Puppy and Kitten Care
Puppy Care
Vaccinations
Puppies are usually vaccinated against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus and canine cough. In some areas vaccination against Tetanus may be advised.
- Puppies 6 & 9 weeks old – C3
- 12 weeks old – C5
- Adult 1 year or over – C5
Heartworm Prevention
Heartworm is a deadly disease spread by mosquitoes, however, it can be prevented!
Although no vaccine is available for heartworm disease, the disease can be prevented by the use of medication to ensure that immature worms acquired from the bite of a mosquito are killed before they reach the heart and major arteries.
Several products are available for this purpose:
- Proheart injection 12 weeks, 9 months and then annually.
- Monthly Advocate, Sentinel or Heartgard.
It is vital that dosing be given at the correct intervals for the rest of the dog’s life or heartworm disease may still occur.
Preventative treatment should begin by 12 weeks of age and a convenient time is when the pups are being vaccinated against other diseases. It is essential that any dog older than 6 months be tested for the presence of heartworm.
Worming Treatments
Puppies and Adult dogs should be given an intestinal worming treatment.
- Less than 3 months old- treat every 2 weeks
- From 3 months- treat 3 months
We recommend the use of “Drontal” chews or tablets.
Microchipping
Microchips are the best form of identification; these chips are inserted under the skin of the dog and cannot be lost. When the dog is found, he/she can be scanned and the person scanning can find out the owners contact details (provided they have authorization!).
Desexing
Unless there is an intention to breed from your dog we suggest to have him/her desexed for several reasons: aggression, unwanted pups, wandering, looking for mates…. Also reduces risk of male testicular problems and cancer and reduces risk of female mammary cancer, uterine infection and whelping problems. The minimum age we recommended for this procedure is 5 months of age.
Grooming
- Short haired: once or more times a week with a brush or comb.
- Longhaired: 2 or 3 times a week with special grooming brushes and combs etc.
Regular trips to one of our professional groomers may be needed. Dogs can be washed with a quality dog shampoo and thoroughly rinsed and dried once a week if necessary.
Diet
Dogs require a properly balanced diet for health. Such a diet contains protein to build the body, fats for skin and coat health, carbohydrates for energy and minerals and vitamins for healthy tissues. Roughage (fibre) is essential for bowel function.
Meat by itself cannot be a complete diet and requires heavy supplementation, which is difficult to do correctly. In large, rapidly growing dogs a sole diet of meat can be responsible for major mineral upset and skeletal damage.
Fresh drinking water should always be available, particularly when dry foods are used.
Greenies (after 6 months of age) and Rawhide chews will aid in cleaning of teeth and massaging of gums. Small, sharp cooked bones such as that found in chicken, rabbit, or fish should be avoided.
It is usually advisable to stick to a commercially based diet for reasons of convenience as well as nutrition. There are many types of puppy and adult foods available for this purpose.
Puppy 6 weeks old
4-6 meals a day of puppy food, which has the correct calcium, protein and energy for healthy growth.
Puppy 12 weeks old
3-4 meals a day of puppy food.
Puppy 6 Months old
2-3 meals a day of puppy food.
Dog 1 year or more
1-2 meals a day of a balanced adult food.
Sleeping Requirements
Supply dry, draught free, shaded housing (kennel, shed, garage, basket, box, woolly rugs, beanbag or dog trampoline).
Training
Use kindness and justice as with a child. Use as few words as possible such as “sit”, “down”, “stay” and “come”. Patience and affection will bring the best results. For socialisation and introduction to basic training, you can join our Puppy Pre-School sessions. For further advice on training please refer to an obedience school or instructor.
Kitten Services
Cat Purchase Advice
What pet or breed is suitable? What do you feed your new Cat? What are the costs? How to best introduce a new pet Cat to your family? Vets4Pets’ experienced nurses and vets can answer these questions and more, so you can make a wise choice.
Microchipping
Any cat can become lost. The sure way to locate and identify your pet is with a microchip ID. This simple and inexpensive device will prove your ownership. Contact your local council for information on financial incentives to microchip pets.
Pet Cat Insurance Advice
Should your pet cat have an accident or suffer a sudden illness, the medical costs can be several hundreds or even thousands of dollars. You could be left with unforeseen costs or a decision about your pet’s life based on affordability of treatment. Pet Health Insurance buys you the peace of mind to know that the best treatment will be available, whatever the cost. Ask Vets4Pets about your pet cat insurance options.
Annual Health Check and Health Care
Annual Health Checks are recommended for your cat, so any emerging problems can be diagnosed before treatment becomes difficult or costly. Your pet’s annual health check is also an ideal opportunity to check and update its vaccination status to ensure disease prevention.
Heartworm Prevention
Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes and treatment is costly, at times impossible. Prevention is easy and there are products to suit every budget.
Intestinal Worming
This is especially important for young animals because they lack resistance to infestation. Some intestinal worms can be passed to humans and may cause blindness and chronic skin irritation.
Flea Treatment
Fleas can seriously affect your cat’s comfort & wellbeing. Prevention is easy. Ask Vets4Pets which brand will work best for your animal. Products that are applied to the skin on the back of the neck – the so-called ‘top spots’ – get the best results.
Nutritional Advice
Vets4Pets believes that great health starts with the right nutrition and will help you find the best diet for your pet.
Cat Boarding Facilities
Vets4Pets’ boarding centre adjacent to our Salisbury Park Veterinary Clinic offers a very high standard of care and accommodation for a wide range of pets. Each animal has a safe, healthy and stress-free environment, is supervised by our on site vet, checked by nurses many times per day, and exercised regularly. Cats are fed a premium diet or medically specified food and receive any prescribed medicine during their stay. Inspections are welcome.
Cat Dental Health Care
Just like us, your pet needs dental care to avoid health complications. All Vets4Pets’ practices are fully equipped for dental treatments, including scaling & polishing. Book a check up now and learn more about Vets4Pets’ full range of dental products including chews, special diets, tooth pastes, brushes and water supplements.
Surgery (Orthopaedic and Soft Tissue)
Vets4Pets’ operating theatres and practices are fitted with the latest equipment to perform top quality surgery and procedures. Practitioners continuously extend their skills and qualifications. Fully trained and qualified nurses closely monitor patients as they recover.
Ultrasound and X-Ray Equipment
All Vets4Pets’ veterinary practices are equipped with X-Ray machines and the Golden Grove Emergency Hospital is fitted out with the latest digital X-Ray equipment. The ultrasound machine is one of the most recent and is operated by our highly regarded ultrasonographer who has postgraduate qualifications and years of experience.
Behavioural Medicine and Advice
You can overcome behavioural problems with your cat. Vets4Pets can help you solve problems like aggression, separation anxiety, house training, phobias and more.
Overseas Travel Service
Vets4Pets can help simplify and ensure this process is trouble free. Our Salisbury Park Veterinary Clinic is fully accredited to assist you with the necessary documentation, health checks, blood tests and advice needed to ensure the safe relocation of your pet.
Lost and Found Service
Should your pet become lost, immediately contact one of Vets4Pets’ nurses. We will take the details, put them on our system and alert our practices across Adelaide’s northern suburbs, reuniting you as quickly as possible.
Accessories and Quality products
Vets4Pets offers a wide range of specially selected products that really work. This is well worth a look when you visit your local practice.
