• Vaccination
• Worming
• Neutering
• Canine Healthcare Plan

Dogs Vaccination

We vaccinate puppies from eight weeks of age, though it is possible to start at 6 weeks in high risk situations. The primary course consists of two injections two to four weeks apart. Puppies receive antibodies against diseases in their mothers milk and so it is when these start to wane that we innoculate them.

The diseases we vaccinate against are:

Canine Parvovirus - the most serious disease seen regularly. It causes vomiting and diarrhoea which can lead to rapid dehydration and death. The virus is found everywhere and can survive in the environment for many months, which means your dog doesn’t even have to meet another dog to catch it.

Canine Distemper - less commonly seen but just as dangerous. It causes many signs including fever, runny nose, diarrhoea and fits. Again, it can be fatal but even if the dog survives it may be left with permanent brain damage.

Infectious Canine Hepatitis - as the name suggests it is a virus which attacks the liver. It may also affect the respiratory tract. The virus can kill.

Leptospirosis - is a bacteria which affects the liver and kidney. This condition not only affects the dog, but also can be transmitted to you!

Kennel Cough - There is also a separate intra-nasal vaccine for Bordatella and Parainfluenza virus which may be required by some boarding kennels and training clubs at certain times of the year. This vaccine gives 12 months protection and is available on request.

Puppies should be kept indoors or within an enclosed garden which other dogs have no access to until 1 - 2 weeks after the second vaccination. After this time puppies are fully protected and free to go wherever they please.

After the primary vaccination course dogs require a single booster injection on an annual basis throught their lives - it is important not to let this lapse since an unvaccinated adult dog can still contract these diseases. Puppies receive a comprehensive free health check by a veterinary surgeon either at their first vaccination or prior to this if the puppy is younger than eight weeks of age.

At the annual booster vaccination the vet will give your pet a complete examination and will also be able to offer advice or discuss any problems you may have. The practice will send out vaccination reminder cards to clients just before the annual booster is due.

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It is recommended that new puppies are wormed on a fortnightly basis until twelve weeks of age and then monthly until six months old. After this it is usually adequate to worm adult dogs three to four times yearly.

Most puppies are born with a roundworm infestation which they get from their mothers. Rarely these worms pass to humans with potentially devastating effects (especially young children) It is therefore of paramount importance that puppies are wormed regularly. 

There are many different types of worms with different life cycles and a varied range of preparations available to treat them with - if in doubt then consult your veterinary surgeon.

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We recommend spaying (ovariohysterectomy) of bitches not used for breeding purposes

There are many reasons for doing this:

• Prevention of unwanted pregnancy
• Prevention of false pregnancy
• Prevents bitches coming into season - this would attract male dogs from the area and your bitch is likely to try to escape to seek attention
• Stops the risk of pyometra - life threatening uterine infection.
• Considerably reduces the risk of mammary tumours - especially if spayed before the second season.

Bitches do not need a litter prior to spaying and the procedure is unlikely to have any effect at all on their nature.

We recommend castrating male dogs that are not used for breeding. Castration reduces the likelihood of behavioural problems such as aggression, mounting behaviour, marking or roaming.

Other good reasons to castrate your dog include:-

• Stops the risk of testicular cancer
• Reduces the risk of perineal hernia
• Considerably reduces the risk of prostate problems
• Considerably reduces the risk of anal adenomas ( tumours around the anus)

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Canine Healthcare Plan

The practice provides a healthcare plan for new puppies which involves providing a total preventative healthcare program at a discounted cost.

Vaccination, flea prevention, worming and health checks are included in this comprehensive plan which aims to encourage a responsible approach to your pet's health by reducing costs.

Please phone reception to ask for more details on 01592-599500.

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