Pet Vaccinations and Worming: What Your Pet Needs and Why It Matters

Keeping your pet healthy goes beyond regular check-ups and a good diet — core protection like vaccinations and worming are essential to prevent serious diseases and parasites that can harm both your pet and your family.

At Highgate Veterinary Clinic, we believe prevention is always better than cure. Whether you’re a new pet owner or just need a refresher, here’s everything you need to know about why vaccines and worming matter — and what your dog or cat needs, and when.

💉 Why Are Vaccinations So Important?

Vaccines prepare your pet’s immune system to fight off contagious and often life-threatening diseases. Many of these illnesses still exist in the UK and can spread quickly between animals — especially in parks, kennels, catteries, or multi-pet households.

Even indoor cats and pets that don’t mix with others are still at a degree of risk — diseases can be brought in on shoes, clothing, or with other animals.

🐶 Core Vaccinations for Dogs

Puppy vaccines usually start at 8–9 weeks old, followed by a second dose 2–4 weeks later. Annual boosters then keep protection strong.

Primary diseases we vaccinate dogs against include:

• Canine Parvovirus – a highly contagious, often fatal gastrointestinal virus.

• Canine Distemper – affects the lungs, intestines, and nervous system.

• Leptospirosis – a bacterial infection that spreads through water and can also affect humans.

• Infectious Canine Hepatitis – a liver disease spread by contact with infected dogs.

• Kennel Cough (Bordetella) – optional but recommended for social dogs, especially those in kennels, training classes, or doggy day care.

🐱 Core Vaccinations for Cats

Kittens should be vaccinated from 9 weeks old, with a second dose 3–4 weeks later, then annual boosters thereafter.

Essential cat vaccines protect against:

• Feline Herpesvirus & Calicivirus – both cause ‘cat flu’, which can become chronic.

• Feline Panleukopenia (Enteritis) – a serious viral disease, often fatal in kittens.

• Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) – causes immune system suppression and cancers. Recommended for outdoor cats.

Indoor-only cats still benefit from basic protection, especially against flu and panleukopenia.

🪱 The Importance of Worming

Worms can cause a variety of issues in pets — from weight loss and diarrhoea to more serious damage to internal organs. Some worms are also a risk to human health, particularly for children.

Types of worms commonly seen in UK pets include:

• Roundworms – the most common in puppies, kittens and young pets.

• Tapeworms – often spread by fleas or scavenging.

• Lungworm (dogs only) – transmitted through slugs/snails; can be fatal if untreated.

• Hookworms & whipworms – less common but still a threat.

🗓️ When Should I Worm My Pet?

For puppies and kittens:

• At 2, 5 and 8 weeks of age

• Monthly until 6 months old

• Then every 1–3 months, depending on lifestyle

For adult cats and dogs:

• Indoor pets: every 6-12 months

• Outdoor pets, hunters, or raw-fed pets: monthly may be needed

💡 We tailor worming schedules based on your pet’s routine, environment, and risk level. One-size-fits-all doesn’t work for parasite protection!

💡 Don’t Forget Flea and Tick Control

Fleas, ticks and mites can also spread disease and make your pet miserable. We can recommend safe, effective monthly treatments that suit your pet’s size and lifestyle — far better than over-the-counter alternatives that often fall short.

✅ Stay Up to Date – We’ll Remind You

At Highgate Veterinary Clinic, we make it easy to stay on top of your pet’s protection. Our system sends friendly reminders when boosters or wormers are due, so your pet never misses a dose.

We also offer puppy and kitten packages, annual health plans, and advice on how to give tablets or spot-on treatments if your pet is a bit wriggly!

Book Your Vaccination or Worming Appointment Today

Preventative care is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to keep your pet healthy for life. If your dog or cat is due a booster, or you’re not sure when their last worming treatment was, get in touch with Highgate Veterinary Clinic.

We’re here to help protect your pet — and your peace of mind.