Health Check

In our Health Check Series, we would like to raise awareness to different health issues particularly relevant for international rescues. To start off, we will take a look at the standard vaccinations for Dogs, so keep an eye out for updates. And you can let us know of any topics you would like to know more about HERE!

Standard Vaccinations in the UK (Dogs)

Standard vaccinations for dogs in the UK can be split into core and non-core vaccines. According to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) core vaccinations target against globally distributed life-threatening diseases and should be compulsory for every dog. Non-core vaccinations will depend on the dog’s risk of exposure and can be discussed with your local vet, as detailed by the WSAVA 2015 Guidelines. The diseases covered by the core and non-core vaccines are listed below, as well as standard tests conducted for dogs entering the UK.

We will be adding a fact-page for each so keep an eye out for updates!

Core Vaccines

• Canine parvovirus
• Canine Distemper
• Canine hepatitis
• Rabies

Non-core vaccines

These are given depending on the dog’s exposure risk and could include vaccines against:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica
• Borrelia burgdorferi
• Leptospira bacteria

Standard Test for dogs entering the UK

This is to see whether they may be carriers or suffering from the following:

• 4DX / Caniv4
  • Heartworm
  • Erlichia
  • Anaplasma
  • Lyme Disease
• Giardiasis
• Babesiosis

Other diseases which are important include:

• Brucella canis

Standard Vaccinations in the UK (Cats)

Similar to Dogs, vaccinations for Cats can also be split into Core and Non-Core vaccines. Rabies is considered Core for cats that travel outside or enter the UK. Again the specific need for non-core vaccines as well as booster vaccines will depend on the specific needs of each cat and should be consulted with your local vet (ICatCare, n.d.; PDSA, n.d.)

Core Vaccines

• Feline panleukopenia

• Feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus

• Rabies

Non-core vaccines

These are given depending on the cats’s exposure risk and could include vaccines against:

• Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV)

• Chlamydophila felis

• Bordetella bronchiseptica

• Feline immunodeficiency virus

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