1. My pet doesn't like coming to the vet. What should I do?

We encourage all our clients to drop by whenever they can to socialise their animal around the clinic and with the staff. Having your animal pop by for a treat and a training exercise not only when they are requiring treatment makes a significant difference to how well they accept treatment when they actually require it, making it a much more pleasant visit for all involved. For clients who are more severely affected by stress and anxiety for whichever reason, we do have the option of home visits also. Please enquire for further details.

2. Do you treat birds?

Yes we can provide elemental treatment for birds suffering from minor complaints. If your bird is requiring specialist attention we can advise you on this and assist you with the referral process as well as assist with any long term treatment plans.

3. What flea treatment do you recommend?

Based on the latest research and innovation through MSD Animal Health we recommend Bravecto as currently one of the best and safest products on the market. It lasts much longer than other products (3-6mths) and this ensures a much higher rate of success in controlling a flea population as well as being more convenient for the owners. If you have any concerns about the safety of Bravecto you can read more about it here : http://bravectofacts.com/. We also stock Advantage/ Advocate, Revolution, Broadline and Activyl and Seresto. Our staff are more than happy to discuss the benefits of each with you and assist you in making the right choice for you and your pet.

4. What's the difference between supermarket food and vet food?

Supermarket food is full of fillers and not enough nutrients that is needed for the animal's complete diet. Supermarket food may be cheaper at first, but the animal will need to eat more of the supermarket food to feel full and gain the nutrients it needs. The vet diets are completely balanced, therefore nothing else needs to be added to fulfil their needs. Animals eat less vet diet biscuits because there are less fillers. Vet diet foods are slightly more expensive in the beginning, but the animal will eat less of it, therefore the price equals to be similar or less than the supermarket foods. This means that it is better for your animal to have a healthier diet which is a bit more expensive at first, than a supermarket diet where it is cheaper at first but they will eat more of it so cost you more in the long run.

b. How much food does my pet need?

On the back or side of the bag of food, there should be a chart which shows the recommended amount. The amount changes from weight of the animal to whether they are too skinny, a good weight or obese. This is also just a guide as just like us all animals digest and react to food slightly differently.

5. How do I know if my animal is too skinny or overweight?

a. There are charts for animals called 'Body Condition Scoring Charts.' These help us understand what a good weight for your animal should be. From standing over the top of an animal, you should not be able to see the ribs. If you can, they are too skinny. When you feel the side of the animal, you should be able to feel the ribs under a small layer of fur, skin and fatty tissue. If you cannot feel the ribs, then your animal is too large.

6. What vaccinations does my:

Puppy and dog need;

Nobivac DHP:

• If less than 10 weeks of age: 2-3 injections 2-4 weeks apart from 6 weeks of age, ensuring the second vaccination is given at 10 weeks of age or older.
• Pups that have been vaccinated at 6 weeks of age still have maternal antibodies so our protocol is to still give 2 injections after this if the puppy is less than 10 weeks of age at presentation
• If 10 weeks of age or older: only require 1 DHP injection
• Booster every 3 years

Nobivac Lepto:

• 2 injections 2-4 weeks apart from 6 weeks of age, ensuring the second vaccination is given at 10 weeks of age or older.
• Booster every year
• The maximum time between injections is 13 months - any longer and the course needs to begin again.

Nobivac KC:

• Safe to use in pups from 2 weeks of age
• Dose should be given at least 72 hours before anticipated risk
• But vaccinated dogs can spread live attenuated B. bronchiseptica for 6 weeks after vaccination
• Booster every year

Canigen KC:

• Injectable Kennel Cough vaccine.
• Initially requires 2 injections 4 weeks apart, then annual booster
• Great for dogs that don't like you in their face, aggressive dogs

Puppies can go out 1 week after their 10 week (or older) vaccination whether this is their first or second vaccination.

Examples:

• 8 week old pup that has had a DHP with the breeder at 6 weeks of age
  • Requires DHP/L/KC
  • Then 2-4 weeks later (at 10-12 weeks of age) will require DHP/L
• 10 week old pup (either had no previous vaccinations or a vaccination at 6 weeks)
• Any dog over 10 weeks of age
  • Requires DHP/L/KC
  • Then 2-4 weeks later will require Lepto only

Kittens and Cats

Tricat:

• 2 injections 3-4 weeks apart, from 8-9 weeks of age, ensuring the second vaccination is given at 12 weeks of age or older
• Or can start from 6 weeks but would need 3 injections at 6, 8-9, & 12 weeks of age
• Booster every 3 years (Ducat given in between)
• If has been more than 18 months since last injection (either Tricat or Ducat) then programme needs to start again.

Table on flea and worms