When you have a new puppy, it will be an exciting time in the household! As soon as your new puppy arrive, book an appointment with the Vets at Abbeyfields Surgery in Rocester for a free check over. We will be more than happy to give you all the information you need on Vaccinations, Worming, Socialization and general care!
Vaccinations
If all is well, we like to start your pup's vaccinations as soon as possible. Puppies must be in good health before you vaccinate, and generally at least 8 weeks old. It is wise to start cover as soon as possible so you can get your pup out and about for important socialisation .
At Abbeyfields we offer a very competitively priced vaccination course with lots of extras!
For just £69 your puppy will receive a full health check, 2 vaccinations including ththose against the important diseases like parvovirus enteritis, hepatitis, distemper and leptospirosis. Plus Kennel Cough vaccination and a Microchip.
Second vaccinations are given 2 weeks later and your pup can meet the world and its friends 1 to 2 weeks after its second vaccination.
We will also administer a free wormer, free flea treatment and give you a free bag of food for your puppy, plus 4 weeks free pet insurance!
Flea and Tick Treatments
Fleas are all too common in our pets and we advise regular treatments to prevent fleas causing serious problem such as skin diseases and anaemias. Remember , also, that fleas play and improtant part in the transmission of worms: another reason to maintain good flea and worm control.
Here at Abbeyfields' we generally recommend Frontline Combo treatment as this kills both the immature and mature stages of flea development and also treats against Ticks. Generally treating your puppy every 2months will prevent any problems. New products also appear in the veterinary pharmacy and we also have new "comfortis" tablets as an alternative - 1 tablet by mouth every month is an easy approach to flea control!
Worming
We recommend worming puppies once a month until they are 6 months old and then once every three months after that. Worming is not only important for your dog it is also important for people as children, in particular, can become infected with dog roundworms. We recommend Milbemax as this not only treats against most genral roundworms and tapeworms but also against the more commonly emerging lung worm.
Pet Insurance
Pet Insurance is so important in these times and we can offer some general advice on the types of Policies to consider. We can only discuss the PetPlan policies in any detail , since we have been formally trained about these. But, in general, any Pet Insurance is better than none. You should look for policies which cover beyond 12 months for a condition and are not limited upon funds they will cover. For example, we regularly find that Clients referred to specialists may face a bill of £1500 -£2000 for an MRI scan, or £4000 plus for a hip replacement. Click here for more information.
Microchips
Whilst pets can be microchipped at any age, it is so easy and so quick to microchip your puppy at 1st or 2nd vaccination. We cannot recommend it highly enough!
Pets that are chipped are returned to their owners far quicker than if they have no chip. All the Dog Homing centres have chip readers and there is a National Register of microchips, such as that operated by PetLog. If you choose to go abroad, you need a microchip for the passport scheme and also your pet is less likely to be taken without trace if it has been chipped. Remember also, your pet will need a chip if you chosse to get him a Pet Passport and travel abroad.
Socialisation
Socialisation is best done sooner, rather than later. Puppies are like a big sponge and it is well known , they can adapt well to any experience they meet up to about 15 weeks of age. Thereafter it is a lot harder for them to adapt to noise in the street , busy roads, loud noises and strange looking people! So take them out and about, carry them if they haven't been fully vaccinated and show them as many different experiences as you can. Call the Abbeyfields surgery in Rocester on 01889 590449 for further advice.
Feeding
Feeding your puppy a good quality diet is essential. Many medical conditions can be linked to poorquality diets - poor growth, rickets, fitting due to protein levels in liver disease, kidney failure and many diarrhoeas are just some examples.
How you feed your puppy, and then adult dog is vitally important.
We recommend that you feed a well balanced 'complete' food such as Hills. Whilst you can feed both tinned food and dry biscuits, we like the dry foods as they are better for healthy teeth and gums, its easier to give the correct daily amount and dogs are less inclined to over eat these foods and become obese. Call us with any queries on 01889 590449
Need a Free Puppy Check? Call Abbeyfields Surgery on 01889 590449 and we will see if we can help!
