Vaccinations
- 1st Puppy Vaccination: 6-8 weeks of age
- 2nd Puppy Vaccination: 10-12 weeks of age
- 3rd Puppy Vaccination: 14-16 weeks of age
- Adult dogs should receive an annual vaccination booster.
The main infectious diseases vaccinated against in Australia are:
Canine Parvovirus
This is a highly contagious gastrointestinal disease that can affect all dogs but mainly young puppies. It is a very severe disease and often life threatening. This disease is contracted by coming in contact with infected faeces.
Canine Hepatitis
This is a highly contagious disease showing symptoms that include: diarrhoea, fever, lethargy & abdominal pain. This disease is contracted by contact with infected faeces, urine or saliva.
Canine Distemper
Another highly contagious disease, this mainly affects the nervous system, causing seizures and often paralysis.
It can be transmitted by coming in contact with an infected dog or their urine or saliva. This disease is also spread by contact with the infected dogs bedding or belongings. It can also spread through the air.
Canine Cough
This is a highly infectious disease that is spread by direction contact with nasal secretions from an infected dog. It is easily spread through dog kennels, dog parks or show rings.
The symptoms include a harsh hacking cough, nasal discharge & tonsillitis.
The best way to protection your Dog is to have them fully vaccinated. Prevention is the best Protection!
Intestinal Worm Prevention
- Puppies should be wormed from 2 weeks of age:
- Every 2 weeks until 3 months of age
- Every month until 6 months of age
- Every 3 months for life
Heartworm Prevention
Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes & can be fatal. All dogs are at risk of becoming infected with Heartworm. Please ensure that your dog is covered. There are different forms available from tablets, chews to injections.
Microchipping
Microchipping is compulsory in NSW & must be done by 6 months of age. If you are selling or giving away a puppy or kitten, they must legally be microchipped when they change hands. This is a permanent method of identification which helps to relocate pet with owner!
Desexing
This is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. There are far too many cats & dogs needing good homes. You should make sure you are not contributing to the countless number of stray animals in shelters around the country.
Males – Desexing in males is called Castration. Both of the Testicles are removed during castration.
Advantages:
- Decreases the risk of prostate or testicular cancers
- Decreases the chance of your dog becoming aggressive
- They are less likely to roam the streets searching for bitches in season
- Decreases territorial behaviours including urine marking
Females – This is called a Spey. The ovaries and uterus are removed during this procedure.
Advantages:
- Decreases the risk of uterine or mammary cancers
- Removes the risk of pyometra (pus in the uterus). This can make a dog very ill & can quickly become life threatening.
- Removes the risk of any unwanted seasons or resulting litters
Overall desexing has many health & behavioural benefits for your pet. It also helps to control the stray animal population.
So be a responsible owner and desex your pet today!
Flea/Tick Prevention
Flea prevention from a young age is very important. A few fleas can multiply into hundreds in a few weeks. Fleas also carry tapeworm eggs, so it is important to give regular worming and flea treatments.
Tick Paralysis prevention is extremely important for your dog. Ticks are a parasite which injects a neurotoxin into their host. This can cause coughing, vomiting, gagging, salivation, paralysis & often death. It is crucial if you notice any of the above symptoms or you suspect tick paralysis to contact our Veterinarians straight away.
Nutrition
Puppies need a nutritious balanced diet to ensure they grow into healthy adults.
A combined diet of good quality dry/tinned food & raw meaty bones is recommended. Always give raw bones in moderation. Please check with our Veterinarian for more information on your pup’s diet & suitable raw bones to feed.