.
Forrestdale Veterinary Hospital has experienced vets who bring a wealth of expertise and compassion to every pet they see. We are a dedicated team with skills for delivering vaccinations safely to your cat or dog. We believe in the importance of finding a vet who has this essential knowledge and the qualities to help build a good lifelong relationship with you and your pet.
Understanding Vaccinations for Your Dog or Cat
For all dogs and cats, it’s important to know what vaccinations your pet needs and when they should take them.
Dog Vaccines
Core dog vaccines (A DHP or C3) protect against serious, highly contagious diseases that can be life-threatening, especially for puppies:
- Canine Parvovirus (C3/DHP): A severe viral illness that attacks the intestines and can be fatal without prompt treatment.
- Canine Distemper (C3/DHP): A widespread virus affecting the respiratory, digestive and nervous systems.
- Canine Hepatitis (C3/DHP): A viral disease that targets the liver and may cause long-term health issues.
- Canine Cough: Commonly recommended for dogs that attend boarding, daycare, dog parks or training classes. This is a stand-alone vaccine.
Dog Vaccination Guidelines
- Start early: Puppy vaccinations usually begin at 6–8 weeks of age to protect against serious diseases during early development.
- We use and recommend early finish vaccine: Some puppies are eligible for an early-finish vaccination course, allowing completion by 10 weeks of age, which supports safer socialisation sooner.
- Safe socialisation: Puppies can begin attending Puppy School after their first vaccination, with controlled and appropriate exposure.
- Ongoing protection: An annual health check and booster vaccinations help maintain immunity and keep your dog protected as they grow.
Cats are vaccinated using different combinations depending on their age, lifestyle, and exposure risk. Your vet will recommend the most appropriate option.
Cat Vaccination Types
- F3 Vaccine (Core protection): Covers Feline Herpesvirus, Feline Calicivirus, and Feline Panleukopenia (Enteritis).
This is the minimum core vaccination recommended for all cats. - F5 Vaccine (Extended protection): Includes everything in the F3, plus protection against Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) and Chlamydia. Often recommended for cats with outdoor access or higher contact with other cats.
- F6 Vaccine (Comprehensive protection): Covers F3 and F5 diseases, with added protection against Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). Typically recommended for cats at higher risk of exposure, particularly outdoor or roaming cats.
Kitten & Cat Vaccination Schedule
- First kitten vaccination: Given at 8 weeks of age (F3).
- Second kitten vaccination: Given at approximately 12 weeks of age. The vaccine used may vary depending on what was administered at the first kitten vaccination, and additional vaccines may be recommended by your vet.
- Adult cats: Ongoing protection is recommended, with annual vaccinations based on your cat’s previous vaccination history and outdoor exposure, as advised by your vet.
Book in a Vaccination for Your Pet Today!
No matter their age or breed, the experienced vets at Forrestdale Veterinary Hospital can assist with all cat and dog vaccinations in Perth. To book a pet vaccination appointment or to find out more information about our services and costs, contact our vet clinic on 08 6396 7485 today.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you need to learn more about vaccinations for your pet, view our frequently asked questions below.