Vaccines have long been an important part of preventative medicine, both in humans and in pets. By giving a pet a controlled amount of vaccine, the pet's immune system can prepare itself and be ready for the day if and when the real disease arrives to infect them.
The geared up immune system will be able to either prevent the infection from occurring or reduce the severity of disease that infection would have otherwise produced. In other words, vaccines save lives!
An equally important part of this process is the health check that accompanies a vaccination appointment, especially in older animals. When vaccinating your pet, you will be asked how he or she has been over the last year and have the opportunity to discuss any worries you may have regarding any aspect of their physical or behavioural wellbeing. Rob’s experience would suggest that during a vaccination appointment, we uncover at least one potentially serious problem per week that would have otherwise gone unnoticed until later in the disease process. Many people, because their pet is living with them, don’t notice subtle changes in their behaviour or their clinical state. Early diagnosis of any disease is encouraged and achievable through these vitally important health checks.
We at The Guildford Vet would urge you all to visit us at least annually for a health check and vaccination. We truly believe that we should be checking our older pets more frequently than this, not necessarily simply when they are ill. Prevention is without doubt better than cure, and early detection of illness improves prognosis massively.
We offer a choice of vaccinations to suit the individual requirements of owners and their pets.
Puppies/Dogs
Dogs are vaccinated against Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Distemper, Parainfluenza, Hepatitis and Kennel Cough.
Puppies require two vaccinations usually given at 8 and 12 weeks of age. They are not fully protected until 2 weeks after the 2nd vaccination so should not be walked on public areas such as parks and roads and should not socialise with unvaccinated dogs. Adult dogs require annual boosters that are tailored specifically to the requirements of each individual animal. Rabies vaccination is required at least 3 weeks before international travel.
Kittens/Cats
Cats are vaccinated against feline enteritis, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis and feline leukaemia.
The primary course consists of two sets of injections usually given at 9 and 12 weeks old.
Adult cats require annual boosters.
Rabbits
Rabbits can be vaccinated against myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD).
A combined vaccine is now available and is given annually.
Other services
Orthopaedics
Orthopaedics
We have coupled up with Provetsurg, a peripatetic referral orthopaedic service headed by Nicci Meadows. This allows us to offer the highest standard of orthopaedic surgery in house. ProVetSurg provides an accessible in-house referral surgical service by certified surgical advanced practitioners. This enables clients to remain close to home, and pets to be treated in a familiar environment with vets and nurses that they already know. Surgical fees aim to be affordable for a wide range of clients.
Pet Health Care Plans
Pet Health Care Plans
Microchipping
Microchipping
Since 06 April 2016, it is a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped in England and this will likely soon be expanded to include all cats. We strongly advise all pets be microchipped, even those that are kept indoors. If your pet gets lost or sadly taken without a microchip, it is very unlikely they will be found and returned to you safely.