|
PUPPY CLASSES
Puppy classes are run by the Head Nurse and the Pet Behaviour
Advisor at our Frome and Warminster surgeries. Trowbridge clients are very welcome to join the
classes and classes will start in Trowbridge soon.
Our aims are to encourage socialisation with other puppies, their owners and
their families in a controlled hygienic environment (every precaution is taken
to ensure this). All puppies attending should have had their first vaccination
and be fit and healthy. We will explain the importance of early habituation when
puppies should be introduced to traffic, bicycles, lawn mowers and vacuum
cleaners, etc.
Training - We explain that the training of your puppy starts by understanding
the dog's place within the human pack (your family).
Currently Puppy classes are held monthly and start at 6.45pm. They are aimed at
puppies aged between 9 and 12 weeks. There is lots of useful advice including
toilet training, behaviour, nutrition, and health. During the evening there will
be a tour of the surgery, including a chance to see the kennel area and
operating theatres. All puppies attending will receive a 'party bag' containing
many useful goodies and a certificate of attendance. Refreshments are available
throughout the evening.
Numbers at each party are limited so that everybody there
gets the maximum benefit. They cost £4.00 and tickets are available at the Small
Animal reception.
MICROCHIPS
To provide permanent identification of your pet, in case it becomes lost or
stolen, we can insert a small microchip implant under the skin on the back of
your pet's neck which can then be read by a scanning device. We use the European
standard microchip that can be read in all countries in the EU. This is a simple
procedure that can be performed in a standard appointment that ensures a lost
animal can be quickly identified and reunited with its owner.
 |
FLEA AND TICK CONTROL We can provide a choice of highly effective, safe and easy to use flea
products for both treatment and prevention, and also for the treatment of
house and furnishings. Effective treatment requires a planned approach. Our
staff will be pleased to help you with this. If you would like an e-mail or text message reminder sent to you when its
time to treat your animal with Frontline then visit the Frontline site and
use their automated reminder service.
Click here |
WORMING
Modern worming treatments are both highly effective and virtually free from side
effects. Puppies and kittens need to be wormed regularly from an early age. The
veterinary surgeon can advise you on a suitable regime.
Single dose treatments for both round worms and tapeworms are now available for
dogs and cats. In general, adult cats and dogs should be wormed every three to
six months. Fleas can transmit tapeworms therefore, tapeworm treatment may be
required after a flea treatment. Please ask us to advise you when you present
your pet for its annual health check.
DENTAL HEALTH
Dental problems in cats and dogs are unfortunately all too
common. Remember, bad breath is not normal. It probably means there is some
infection and most infections cause discomfort and pain. There are many ways of
improving your pets oral hygiene - even those pets that don't like their mouths
being touched.
We recommend regular checks of the teeth and mouths of all dogs, cats and other
pets from their first visit to the surgery to old age.
We have equipment not only for scaling and polishing of teeth but also to
perform radiography, extractions and other forms of mouth and dental surgery if
required.
BEHAVIOR AND TRAINING
Most behaviour problems can be resolved thereby improving the relationship
between owner and pet - it really is worth the effort! We can advise on self
help remedies, point you towards training classes or, if necessary, refer you to
our pet behaviour advisor. Appointments can be made Monday to Friday mornings
inclusive at the Frome surgery.
RABBIT CLINICS
We are proud to offer a 'Gold standard' of advice, care and
treatment for our small furry friends. Most Rabbit and Guinea Pig illnesses are
due to poor husbandry and nutrition. We have nursing staff who are more than
happy to see you for a 'free rabbit check' giving you the opportunity to discuss
anything that you are concerned or unsure about. We encourage all new patients
to book in for the free check when you will also receive a free Bunny health
pack. Our waiting rooms offer a wide range of products for rabbits and Guinea
Pigs
NEUTERING
There are many benefits from controlling heat in your bitch:
Preventing unwanted pregnancies
Improved health - reducing the chances of developing uterine
problems, mammary tumours and false pregnancies
Convenience - by avoiding problems of messy bleeding, unsightly visual
swelling, lots of male dogs hanging around, whilst having to keep her confined
twice a year
Heats can also be controlled by using hormonal treatments but we would only
recommend them for repeated use if there was a medical condition preventing
neutering. For additional information see our new
fact sheets
Dogs
In dogs, the main benefits are:
Reduced aggression between dogs
Prevents straying when chasing bitches in season - Hypersexual
behaviour
Some pets tend to put on weight after neutering, feel free to come in for
weight checks and advice on feeding.
Cats
The benefits in cats are similar to dogs with the added advantage of reducing
smell and urine spraying associated with male cats. Female cats can have
frequent prolonged seasons which only stop when they have been mated.
Rabbits
We are neutering a steadily increasing number of rabbits. Benefits include
decreased aggression (in both males and females), and preventing urine spraying
in males. Uterine cancer which is common in does can be prevented, as can
repeated bouts of false pregnancy. Another obvious benefit is that bucks and
does can be kept together if neutered.
VACCINATIONS
Dogs are vaccinated against canine Distemper, canine Parvovirus,
part of the Kennel Cough complex, Hepatitis and Leptospirosis. A complete course
of vaccination is essential to provide protection in puppies and can be started
when your pup is eight weeks old . In adult dogs, annual vaccination is
necessary to maintain immunity (boosters).
Cats are vaccinated routinely against cat flu, enteritis and chlamydia.
Additionally we recommend that you consider having your pet protected against
feline leukaemia. An initial course of vaccination starting from nine weeks of
age is followed by annual boosters.
Rabbits are vaccinated against Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease.
Myxomatosis vaccination can be started from six weeks of age and Viral
Haemorrhagic Disease vaccination is usually started from three months of age. The
two vaccinations have to be given at least two weeks apart and annual boosters
are recommended.
If you require further information on any of the above serious diseases please
ask a veterinary surgeon.
|
