Dogs

• CANINE Vaccinations
• Dog Worming
• CANINE Neutering
• CANINE ORAL HEALTH
• Fleas

What do we advise vaccination against?

• Parvovirus. An often fatal virus causing severe bloody diarrhoea
• Leptospirosis: fatal disease spread by rats’ urine which can cause kidney failure. Leptospirosis can be passed onto humans
• Canine Distemper. A fatal disease of the immune system and the brain.
• Infectious Canine Hepatitis. Is a fatal disease affecting the liver.

 

In addition:

• Kennel Cough. Kennel Cough is very rarely fatal but causes an irritating and uncomfortable cough. We advise a kennel cough vaccination for all dogs; the vaccine covers the two main components of kennel cough. Please remember there are lots of bugs that can cause coughs in your dog and the vaccine cannot protect against all of these.
• For dogs travelling overseas on the Pet Travel Scheme. Please ask for our information leaflet.

Vaccination Protocol: Puppies:

• First vaccination from 7 weeks. Second vaccination three to four weeks after.
• Your puppy is then allowed to go outside for walks a week after the second vaccine.
• An optional third vaccination can be given when your puppy is between 12 – 15 weeks old  5% of puppies at this age will still have antibodies in their blood that have been passed from their mother’s milk, these antibodies can make the vaccine less effective.
• We strongly recommend that certain breeds such as Rottweilers and Dobermans have a third vaccination at 12- 15 weeks as they are especially susceptible to parvovirus.

Adult dogs:

• Full booster vaccine at 15months (one year after the “puppy course”) and every year subsequently.
• Older Dogs:
• As well as vaccinations we recommend a senior blood test to pick up any problems at an early stage, when they are much easier to treat.
• Puppies require at least two injections; don’t leave more than four weeks between each injection.
• Wait a week after the second one before your puppy goes out for walks.
• Every dog should be seen every year.We will send vaccine reminders but please remember to update your mobile number and change of address if moving with our reception.

Why is worming your pet important?

• Worms may affect your pet’s health.
• Worms may infect people and pose a health risk to you and your family.

Signs of worm infection:

• These may include vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation, weight loss, ‘pot-bellied’ appearance, poor coat quality or stunted growth.
• Dogs can catch a very serious and life threatening worm called lungworm.  Lungworm is spread by slugs and snails and their slimy trails.

Mechanism of transmission:

• Animals can become infected from their mother, from the environment, or from hunting.

 

 

Treatment:

•  We will administer worming as required at your pet’s annual health check.

How Often?

• Puppies: every 2 weeks until 3 months, then monthly until 6 months, then 3 monthly for life.
• Adult Dogs: Advocate every month, tapeworming every 3 months or depending on lifestyle.
• Kittens and puppies need regular worming as they will have picked up worms from their Mum.
• Worm outdoor cats every three months.
• Use Advocate monthly on dogs to prevent lungworm and Drontal regularly to treat tapeworm.
• We will advise on the best products and protocol for your pet

How will my dog benefit from being neutered?
Female:

• The first heat is from 6 months, then every 6 months to a year.
• A season lasts 3 – 5 weeks. She is receptive and fertile during the middle week.
• The more often your bitch is in heat, the more likely she is to develop serious and life-threatening medical problems like
  tumours and infections.
• Neutering your dog before her first heat massively reduces the risk of mammary (breast) cancer and is strongly recommended.

Male:

• At puberty (about 6 months) a male dog starts to ‘mark’ territory by often cocking his leg.
• Fights, running away and other male behaviour is more common. Neutering before puberty prevents them from occurring..

The procedure:
WE WILL LOOK AFTER YOUR DOG VERY CAREFULLY.
What happens on the day?

• Admission is before 9.30am on a weekday morning. Your pet should have no food or water from 8.00pm the previous evening but must have access to water overnight.
• We use very safe anaesthetics and lots of pain relief. You will be pleasantly surprised by how quickly your pet recovers. We will phone you on your mobile when your pet is around from the anaesthetic.
• We need to see your dog 10 days post surgery.
• WE RECOMMEND A PRE-ANAESTHETIC BLOOD TEST

Summary:

Neutering is strongly recommended.

Neuter at 6 months +

Neutering is done on a weekday and dogs must be starved before admission.

They go home the same night. We see them 10 days later after the operation.

Canine Oral Health

• Dogs are descended from Wolves: No wolf hunts jelly or gravy.
• Don’t feed poor quality tinned or pouched food
• Feed high quality ‘kibble’ ration – we recommend Royal Canin, Burns, Beta, Hills Dr.John & Muesli.
• Dog’s enjoy raw meaty bones from time to time and they are very good for their teeth. If you are giving raw meat to your dog you MUST worm it every 3 months.

Preventive measures in addition to correct diet:

• Toothbrushing every day is the best way to care for your dog’s teeth.
• It can seem initially difficult to do, but if introduced gradually many dogs tolerate it well..
• Use a veterinary toothpaste.
• Get your puppy or dog used to you handling their mouth and touching their gums initially;then introduce the paste on your finger and finally get them used to using the brush and toothpaste.
• T/D can also be used if your dog is very prone to plaque and gingivitis. Because of the high fat content of t/d, it must account for no more than a quarter of the total diet.These steps should mean that your dog is less likely to require an anaesthetic for dental treatment in later life.

Summary:

• Poor quality soft foods are VERY bad for teeth and gums.
• A raw meaty bone a week helps a lot to prevent teeth and gum problems.
• Tooth brushing is the best – ask us how to go about it.
• Never give cooked bones.

Fleas

Fleas are a very common problem. With recent warm wet summers we have seen severe infestations.
• Fleas can cause irritation, allergy and anaemia, they also transmit tapeworms.
• Fleas will bite people but won’t live on you.
• Fleas can be easily treated and prevented but only if using the correct products.

The products we sell are effective and very safe.

• The best products are Prescription Only Medicines (POM)
• We legally need to have seen your animal in the last year to dispense a POM of any kind. We offer a free flea check if required.

Treating the home:

• Fleas can lay many millions of eggs, these fall off into the home, they hatch into larvae in your carpets and in cracks and crevices.
• In heavy infestations, it may be necessary to kill eggs and larvae that are already in the environment.
• Vacuum first and pay particular attention to dark areas, such as around skirting boards and where soft furnishings meet the floor.
• Do not apply these sprays to your pet and follow the directions carefully.

Summary:

• Fleas are common but easily preventable using the correct treatment.
• Fleas can cause significant skin disease in some cats.
• Ask us about the best products.
• You may need to treat your home.