From My Heart to Yours: Why Vaccination Matters for Your Fur Babies

A Warm Welcome from Dr Steven Chan

Hello, and welcome to our blog!

I’m Dr Steven Chan, one of the partners at Kurrajong Village Vets, and I couldn’t be more excited to connect with you through this space. If you’re reading this, chances are you love your pets as much as we do. That’s what makes our clinic more than just a veterinary practice—it’s a place where friends, family, and the community come together with a shared love for animals.

At Kurrajong Village Vets, we believe in caring with our hearts first, and our medical expertise second. Because when it comes to your fur babies, they’re not just pets—they’re cherished family members. And as a vet, a pet owner, and a fellow animal lover, I want to give you the best advice straight from my heart, backed by science and experience.

So today, let’s talk about something absolutely essential for your pet’s health and longevity—vaccination.

Why Should I Get My Fur Baby Vaccinated?

As a vet, I’ve had the privilege of caring for thousands of dogs and cats over the years. I’ve seen the joy of a healthy pup bounding through the clinic doors for a routine check-up, and I’ve also witnessed the heartbreak of preventable diseases claiming the lives of beloved pets.

That’s why I’m so passionate about vaccination—because it can truly mean the difference between life and death.

Vaccines protect your pets from dangerous, highly contagious, and often fatal diseases. You might think, “But my pet stays indoors, do they really need vaccinations?” The answer is yes. Even indoor pets are at risk—viruses can travel through the air, live on surfaces, or be brought in by humans, other animals, or even pests like mosquitoes and fleas.

Imagine if we could prevent suffering, expensive emergency treatments, or even the pain of losing a pet—just with a simple vaccine. That’s why I strongly advocate for routine vaccinations.

How Does Vaccination Work?

Vaccination works by training your pet’s immune system to recognise and fight harmful diseases before they become a serious threat.

Here’s a simple way to think about it:

Imagine your pet’s immune system is like a security guard. Without training, they wouldn’t know how to recognise a dangerous intruder. But with training (a vaccine), they learn to identify threats quickly and eliminate them before they cause harm.

A vaccine contains a harmless version of the virus (either weakened or inactive), which teaches the immune system how to fight it off effectively. If your pet ever comes into contact with the real virus, their body will be ready to defend itself immediately, significantly reducing the severity of illness or even preventing it altogether. However, it’s important to understand that no vaccine provides 100% protection—just like in human medicine. While vaccines are highly effective at reducing the risk of infection and minimising symptoms, there is always a small chance that a vaccinated pet may still contract a disease. The key difference is that vaccinated pets typically experience milder symptoms, recover faster, and have a significantly lower risk of serious complications or death compared to unvaccinated pets. This is why regular boosters and maintaining a proper vaccination schedule are crucial in ensuring your pet stays protected throughout their life.

What Vaccinations Are Best for My Fur Babies?

The vaccines your pet needs will depend on their species, lifestyle, and risk factors. But as a general rule, here are the core vaccinations we recommend:

For Dogs: The C7 Vaccine

The C7 vaccine is a comprehensive protection package that includes:

 Canine Parvovirus – A deadly virus that causes severe vomiting, diarrhoea, and dehydration. Parvo is especially dangerous for puppies.

 Canine Distemper – A serious disease affecting the respiratory, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems.

 Infectious Canine Hepatitis – Causes liver damage and can be fatal.

 Parainfluenza & Bordetella (Kennel Cough) – Highly contagious respiratory diseases that spread in social settings like dog parks and kennels.

 Leptospirosis – A bacterial infection that can also spread to humans. It affects the kidneys and liver, potentially leading to organ failure.

 Coronavirus – Not to be confused with COVID-19, this virus affects a dog’s intestines, leading to severe diarrhoea.

If your dog goes to the park, interacts with other dogs, or stays in boarding kennels, a C7 vaccination is highly recommended.

For Cats: The F3 Vaccine

The F3 vaccine is the gold standard for protecting your feline friend from:

 Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Parvovirus) – A deadly disease that suppresses the immune system and damages the intestines.

 Feline Herpesvirus – A major cause of cat flu, leading to sneezing, eye infections, and respiratory distress.

 Feline Calicivirus – Another common respiratory virus that can cause mouth ulcers and pneumonia.

Even if your cat never steps outside, these viruses can still enter your home on your clothes, shoes, or through open windows. An F3 vaccination is their best defence.

But Aren’t Vaccines Risky?

I completely understand the concern. Any medical treatment comes with some risks, but the benefits of vaccination far outweigh any minor side effects.

Most pets experience only mild reactions, such as slight soreness at the injection site or temporary tiredness. Severe reactions are extremely rare, and we always assess your pet’s health before administering any vaccine.

The real risk? Not vaccinating. The diseases we vaccinate against are far more dangerous than the minor discomfort of a vaccine.

Final Thoughts: Protecting the Ones We Love

As a vet, I see every pet as part of our extended family here in Kurrajong. Your pets bring so much joy, love, and companionship into your life—it’s our job to help keep them safe and healthy.

Vaccination is one of the simplest, safest, and most effective ways to protect your fur baby from suffering. It’s a small act that carries a lifetime of benefits.

If you have any questions about your pet’s vaccination schedule or would like to book an appointment, please don’t hesitate to reach out. My team and I are always here for you—because we care, just as much as you do.

Together, let’s keep our beloved pets happy, healthy, and thriving for years to come.

With warmth and care,

Dr Steven Chan

Kurrajong Village Vets

Have More Questions? Let’s Chat!

 Call us at 02 4573 1216

 Visit us at 16 Old Bells Line of Road, Kurrajong NSW 2758

 Book online at https://www.kurrajongvets.center/

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