Every pet that comes in for treatment receives a full clinical exam by one of our experienced vets.

By doing this, and listening to your concerns, we’re able to make a diagnosis and help get them on the road to recovery.

Your pet should have a veterinary examination at least once a year.

This will help to detect and prevent any medical problems before they become a major issue.

Vaccinations are an important part of a kitten’s life, to give them the best protection against infectious diseases.

When do I vaccinate my kitten? The first vaccination is given at 8 weeks, followed by a second 3 to 4 weeks later. It is important kittens do not come in contact with unvaccinated cats or outside areas until 2 weeks after the second vaccination. This gives their immunity time to develop before they become exposed to any disease or illness.

What is my kitten vaccinated against? Kittens are vaccinated against two types of Cat Flu, Feline Enteritis and Feline Leukaemia Virus. If you would like some more information on these diseases, please speak to one of our vets or nurses.

When should I come to the surgery? You can make an appointment by phone, email or on our website. We have slots available at different times throughout the day during the week, and on a Saturday morning, so you can choose a time that suits you. You can make a pre-vaccination appointment with our nurse, should you need any advice on looking after your new kitten.

Why does my kitten need an annual booster? One vaccination will not provide life long protection. The length of time one vaccination protects for, will vary between individual animals. We know for sure, that when vaccinated according to the manufacturers instructions, our cats will be protected for 12 months.

Somewhat similar to neutering dogs, the benefits of neutering female cats include preventing unwanted litters of kittens – a female cat can have 2-3 litters in a year.

It will also prevent heats which can be quite distressing for owners to see as the female cat’s behaviour can change dramatically.

Neutering a male cat will reduce fighting, roaming and spraying.

Through bite wounds, un-neutered cats are at a much higher risk of picking up serious disease such as abscesses, Feline Leukamia and Feline Aids.

Vaccinations are a very important start to your puppy’s life, just like children, they are vital in giving your pup the best protection against infectious diseases.

These include Canine Distemper, Canine Parvovirus, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, and Canine Parainfluenza.

If you require any more information on any of these diseases please feel free to talk to one of our vets or nurses about them.

When do I vaccinate? Young pups are protected by immunity from their mothers, but this starts to decline rapidly around 8 weeks. By vaccinating pups once at 8 weeks and again at 12 weeks, we provide them with protection against the major puppy diseases.

When can I bring my puppy to the surgery? You can make an appointment for a time that suits you by phoning the surgery (Tel: 029 50888) or emailing us. We have routine appointments available at different times each day during the week and on a Saturday morning.

Why do I need to vaccinate every year? One vaccination will not provide life long protection, and the length of time that vaccinations protect, varies between individual animals. We know for sure, that when vaccinated according to the manufacturer’s instructions, our dogs will be protected for 12 months. After this we cannot be sure the dog is still protected, and so we recommend annual boosters.

A neutering operation is a surgical procedure to prevent your pet from breeding.

In a male animal, neutering involves surgical removal of the testicles. In a female dog it involves removal of her ovaries and womb (an ovariohisterectomy).

In a male dog this is also known as castration. In a female dog this is also known as spaying.

Why should I neuter my female dog?

• To reduce the risk of mammary cancers and ovarian / womb cancers.
• To eliminate the risk of womb infections (pyometra) which are common in middle aged and older females.
• To prevent phantom or false pregnancies – these can be quite distressing for the owner and the dog.
• To avoid the risk of difficult labours or Caesarian sections.

Benefits for the owner of neutering a female dog.

• To prevent her coming into heat – this can be messy for indoor dogs.
• To avoid unwelcome male visitors – you could have a number of potential male canine suitors sitting on your doorstep when you bitch is in heat.
• To prevent her from roaming when she is in heat.
• To prevent her from urinating excessively to scent mark.

Why should I neuter my male dog?

• To stop him roaming the countryside looking for females in heat.
• To stop him jumping up on my leg – this mounting behaviour can be embarrassing especially if there are visitors of children around.
• To eliminate the risk of testicular cancer.
• To reduce the risk of prostate disease.
• To stop him scent marking around the house or lifting his leg against every lamp post when you are out walking.
• To reduce aggression towards other dogs and people.
• To calm him and reduce boisterous behaviour.

Is there any downside to neutering my dog?

Surgery always carries a risk but with modern facilities this risk is minimal. Some dogs may gain weight but with the correct diet and exercise routine this risk is avoided.

In some breeds, neutering the female too early can increase the risk of urinary incontinence – for Labradors, Springer Spaniels, Rottweilers, Old English Sheepdogs and their crosses, we recommend neutering after the first heat.

In some giant breeds, neutering too early can increase the risk of cruciate disease.

The vets will talk you thoroughly through the neutering decision and guide you as to the best options for your breed and their lifestyle and the correct timing of the operation.

Are there any non surgical options to stop dogs breeding?

Yes – There is an injection available which can end your dog’s heat quickly or postpone her heat.

What happens if my bitch gets pregnant or gets caught by mistake?

There is a series of 2 injections 24 hours apart which will end the pregnancy – this can be administered up to day 42 of pregnancy although we recommend to give it after the heat is finished and preferably before day 22 of pregnancy for best effect. You have to make the decision as to whether or not you think this is right for your pet. If your bitch is in late pregnancy it is better to let her have the pups.