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Frequently Asked Questions
Q 1) How old does my puppy need to be before I can start vaccinations?

A. At least 8 weeks old for the 1st vaccine, the 2nd vaccination is given at 10 weeks. 1 week after the 2nd vaccination it is safe to walk your puppy.
Q 2) How often should I worm my puppy or kitten?

A. It is advised to worm your puppy or kitten every 2-3 weeks starting at 2 weeks old upto 12 weeks old. Worming should then be carried out monthly until 6 months old. Thereafter is it recommended that worming is carried out every 3 months.
Q 3) How old should my kitten need to be to start vaccinations?

A. At least 9 weeks old for the 1st vaccine, the 2nd is given at 12 weeks.
Q 4) What should I be feeding my puppy or kitten?

A. Puppies and kittens need to be fed a balanced diet specially formulated for growth. Kitten food should be fed until 6-12 months old. 
Puppy foods come in all varieties dependent on the size of the dog, small breed dogs can be fed puppy food until 6 months of age and the changed to a junior diet until 12 months at which stage an adult food is suitable. Larger breeds should be fed puppy food until 6 months and then junior food until 18 months of age before being changed to an adult diet. Giant breeds may need specialist diets for giant breed dogs and fed for a longer time.
Q 5) How often should my dog/cat be vaccinated?

A. After your pets initial vaccines as a puppy or kitten, it is advised to vaccinate every 12 months.
Q 6) What are my dogs/cats vaccinated against?

A. Your dogs vaccines include Canine Distemper Virus, Adenovirus type 2 (hepatitis), Canine Parainfluenza, Canine Parvovirus and Leptospirosis.
Your dog can also be vaccinated against Bordatella Bronchiseptica (a type of kennel cough) and Rabies.

Your cats vaccines include Feline Panleucopaenia Virus, Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis Virus, Feline Calicivirus and Feline Leukaemia Virus.
Q 7) How old should my dog/cat be before he is castrated?

A. Your dog/cat should be at least 5 months old before he is castrated.
Q 8) How old should my dog/cat be before she is spayed?

A. Your cat should be at least 5 months old.
Your dog should be at least 6 months old, it is not necessary to wait for the first season but if your bitch is in season or has been in season it is best to wait 12 weeks from the season ending before neutering.
Q 9) How long will my bitch be in season for?

A. The “heat” will last approximately 3 weeks, during this time the dog will discharge. At around day 13 your dog is most susceptible to mating so take care when exercising your pet.
Q 10) My dog started her season a few weeks ago but still has a discharge and doesn’t seem 100% should I be worried?

A. Possibly yes, it is common for an older dog to develop an infection (pyometra) after being in season, symptoms can include vaginal discharge, excessive thirst, vomiting, depression and collapse. It can also occur in younger dogs, if you are worried contact your veterinary surgery for advice.
Q 11) What is a microchip?

A. A microchip is a small rice grain sized tube that is inserted under your pets skin over the neck/shoulder area. It holds a unique 15-digit number that is readable by a hand scanner. The number is stored on a national database that holds your name, address, telephone number and animals details, if your pet becomes lost or stolen, and is taken to a vets, animal shelter, police or dog warden, it can be identified and traced back to yourself.
Q 12) I’ve found fleas on my dog/cat, what should I do?

A. You should contact your Veterinary Surgery for advice. It is important to treat both your pets and the house. We can supply spot on or spray treatments as well as tablets and an injection for your pet and a spray for the house. Treatment should be carried our regularly in order to prevent re-infestation of your pet and house, particularly in warmer weather though with central heating it is a year round problem. You can purchase products from supermarkets and pet shops but due to licencing laws these tend not to be an effective measure towards killing the fleas and the best source of efficient medications is from your vet.