Vaccination programme for dogs
Puppies under 16 weeks:
6 (8) weeks – 5-in-1
10 (12) weeks – 5-in-1 (if 12 weeks, give first rabies now)
14 (16) weeks – 5-in-1 plus rabies (if 12 weeks at first rabies vaccination, this would be the booster)
Some puppies have a distemper/parvovirus vaccination at 4 weeks as well, in addition to the above
Adult dogs that had their puppy vaccinations:
1st year – 5-in-1 plus rabies
At least every 3 years – 5-in-1 plus rabies (preferably in alternate years, 5-in-1 one year, rabies other year)
* Rabies is given once, then repeated in no less than 1 month and no more than 9 months – so the rabies booster can be given before 1 year of age, as long as it is more than 1 month after the initial vaccination.
Adult dogs with no prior vaccinations:
5-in-1 once off, then every 3 years
Rabies – immediately and again within 1 to 9 months, then every 3 years
Canine (kennel) cough vaccinations
Please note that the canine cough vaccination is often not included in the standard annual vaccinations and has to be specifically requested from your vet. There are two types of canine cough vaccines: injectable and intra-nasal.
Intra-nasal (Nobivac KC) – First vaccination at least 4 days before boarding and thereafter an annual booster.
Injectable (Bronchicine or Pneumodog) – Two doses are required with an interval of two to four weeks between the doses. We will only accept dogs after the second vaccine. After the initial two vaccinations, it should be boosted annually.
CANINE (KENNEL) COUGH VACCINATIONS
What is in the 5-in-1 vaccine:
Parvovirus
Distemper (hondesiekte)
Adenovirus 1 (hepatitis)
Adenovirus 2 (tracheobronchitis – canine cough)
Parainfluenza (tracheobronchitis – canine cough)
Vaccination programme for cats
Kittens under 16 weeks:
8 (9) weeks – 3-in-1
12 (13) weeks – 3-in-1 plus rabies
Adult cats that have had their kitten vaccinations:
1 year – 3-in-1 plus rabies
At least every 3 years – 3-in-1 plus rabies, preferably alternate years
Rabies is given once, then repeated in no less than 1 month and no more than 9 months – so the rabies booster can be given before 1 year of age, as long as it is more than 1 month after the initial vaccination
Adult cats that have had no prior vaccinations:
3-in-1 once off, then every 3 years
Rabies – immediately and again within 1 to 9 months, then every 3 years
Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb):
Cats older than 4 weeks – annually
What is in the 3-in-1 vaccine:
Feline panleukopenia virus
Feline rhinotracheitis virus (snuffles)
Feline calicivirus (snuffles)
Rabies
Note that rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats are required by law in South Africa. Rabies is a zoonosis (disease that is transmitted to humans from animals). By vaccinating our pets, we are protecting our pets, ourselves, our families and the rest of society from a terrible, fatal disease. Although the vaccines do provide immunity for at least 3 years, annual vaccinations are required when travelling to certain countries overseas. If you foresee your pets travelling overseas, please contact our consultants at Mooikloof Pet Relocations for specific advice well in advance.
Other vaccines not required at Mooikloof Kennels and Cattery:
Some vaccines also include Chlamydia making it a 4-in-1.
Chlamydia vaccine is given once, repeated after 3-4 weeks, then annually.
Feline leukemia virus vaccines are usually given to kittens in high-risk households. It is given immediately and repeated after 3-4 weeks, then every 3 years.
Feline immunodeficiency virus is given to kittens at 8 weeks, then repeated twice every 2-4 weeks (i.e. three in total). If older than 3 months, the cat must first be tested for FIV. Then also 3 doses and repeated annually.
Deworming for dogs and cats should be done as per your vet's advice.
Summary: Requirements for Mooikloof Kennels and Cattery
Dogs and cats older than 16 weeks:
5-in-1 or 3-in-1 given within the past 3 years, at least 4 weeks before coming to the kennels.
Rabies given within the past 3 years provided that the initial rabies vaccination was followed up within 9 months.
Canine cough / Bb within 1 year, at least 4 weeks before coming to the kennels.
Dogs and cats under 16 weeks of age:
At least one 5-in-1 or 3-in-1 vaccination within the last 4 weeks.
If older than 12 weeks, a rabies vaccination.
Canine cough / Bb within the last week.
Timeous vaccination
Please note that it is not ideal to do any vaccinations whilst the pets are at the kennels/cattery, or a few days before coming to the boarding facility. The environmental changes that the pet has to cope with may be stressful and could reduce the pet's ability to build up proper immunity against the diseases in the vaccine. Therefore, the vaccine may be less effective when given to animals experiencing stress. Please vaccinate your pets well before their visit to our facility, preferably more than a month before they arrive.
Parasite Treatments
Tick and flea treatment
The heat and humidity of summer are ideal breeding conditions for these nasty little bloodsucking critters. Make sure your pets are treated before they arrive, to keep them bug-free. As there are many products - both effective and ineffective - available on the market, please discuss the best external parasite control for your pet(s) with your vet, who will be able to give expert advice for your specific circumstances. Our vets at Mooikloof Animal Hospital will also be able to assist you.
Deworming
Although we don't like to think of it, worms are common parasites and can cause illness. There are many different types of worms, each with their own unique life cycle, and it is best that your vet advises you in this regard. We would appreciate it if your pets come to us free of worms. Please discuss internal parasite control with your vet, as there are various options - your pet's faeces can be tested to identify worms and only treated if necessary, or your vet may prefer to give a deworming medication. Either way, please do this 2-4 weeks before coming to the kennels/cattery. To be effective against Spirocerca lupi (https://www.zuki.co.za/killer-worm-south-africa-spirocerca-lupi/) it is important that your pet be treated monthly with the correct deworming product. Please let us know when last you dewormed your pets, or had them checked for worms, before check-in. The professional team at Mooikloof Animal Hospital will be happy to advise you in this regard.