From health and wellbeing to behaviour and nutrition, SoGlos's Ask the Gloucestershire vets series sees veterinary surgeons Dr Alex Hewett and Dr Olivia Crowe from Cheltenham's Regency Vets answer Gloucestershire pet owners' most common questions, sharing trusted advice and practical insights to help county pets live healthier, happier lives.
In this edition, the Regency Vets team explains why vaccinations remain one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect pets from serious disease, while tackling some of the most common misconceptions surrounding annual boosters and long-term preventative healthcare.
Why are vaccinations such an important part of keeping dogs and cats healthy throughout their lives?
Dog and cat vaccinations are one of the most effective ways we can protect pets against serious infectious diseases that are still present in the UK.For dogs, we routinely vaccinate against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis, parainfluenza and Bordetella, which causes kennel cough. Many of these diseases can be fatal or require intensive veterinary treatment, but thanks to widespread vaccination, we're fortunate that we now see very few cases.
Cats are routinely vaccinated against feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus, feline panleucopenia and feline leukaemia virus. These infections can cause lifelong illness, ranging from respiratory disease and painful mouth ulcers to digestive problems, weakened immune systems and even cancer.
Vaccination isn't just about protecting individual pets. Diseases such as leptospirosis can be passed from animals to people, so keeping pets vaccinated also helps protect public health.
Many dog walkers, boarding kennels and groomers across Gloucestershire, not to mention pet insurance providers, also require vaccinations to be kept up to date.
Ultimately, vaccination is a safe, reliable and cost-effective way of protecting your pet while supporting the health of the wider pet community.
What are the biggest misconceptions you hear from pet owners about vaccinations?
One of the most common myths is that puppies and kittens only need their first vaccinations before they're protected for life. In reality, immunity changes over time, which is why booster vaccinations are recommended according to carefully researched guidelines.Some owners also believe indoor cats don't need vaccinations. However, viruses and bacteria can easily be brought into the home on our shoes, clothing or through contact with other animals.
Another misconception is that every pet needs exactly the same vaccinations. At Regency Vets, we tailor our recommendations around each pet's lifestyle, where they spend their time and their level of risk.
Serious side effects from vaccinations are extremely uncommon and the benefits of protecting pets from potentially life-threatening diseases far outweigh the risks
Some pet owners worry that if their pet becomes unwell days, weeks or even months after a vaccination, the vaccine must have been responsible. In most cases, that's simply coincidence.
Side effects after vaccinations tend to occur immediately and your vet should always be told to allow reporting and monitoring.
A dog who regularly enjoys countryside walks or explores the Cotswolds, for example, may face different risks to one who spends most of their time in an urban environment, while pets that regularly attend daycare, training classes or boarding kennels may benefit from additional protection against diseases such as kennel cough.
Puppy and kitten vaccination courses are also carefully planned to provide early protection while allowing them to begin socialising safely during those important early months.
If a pet is unwell or taking medication that affects their immune system, we may recommend delaying vaccination until they're in a better position to respond effectively.
Owners can also receive conflicting advice from breeders, friends or online sources, so we always encourage open conversations. Our role is to explain the evidence and help owners make informed decisions they're comfortable with.
We begin by taking a full medical history and discussing any questions or concerns the owner may have. We then carry out a thorough physical examination to make sure the pet is fit and healthy before vaccination.
The vaccination itself is usually very straightforward. It's given just under the skin rather than into the muscle, so most dogs and cats barely notice it. We give pets time to settle, use plenty of reassurance, treats and distraction, and finish with lots of fuss and positive attention.
For dogs, the appointment may also include a nasal vaccination for kennel cough where appropriate.
These annual appointments are also an invaluable opportunity to monitor your pet's overall health. A year is a long time in a dog's or cat's life, and routine health checks often allow us to identify problems early, when treatment is most effective.
Every pet is different, and vaccination recommendations are based on their individual circumstances. Our aim is always to balance the risks and benefits so we can provide the most appropriate protection for each animal.
The simple message is that prevention really is better than cure. Vaccinations continue to save countless pets from serious illness every year, and keeping them up to date remains one of the most important things owners can do to support their pet's long-term health and wellbeing.
How do you tailor vaccination plans to suit each pet's age, lifestyle and health?
Every vaccination appointment at Regency Vets starts with a conversation. We discuss where your pet lives, where they exercise, whether they mix with other animals, their medical history and any existing health conditions.A dog who regularly enjoys countryside walks or explores the Cotswolds, for example, may face different risks to one who spends most of their time in an urban environment, while pets that regularly attend daycare, training classes or boarding kennels may benefit from additional protection against diseases such as kennel cough.
Puppy and kitten vaccination courses are also carefully planned to provide early protection while allowing them to begin socialising safely during those important early months.
If a pet is unwell or taking medication that affects their immune system, we may recommend delaying vaccination until they're in a better position to respond effectively.
Owners can also receive conflicting advice from breeders, friends or online sources, so we always encourage open conversations. Our role is to explain the evidence and help owners make informed decisions they're comfortable with.
What happens during a routine vaccination appointment at Regency Vets?
Vaccination appointments involve much more than simply giving an injection.We begin by taking a full medical history and discussing any questions or concerns the owner may have. We then carry out a thorough physical examination to make sure the pet is fit and healthy before vaccination.
The vaccination itself is usually very straightforward. It's given just under the skin rather than into the muscle, so most dogs and cats barely notice it. We give pets time to settle, use plenty of reassurance, treats and distraction, and finish with lots of fuss and positive attention.
For dogs, the appointment may also include a nasal vaccination for kennel cough where appropriate.
These annual appointments are also an invaluable opportunity to monitor your pet's overall health. A year is a long time in a dog's or cat's life, and routine health checks often allow us to identify problems early, when treatment is most effective.
What is the one thing you'd most like Gloucestershire pet owners to understand about vaccinations?
We would encourage Gloucestershire pet owners with concerns to have an open conversation with their vet rather than relying on information they've read elsewhere.Every pet is different, and vaccination recommendations are based on their individual circumstances. Our aim is always to balance the risks and benefits so we can provide the most appropriate protection for each animal.
The simple message is that prevention really is better than cure. Vaccinations continue to save countless pets from serious illness every year, and keeping them up to date remains one of the most important things owners can do to support their pet's long-term health and wellbeing.
For more information about vaccinations and other pet services available at Regency Vets, visit regencyvets.com.
