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Frequently Asked Questions

 

These are questions that most frequently are asked and answered

01

What must I do if I have an emergency?

 

Your pet should be transported to us as quickly as possible. True emergencies cannot adequately be treated at home.

 

  • Pets may behave unpredictably when in pain, so be cautious when handling.

  • Wrap up in a blanket for transport if necessary.

  • Do not feed If you suspect poisoning, try to bring the offending package with.

  • If the patient is bleeding, apply pressure to the area with a clean towel or bandage.

 

To allow us to provide you and your pets with the best possible service, we are duty 24hrs a day. A surcharge is levied after 19h00 weekdays, after 12h00 on Saturdays, and on Sundays and Public holidays. Please don’t hesitate to call us on (011) 622 8813 should you have an emergency.

02

03

What vaccinations must my Four legged Family Member get and when is it best to have them spayed/neutered?

 

All puppies must be vaccinated at 6 weeks, 10 weeks and 14 weeks of age with a standard 5-in-1 vaccination.

 

All kittens must be vaccinated at 8 weeks and 12 weeks of age with a standard 3-in-1 vaccination.

 

Both puppies and kittens must be vaccinated against Rabies at no earlier than 12 weeks of age and then again at 16 weeks.

 

It is advisable to have all pets that are not going to be bred with, sterilised. Dogs and cats can be sterilised at any age from 6 months and older. Sterilisation prevents unwanted litters. In female animals it prevents certain life threatening conditions such as pyometra (infection of the uterus). Some cancers are also prevented like testicular tumours in male pets and mammary gland growths in female pets. In addition, unwanted male behaviour such as severe territorial aggression in dogs and spraying in tom cats is also reduced by neutering..

04

Do cats and Dogs get colds?

 

Just like humans and most other domestic animal species, cats and dogs can also catch colds. In cats, this disease is referred to as Snuffles – quite an apt name for all the sniffing and snorting associated with this disease.

 

The most common signs of Snuffles are:

  • sneezing

  • a blocked nose or runny nose

  • tearing from the eyes (which could range from a clear, thin and watery discharge to a thick yellow or green discharge)

  • difficult breathing.

  • Many times the outer glassy layer of the eye itself, the cornea, may be affected, leading to ulcers of the eye.

  • Sneezing is a very common symptom of this disease and coughing is rare.

 

If any of these signs are present, contact your veterinary practitioner immidiately

05

Do Dogs and Cats get Ear Infections?

 

Ear infections are common in dogs, and to a lesser degree in cats.

 

When the ear canal is wet and dirty, bacteria and yeast called Malassezia flourish.

Other factors that can play a role less commonly are ear mites or even ticks which creep into the ear canal, any type of growth or foreign body, allergies, or a thyroid gland which malfunctions (hypothyroidism).

 

Symtoms to watch for are:

 

  • Discharge from the ear is usually yellowish in colour and resembles pus.

  • A yeast infection the discharge may have more of a dark brown or black colour, and it has a distinct smell.

  • It is also possible to have mixed infections within the ear.

 

Contact your veterinary practioner for an appointment, as they are best equiped to diagnose what type of infection is present by looking into the ear and by taking a sample of the discharge and then looking at the cells and organisms under the microscope.

 

In more complex or recurring cases the vet will take some of this material from the ear and send it to a laboratory to establish exactly what type or bacteria or organisms is present. This process of diagnosis is important as it affects the treatment plan for your pet.

06

How often should my pets be dewormed?

 

Small puppies and kittens can be dewormed from two weeks of age and thereafter every 2-4 weeks for the first 4 months.

 

There after theys hould be dewormed every 3-4 months.

 

If you live on a farm, take your dog out for regular walks or don’t feed your pet a commercial diet, you should deworm them every three months.

 

Pets that are kept on strict coomercial diets, stay inside one property and don’t venture out for walks can be dewormed every six months.

What is the current policy on tail docking in dogs?

 

Tail docking is the ampuitation of a dog’s tail at varying lengths according to a set of breed standards.

 

As of 1 June 2008 the docking of tails purely for cosmetic reasons has been banned by the South African Veterinary Council.

 

Tail amputations will in future only be done if necessary for medical reasons and a certificate may be provided to verify the reasons.

 

Contact your veterinary practioner for clarification and advice.

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