Why Skipping Vaccinations Could Put Your Pet at Risk

When life gets busy, it’s easy to overlook routine veterinary appointments. But when it comes to your pet’s vaccinations, skipping even one could have serious consequences. Vaccines are your pet’s first line of defence against some of the most dangerous—and entirely preventable—diseases.

In this article, we’ll look at the key illnesses vaccines protect against and explain why keeping up with your pet’s vaccination schedule is vital for their long-term health.

The Hidden Dangers of Preventable Diseases

Vaccinations help prime your pet’s immune system to fight off specific viruses and bacteria. Without them, your pet is left vulnerable to infections that can cause severe illness, long-term complications, or even death.

Here are some of the most serious diseases that vaccinations can prevent:

1. Parvovirus (Parvo)

A highly contagious and often fatal disease, parvovirus attacks the gastrointestinal system, causing severe vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, and lethargy. Puppies are especially at risk, and treatment often requires hospitalisation. Parvo is easily spread via faeces and can linger in the environment for months.

2. Canine Distemper

This serious viral illness affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Symptoms range from coughing and eye discharge to seizures and paralysis. Distemper is often fatal and highly contagious among unvaccinated dogs.

3. Leptospirosis

A bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated water or soil, leptospirosis can cause kidney and liver failure in both dogs and humans (zoonotic). It’s particularly common in rural areas or places with standing water, especially after heavy rainfall. Easily carried and spread by rats, it is also common in urban areas where these rodents thrive.

4. Infectious Canine Hepatitis

This disease affects the liver, kidneys, and eyes. It can cause high fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bleeding disorders. Though less common today, outbreaks still occur in unvaccinated populations.

5. Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV)

FeLV weakens a cat’s immune system, making them more susceptible to secondary infections and certain cancers. It is transmitted through saliva, grooming, bites, and shared food bowls. Kittens and outdoor cats are especially vulnerable.

6. Cat Flu (Feline Herpesvirus & Calicivirus)

This is a common condition in cats that causes sneezing, nasal discharge, mouth ulcers, and eye infections. It’s especially problematic in kittens and cats in catteries or multi-cat homes. Once infected, cats can carry and spread the virus for life.

The Real-World Impact of Skipped Vaccines

Many of these diseases are not only life-threatening but also costly to treat. Intensive care, hospital stays, and long-term medication can add up quickly. More importantly, some conditions leave lasting effects, even in pets who recover.

Additionally, unvaccinated pets can contribute to disease outbreaks in the local pet population, putting other animals at risk—especially the very young, elderly, or immunocompromised.

When Should You Vaccinate?

Vaccination schedules vary by species, age, and lifestyle. However, a typical programme includes:

• Puppies and kittens: Initial course of vaccines from 6–8 weeks old, followed by boosters

• Adult pets: Annual boosters or as recommended by your vet

• Outdoor cats and travelling dogs: Additional vaccines (e.g. Rabies)

Your vet will create a tailored vaccine plan based on your pet’s needs and risk factors.

Final Thoughts

Vaccinations aren’t just a routine—they’re a lifeline. By keeping up to date with your pet’s vaccines, you’re giving them the best possible chance at a healthy, happy life. 

Don’t take the risk—speak to our team today to check your pet’s vaccine status and protect them from avoidable harm.

We believe preventing disease is a far better way of helping your pet stay fit, comfortable, happy and healthy. So we’ve created the Vital Pets Club to make sure every pet owner has easy access to the best pet care at an affordable price.