Worming

Recent research has shown that 25% of dogs have worms on their coats!

Roundworms are white, smooth and look like strands of spaghetti.

Tapeworms are seen as small white segments that often dry and adhere to the fur around the anus, resembling grains of rice.

Regular worming is required.

Puppies should be wormed at 2 weekly intervals until 12 weeks old.

After that we recommend you worm at least every 3 months.

Fleas can spread tapeworms, so flea control should also be considered.

Lungworm is an increasing problem being seen in dogs which is caused by a worm called ‘angiostrongylus vasorum’.  

 Dogs become infected by eating slugs or snails or even frogs! The clinical signs include:

• Breathing problems  
• Poor blood clotting
• Behavioural changes

Young dogs are particularly susceptible owing to their inquisitive nature but regular treatment with  Advocate will Kill / Prevent these worms.                                        

We can offer advice on all aspects of worming and sell very effective treatments.

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Fleas

Fleas are very much a year round problem and thus need regular treatment.

                                         
Fleas spend their adult life on your dog, laying eggs into the coat (hundreds per week!) These eggs will then be dropped onto the bedding, carpets, furniture etc where they will hatch back into adults. These adults then hop back on to your dog and the cycle begins again.

So in a very short period of time one flea can produce many thousands of fleas in your household if effective treatment is not used.

These fleas cannot only produce itching and possibly an allergic dermatitis in your dog but they may well bite you and make your life a misery as well.

We sell many effective problems to help eradicate fleas both on your dog and also in your house. Our members of staff are always happy to give you advice on what is best for you and your dog(s).

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Vaccination

It is possible to vaccinate against the following diseases:

• Canine Distemper
• Leptospirosis
• Infectious Hepatitis
• Parvovirus
• Parainfluenza (a cause of Kennel Cough)
• Bordetella (ditto above)
• Rabies (for pets travelling abroad)

Early vaccination is recommended, as it means your puppy can be safely taken out and can socialise with other dogs and people at an early age.

The initial course consists of two injections, given 2 weeks apart.

We recommend starting from 8 weeks old (the vaccine can be given from 6 weeks in some cases but the second injection still cannot be given until at least 10 weeks old).

Recently vaccines have been improved, so that although Leptospira needs to be given annually, the other vaccines can be given less frequently.

During the booster consultation your dog will receive a thorough health examination, which will help us to identify symptoms of early disease. Also advice can be given on worming, flea treatments, diets, behaviour etc.

It is important to ensure your pet's immunity does not lapse, as many of the diseases vaccinated against are potentially fatal. Also vaccinations are essential if your dog needs to go into a boarding kennel.

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Micro chipping

These are very small (the size of a grain of rice) and are implanted under the skin.

See how it's done by clicking on this video link  MICRO CHIPPING 01.wmv

Your pet's unique microchip number is registered with the national pet log.

If your dog should get lost they can be quickly reunited with you by having the microchip scanned and then obtaining your details from the pet log.

In some situations it can also be used to prove ownership.

Microchips are also an essential part of the Pet Health Scheme.

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Nutrition

High quality complete dog foods can make a big difference to your dog's general health.

There are many good foods available but we believe Royal Canin to offer the best range and palatability.

We also stock special prescription diets for use in certain conditions e.g. obesity, kidney and urinary problems.

We are always happy to give advice on your pet's nutrition.

Neutered dogs and cats need approximately 30% less kilo calories (Kcals) than pets that have not been spayed or castrated as a result of hormonal changes.  If you simply reduce your pets food ration they are likely to be hungry - Royal Canin have recently introduced a range of Neutered Diets to enable you to feed the same quantity of food but there are fewer Kcals than in the un-neutered range.

There are many human foods that are poisonous to dogs and can be fatal if eaten.  Click here for a list of items

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Dental Care

Dogs can suffer from periodontal disease, just like us, if preventative measures are not taken.
See Photos  click here

Tooth brushing, with animal toothpastes, is the best thing you can do and is not always as difficult as it sounds - especially if you start to do it at a young age.

Not only will this help to keep your dog's teeth and gums healthy but also it should help to keep their breath pleasant! 

For how to brush your dogs teeth click here

We supply a range of products specifically designed for brushing animal teeth.

If you cannot brush the teeth, we can recommend and supply other measures - including special diets.

Regular dental checks will allow us to determine if other dental treatment (e.g. scaling, polishing and extractions) are necessary.                     See photos click here

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Neutering

There are several advantages to neutering:

Females:

•  Prevents unwanted puppies

•  Greatly reduced chance of breast cancer (if spayed early in life)

•  Avoids problems associated with being in season

•  Avoids possibility of womb problems and infections - below shows a pyometritis which is where the two uterine horns are literally full of pus.  The bitch has to be spayed to save her life.

Spaying A Dog (Bitch)

The initial incision is made. 

Both ovaries are located and then tied off (ligated)

The two uterine horns can now be removed  at the level of the cervix (below right)

Suturing the wound begins with closing the muscle and then bringing the skin edges together

The incision has now been closed and external sutures are placed for additional strength

We strongly advise the use of 'collars' to prevent interference with the wound / sutures.  Here our own spaniel, Lottie, is wearing one and still enjoys playing with a toy while Wispa sleeps on oblivious!

Males:

•  Improve behaviour in dominant or hyper-sexed dogs

•  Avoid testicular problems in later life

•  Reduces risk of prostate problems in later life

•  Reduction in likelihood of getting preputial (sheath) infection

If you do not intend to breed, we recommend bitches are spayed before their second season.

There are advantages and disadvantages to spaying before the first season.

We are always happy to check your dog and advise what is best for you.

We suggest male dogs are castrated after they are 8 months old but, in certain circumstances, it can be done earlier.

Some people are worried about weight gain after neutering. In certain breeds this can be a problem but with regular weight checks and sensible feeding this can be avoided.

Castrating A Dog

The initial incision is made

Both testes are located, tied off (ligated) and removed

Suturing the wound begins with  bringing the skin edges together

The wound is then closed with surgical glue

 We strongly advise the use of 'collars' to prevent interference with the wound / sutures.

To see a Caesarean Section click here

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Senior pets

As our pets get older they tend to develop many of the conditions we experience ourselves - arthritis, tumours, diabetes and heart disease.

Regular checks can allow us to detect and treat these conditions as soon as possible. 

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Puppy parties

Early socialisation is vital to encourage happy confident puppies and, in many cases, this will avoid behavioural problems later in life.   Puppy socialisation  click here

These parties help encourage controlled interaction with other puppies and also allow us to discuss many relevant topics e.g.:

Vaccinations
Dental care
Nutrition
Training and behaviour
First aid
Flea, tick and worming control

The sooner your puppy is able to join, the better but he/she must have had at least his/her first vaccination.  Puppy Parties  click here

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