Vaccination:
We recommend routine vaccination against the following diseases:
- Canine Distemper
- Canine Parvovirus
- Viral Hepatitis
- Adenovirus
- Leptospirosis (2 types)
- Coronovirus
- Parainfluenza
- Vaccination against Bordatella (Kennel Cough) is advised for dogs going to boarding kennels, training classes, shows and living in multi-dog households.
We at St Martins Veterinary Clinic would recommend that puppies start their first vaccine from 8 weeks of age and complete the course at 12 weeks. In some cases we would recommend a third vaccine at 16 weeks as certain breeds are more prone to canine parvovirus. We would then recommend annual boosters along with a yearly health check. Many of these diseases can be fatal and all cause distressing symptoms which may be difficult and expensive to treat.
For more information regarding vaccines please don't hesitate to phone us on 01895 444400.
Neutering:
It is stongly advised that bitches are routinely neutered to help prevent:
- unwanted pregnancies
- coming into season
- mammary and ovarian tumours
- uterine infections.
In order to gain maximum beneft, we would recommend female puppies being neutered from the age of 5 months and males from 6-9 months depending on the breed. It is an incorrect belief that bitches should have a season or a litter before being spayed.
We do not advise routinely castrating male dogs. This is because studies show that the contraindications outweigh the few health benefits of castration. In some circumstances castration can be beneficial for behavioural problems, however this is not always the case. Castration should not be used as a sole means to resolve behavioural disorders .
Spaying involves a complete ovaro-hysterectomy with the removal of the uterus and ovaries under general anaesthetic. Castration involves the removal of the testicles which is also performed under a general anaesthetic. Both dogs and bitches recover rapidly from these procedures.There is no benefit from performing vasectomies in pet dogs.
Flea and worm treatment:
Dogs and puppies can suffer from a number of worms:
- Roundworm (Toxocara)
- Tapeworm
- Hookworm
- Whipworms
- Lungworm
- Heartworm
Puppies are born with Toxocara transmitted from their mothers and therefore we recommend worming puppies every 2 weeks from weaning until 4 months of age. Because Toxocara is easy to pick up out-of-doors and can be transmissable to babies and children, we advise worming dogs against this every month for life. A multi-wormer should be given 2-4 times yearly depending on your dog's environment. Please call us for advice on the best way of worming your puppy and dog.
Most effective flea and worm products are prescription only and are only available from vets. We have a wide range of flea and worm products at competitive prices. Many of the products available are in easy-to-apply spot-on formulations that treat fleas and worms at the same time or as palatable tablets.
Other parasites
Dogs can suffer from a number of other external parasites like lice, mites and ticks. Sarcoptic mange (fox mange) is particularly prevelant in this area. Many modern products will treat these parasites at the same time as fleas and worms. Some of these parasites carry potentially fatal diseases. Please ask for advice if you think you have a problem with these parasites in your dog.
For further information on these topics please follow the links from the main menu.
Information leaflets on a number of aspects of canine care and vaccination are available from the surgery and can be emailed to you on request.
