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Most Frequently Asked Questions by Clients
Please click on a question below to view the answer.
Q01) How old does my puppy need to be before it can have its 1st vaccination?
Q02) How old does my kitten need to be before it can have its 1st vaccination?
Q03) How often should I worm my puppy/kitten?
Q04) What should I be feeding my young puppy?
Q05) Do my pet's teeth need attention?
Q06) How often should a dog/cat be vaccinated?
Q07) What are dogs/cats vaccinated against?
Q08) What is microchipping?
Q09) How often should I worm my adult cat/dog?
Q10) I've found a rice-like segment stuck to my cat's tail near its bottom. What is it?
Q11) How long will my female dog be in season?
Q12) How old does my cat need to be before it can be neutered?
Q13) How old does my male dog need to be before he can be castrated?
Q14) How old does my female dog need to be before it can be spayed?
Q15) What should I look for when taking out pet insurance?
Q16) I've found fleas on my dog/cat. What should I do?
Q17) What is fly-stike in rabbits?
Q18) What diseases should I get my rabbit vaccinated against?
Q19) Should I have my rabbit neutered?
Q01) How old does my puppy need to be before it can have its 1st vaccination?
- At least 7 weeks of age
Q02) How old does my kitten need to be before it can have its 1st vaccination?
- At least 9 weeks of age
Q03) How often should I worm my puppy/kitten?
- Every 2-3 weeks from 2-12 weeks of age. Then monthly
until 6 months of age. Thereafter worming should be carried
out at a minimum of 3 monthly intervals based on the lifestyle
of your pet. To reduce the risk of transmission of roundworm
to humans, it is recommended that treatment against roundworm
should be carried out monthly.
Q04) What should I be feeding my young puppy?
- Puppies need to be given a food especially formulated
for growth which includes all the vitamins, minerals and
proteins to help them in this stage of life. We recommend
introducing dry complete diet as soon as your puppy is
weaned though it can take some time to get your puppy
to eat dry food (only).
Q05) Do my pet's teeth need attention?
- Yes, special dental products such as pet toothbrushes
and toothpastes are available from your vet to help prevent
plaque build up. Our staff can help you to apply these
techniques correctly to achieve the best results. Training
your pet to accept dental care measures at an early age
is very important. Feeding complete specially formulated
dry diets can also help to prevent further tartar build
up (this is recommended for adult animals). Dental disease
can cause significant problems as your pet gets older
and so should be controlled from an early age.
Q06) How often should a dog/cat be vaccinated?
- After the initial vaccination course (2 injections 2-4
weeks apart) it is recommended that your pet is vaccinated
every 12 months. This vaccination appointment also includes
a full health check.
Q07) What are dogs/cats vaccinated against?
- Dogs are routinely vaccinated against Distemper, Hepatitis,
Parvovirus, Para influenza and Leptospirosis. A vaccine
against Infectious Bronchitis is also available. Cats
are routinely vaccinated against Feline Infectious Enteritis,
Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Viral Leukaemia
with additional vaccines against Chlamydophila and Bordetella
available if needed.
Q08) What is microchipping?
- A small capsule, the size of a large grain of rice,
containing the animal's unique 15 digit registration number
is simply inserted under the skin at the back of the animal's
neck. The microchip number can be read via a hand-held
scanner. Vets, police and pet rescue centres all have
suitable microchip scanners. The name and address details
relating to the microchip number are all stored on a national
database. If your pet becomes lost or is stolen, it can
be easily identified and its owner contacted.
Q09) How often should I worm my adult cat/dog?
- The minimum recommendations is every 3 months or 4 times
yearly. In situations where your pet frequently comes
into contact with young children we recommend treatment
for roundworm monthly.
Q10) I've found a rice-like segment stuck to my cat's tail near its bottom. What is it?
- This is probably a tape worm segment. Adult cats that
hunt wildlife or have fleas are prone to getting them.
Dosing with either a tablet or a prescription spot-on
treatment from your vet will help solve the problem.
Q11) How long will my female dog be in season?
- On average a bitch will be in season for 3 weeks twice
a year. It is advisable to keep her away from male dogs
for the full 3 weeks. We recommend neutering to prevent
her seasons occurring in the first place and there are
a number of other health benefits to her in the long term.
Q12) How old does my cat need to be before it can be neutered?
- From 5 months of age or older.
Q13) How old does my male dog need to be before he can be castrated?
- From 5 months of age or older.
Q14) How old does my female dog need to be before it can be spayed?
- 5 months or older. If she has started her seasons then
half way between seasons is the best time. Most dogs will
have 2 seasons per year and so having her spayed 3 months
after she has finished her latest season is an appropriate
time.
Q15) What should I look for when taking out pet insurance?
Here are some general points to consider
that are not specific to any particular policy:
- What is the maximum amount covered
per condition under the policy?
- Does the policy offer lifelong cover
with no time limit on claiming?
- Are there any exclusions or situations
where your insurance company will not pay?
- What is the excess on your policy?
- Is the insurance company's name one
that you recognise?
Q16) I've found fleas on my dog/cat. What should I do?
- You should get advice from your Veterinary Practice.
It is important to treat both your pet and your house.
We can supply either spot-on medications, tablets or in
certain cases injections to remove the problem from your
pet. Treatment to prevent fleas needs to be regularly
repeated to avoid re-infestation, particularly in warmer
weather. Products purchased from supermarkets and other
outlets frequently do not work effectively and the best
source of efficient medication is your vet.
Q17) What is Fly-Strike in rabbits?
- Fly-strike usually happens in warm weather and the rabbit
is dirty around its bottom. Flies lay eggs in the soiled
area which hatch out into maggots and these then eat their
way into the rabbit's skin. This is often not seen by
the owner as it occurs very quickly. If prompt veterinary
attention is not sought, this condition can often be fatal.
All rabbits should be handled and checked carefully daily.
Preventative treatments are available from your vet for
this condition.
Q18) What diseases should I get my rabbit vaccinated against?
- Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease. Vaccinations
can be started at 6 weeks of age and booster injections
are recommended annually.
Q19) Should I have my rabbit neutered?
- Yes, neutering can help prevent future health problems
in your rabbit. It is appropriate for males and females
and is routinely carried out from 4 months of age onwards.
Apart from preventing unwanted offspring, it can help
to improve temperament particularly in rabbits which are
difficult to handle.
If you have a problem that you would like to discuss with your Vet, please feel free to contact your nearest Vets4Pets Centre |
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