Dogs & You
This information is designed to remind you of the information you need with a new puppy and adult dogs. If you have any questions about what is in this article or anything we may have missed then please ask a member of staff who will be more than happy to help.
Vaccinations
Dogs can be vaccinated against a number of potentially lethal diseases:
Canine distemper virus
This is a viral disease affecting quite a few species. Although most common in domestic dogs it can also infect animals such as ferrets and foxes. This virus could be transmitted by dogs or foxes in your garden or in the park. It can be lethal, especially in young dogs.
Canine adenovirus (canine hepatitis)
An easily spreading virus which causes acute liver infection. Symptoms include fever, depression, loss of appetite, coughing and a tender abdomen.
Canine parainfluenza virus (kennel cough)
It can cause flu-like symptoms.
Parvovirus
A highly contagious virus which is passed through faeces. The disease can be very severe. Mortality can reach 91% if untreated. It is most dangerous for puppies without maternal antibodies or vaccination. Symptoms can be gastrointestinal problems (vomiting and diarrhoea) or heart-related (breathing difficulties and sudden death).
Leptospirosis
A contagious disease affecting dogs, humans and other animals. Symptoms include fever, vomiting and pain. The vaccine protects against two strains of this infectious bacteria.
Kennel cough
A liquid vaccine can be given through your dog's nostrils. Many boarding kennels, pet-sitters and pet walkers may request your dog to have this vaccination. it rarely causes serious illness. The disease can be passed on very easily between dogs.
Rabies
This viral disease results in acute swelling of the brain. The British Isles (the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland) have been rabies free since the disease was eradicated in 1922 but rabies is still present in many other countries across the world. The disease is always fatal to those infected. If your dog is travelling outside of the British Isles it will have to be vaccinated against rabies.
Leishmaniosis
A parasitic disease that is transmitted through sandfly bites. The disease is present in many countries and can affect dogs as well as their owners. A vaccine has been made for the first time to protect your dog against the Leishmania parasite, and should be given to all dogs travelling to Southern Europe, Asia, Central and South America.
Schedule of vaccination:
Puppies
They will need a course of two injections. The first one at the age of 8 weeks, and a second one at the age of 10 weeks. If your dog has lapsed its boosters it will need the two-injection course again to produce the immunity.
Adult dogs
They need annual booster injections. Your dog will also receive a general health and weight check, and you will have an opportunity to discuss health issues with the vet.
Worming
Dogs are at risk of several types of worm, which can spend their whole lives hiding inside your pet! Worms pose a threat to your dog’s life and potentially to your own health, and we strongly recommend all dogs are wormed regularly.
There are 3 main types of worms affecting dogs: Roundworms, Tapeworms, Hookworms and Lungworms.
Roundworms
Living in the intestine, these worms feed on gut contents. They can be passed between dogs as well as from their mother during pregnancy and by contact with contaminated soil (any urban park soil could be infected). People are at risk of roundworm infection also, where migrating larvae can cause permanent eye damage and blindness.
Tapeworms
These are long, flat segmented worms that live in the intestines. Eggs are passed in clumps and can sometime be seen in the faeces as small whitish segments resembling a grain of rice. Infection can be caused by scavenging carcasses or most commonly, by fleas. If your dog has fleas it is highly likely it will have tapeworms too.
Heavy infestations can cause anal irritation, digestive disturbances and poor condition.
Hookworms
These worms’ eggs can be transmitted through contaminated soil, and can be very damaging to dogs, with the young being especially vulnerable. If there are foxes in your area, your god will be at risk of contracting fox hookworm. Hookworms can be transmitted to humans causing enteritis and dermatitis.
Lungworms
The lungworm (also known as French Heartworm) is a parasite that infects dogs. The adult of this particular lungworm lives in the heart and major blood vessels supplying the lungs, where it can cause a host of problems. Left untreated, the infection can often be fatal.
The lungworm parasite is carried by slugs and snails. The problem arises when dogs purposefully or accidentally eat these common garden pests when rummaging through undergrowth, eating grass, drinking from puddles or outdoor water bowls, or pick them up from their toys.
Treatment Regime
Puppies should be wormed every two weeks from 8 weeks of age to 12 weeks. From then until 6 months old, worming should be done once a month.
Adult dogs should be wormed at least once every 3 months. If you have young children living in your house, we recommend worming once a month. If you are planning on travelling with your dog, please make an appointment to discuss the risks relevant to the area and activities your dog will be in.
Microchipping
What is involved?
The microchip is placed under the skin between the shoulder blades using a specially designed needle. Most dogs will tolerate this as they would any other injection. Occasionally kittens may experience mild discomfort but this is short lived.
What are the benefits?
If your dog goes missing or is injured and taken to a Veterinary Practice or rescue centre, it will take minutes to locate their information and contact you. Your pet only needs to be identichipped once and their details will remain on the database for their life. Specially designed cat flaps can be programmed with your pets ID number to ensure only your dogs can enter your home.
Micro chipping is one of the only forms of permanent identification, which is required by the Pet Travel Scheme and the BVA (British Veterinary Association) for hip and elbow scoring.
Pet Passport
Our veterinary surgeon is registered and qualified to issue Pet Passports according to the Pet Travel Scheme of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. She will give you information on current dangers to your pet's health abroad, and will offer the best prevention treatments for your animal. All cats and dogs moving between the European Union and the United Kingdom must comply with the current travel regulations. Different rules may apply to countries outside the European Union.
Please be aware that regulations may change due to Brexit. If there is a no deal Brexit after 31st October 2019 check the government website for the possible changes.
CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION FROM THE UK GOVERNMENT
We can assist you in organising export papers for your pet.
Neutering
Neutering dogs is effective in limiting bad behaviour. It removes the sexual urges from both dogs and bitches. Aggressive and excitable dogs can focus better and become easier to train.
In bitches, spaying prevents womb infections (a life threatening condition in middle aged bitches) and ovarian cancer. It also drastically reduces the development of mammary cancer, especially if spaying is done before the first season.
Neutering male dogs reduces the risk of testicular cancer and prostate problems and can reduce aggressive, dominant and territorial behaviour.
We would advise neutering would be best done at about 6 months of age, before the dog reaches sexual maturity.If you would like to discuss neutering of your pet , please book an appointment at our surgery.