The Basics of Preventative Healthcare
Preventative healthcare includes vaccinations against disease and control against parasites such as fleas, ticks and worms.
Although this information has been reviewed by qualified veterinarians, it is intended as a guide only. Any healthcare questions, concerns and decisions should be discussed with your vet to ensure you’re catering to the individual needs of your pet.
Vaccinations
Vaccines are one of the best scientifically-proven, effective forms of preventative healthcare. We’ve broken down the vaccines for some of the most common companion animals.
Dogs - the canine C3 vaccine refers to the core vaccination given, covering distemper, canine parvovirus and canine hepatitis. The C5 vaccine adds protection against the two forms of canine flu - canine parainfluenza and bordetella bronchiseptica. So the C3 + canine cough vaccine = a C5 vaccination.
Regularly referred to as kennel cough, a common misconception is that dogs who are not boarding somewhere don’t need the vaccine. In reality parainfluenza and bordetella can be transmitted and contracted anywhere your dog may interact with other dogs (dog daycare, training school, walks etc.).
Other non-core vaccines available for dogs include the C2i, for leptospirosis and canine coronavirus (note: canine coronavirus is a different strain to human COVID-19, neither can be transmitted between humans and animals).
Puppies receive three doses of vaccines, each four weeks apart. The standard vaccine schedule is a C3 at 6-8 weeks of age, followed by a C5 at 10-12 weeks, and a final booster of C3 at 16+ weeks, however some vet clinics may vary their recommended vaccine schedule. Speak with your vet about what schedule is best for your puppy.
Though not a vaccination, an annual injection to prevent against heartworm is available for dogs from as young as 12 weeks old.
Cats - the core vaccine for felines, referred to as the F3 vaccine, covers feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus and feline panleukopenia virus. An additional, non-core vaccine available protects against feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). FIV is not uncommon among outdoor cats, as it is transmitted through cat fights. Considering the high population of stray and feral cats in the ACT it is recommended that roaming cats receive the FIV vaccine - discuss with your vet the requirements for your cat to receive the FIV vaccine.
Other vaccines available include the feline leukaemia and feline chlamydia vaccinations.
Kittens receive three doses of the F3 vaccine, each two to four weeks apart. The doses are given at 6-8 weeks, 10-12 weeks, and 14-16 weeks, however some vet clinics may vary their recommended vaccine schedule. Speak with your vet about what schedule is best for your kitten.
Rabbits - the vaccine given to rabbits, known as the Cylap RCD, protects against rabbit calicivirus. Young rabbits receive doses at 4, 8 and 12 weeks of age, then every 6 months following.
Ferrets - ferrets receive a small dose of the canine distemper vaccine to protect against distemper. For young ferrets the vaccine is given at 6-12 weeks of age in two doses, 4 weeks apart, and is repeated annually.
Parasite Control
There are many different sorts of parasites that cats and dogs can be prone to. Intestinal worms (tapeworm, roundworm etc.), heartworm, fleas, ticks, and mites (mange) can all be avoided with preventative treatments, usually given every month or three months. These treatments may be tablets, chews, or topical (applied to the skin).
At present there is no single treatment that covers every parasitical condition, but when choosing your brand of treatment, it is usually okay to have some overlap. For example, if you are using a product that treats intestinal worms, heartworms, and fleas, and a second product that treats fleas, mites and ticks, it is safe to give both despite them both protecting against fleas, however this should be confirmed by a registered veterinarian. You may be able to check by calling your local clinic and asking for advice, and you can also discuss what parasites are prevalent in your region to determine what products will best protect your pet. It is recommended to get parasite prevention sold at vet clinics or pet shops as opposed to supermarkets, to ensure you’re getting a high quality, effective product.
Pet Circle is a good resource for understanding parasite control brands, as it outlines exactly what each brand does and does not include.
Mites (also known as mange) are often left out of parasite control treatments, however it is important to consider protecting against them, as they are much more difficult to treat after contracting.
Tick prevention is recommended as there have been cases of paralysis ticks reported in the ACT, and we do have bush ticks in our region. When going to the coast it is vital to ensure your pet is protected against ticks, and to check through their fur when you return. Onset of symptoms can take 2-7 days, and animals can deteriorate very quickly with high risk of death. If you suspect your pet has a tick, call a veterinarian immediately.
For smaller animals such as rabbits or rodents, repellent sprays for external parasites are available from pet stores. These can be sprayed directly on to the animal and/or their environment.