VACCINATIONS
Vaccinations are essential to preventing the spread of disease through the pet population. The diseases we vaccinate against can be life threatening. In order to give your pet the best defence we recommend keeping them up to date with vaccinations. We recommend all puppies and kittens receive their initial course of vaccinations followed by annual vaccinations throughout their lifetime. In every vaccination consult your pet has a full health check and discussion about their general health and wellness, this is a great time to raise any concerns or questions you have about your pet.
CATS
We immunise kittens using “F3” vaccinations. These vaccinations protect against cat flu (Feline Herpesvirus & Feline Calicivirus) and Panleukopaenia (Feline Parvovirus). Kittens receive 3 vaccinations 3-4 weeks apart as kittens, with their last vaccination at 16 weeks or older – followed by annual vaccinations. Adult cats who have never been vaccinated or who have not been vaccinated for an extended period require 2 vaccinations 3-4 weeks apart followed by annual boosters. Additional “non-core” vaccinations are available upon request, such as FIV (Feline AIDs) and FeLV (Feline Leukaemia).
DOGS
We immunise puppies using “C3” or “C5” vaccinations. A C3 vaccination protects against Parvovirus, Distemper and Canine Hepatitis viruses, all of which can be fatal. A “C5” vaccination is a C3 vaccination combined with vaccinations against Kennel Cough (Parainfluenza and Bordatella). A C5 vaccination is required for all dogs entering boarding kennels, puppy school or obedience training, and is recommended for all dogs who are in contact with other dogs and new environments.
Puppies receive 2-3 vaccinations 3-4 weeks apart from 6 weeks of age, with the last vaccination given at 16 weeks. Please note there can be multiple factors influencing when a puppies last vaccination is given and timing is based on both individual risk factors and environmental risk (for example the prevalence of parvovirus in particular areas). They then require annual boosters. Adult dogs who have not previously been vaccinated require a single vaccination followed by annual booster vaccinations.
PARASITE CONTROL
We recommend that all pets are kept up to date with parasite control to cover fleas, worming and heartworm. We have a number of products available for parasite control, including topical and oral treatments, as well as annual heartworm prevention injections that can conveniently be carried out at the same time as your pets vaccination.
Please note: some products labelled for use on dogs are toxic and potentially lethal if used on cats, please read all safety instructions carefully. If in doubt, we are happy to answer any questions over the phone.
Although we have a low incidence of the paralysis tick in our area, any pet travelling to Northern parts of Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland should have appropriate tick prevention in place before travelling to minimise the chance of tick-related disease. Please contact us for advice on tick control for your pets.
NUTRITION
Good nutrition is vital for good health. Along with regular exercise and access to fresh clean water, we recommend feeding a premium quality dry food to your pets. We stock a range of super premium foods and are happy to discuss recomendations for a diet tailored to your pets needs based on their age, breed, lifestyle and medical considerations. We also recommend using diet as a means of preventing dental disease (dental treats, chews and suitably sized uncooked bones where appropriate).
It is important to remember that there are a number of foods that should never be fed to your pet as they can be toxic or cause serious illness. These include: cooked bones, chocolate, onions, garlic, raisins/grapes or currants, fatty trimmings, avocado or other fruit pits or nuts such as macadamias.
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
Obesity is a serious problem among our pets. We discuss weight as part of our general health checks and run a “chub club” for clients and pets having trouble shifting that extra weight.