Factors to Consider Before Dog/Cat Ownership
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If you have already decided to buy a dog, but are unsure about what kind of breed or type would suit you , ask yourself these questions:
· How much time do you have to devote to training, walking and grooming? · Do you travel a great deal? · Do you have a securely fenced yard? · How active are you as an individual or as a family? · How much exercise are you able to give a dog, in terms both of time and of distance? · How much money can you spend on buying a dog, providing vet care, food and supplies? · Are your children and their friends comfortable with dogs and able to cope with the responsibilities and occasional accidents? · Are you house proud? · Are you a keen gardener? · Do you or your family have any allergies? |
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Choosing the Right Dog/Cat
Choosing a healthy puppy/kitten is not difficult— unless you allow your heart to rule your head. Too many puppies are bought out of pity, and not because they will make a suitable family pet. Make sure you check any puppy thoroughly before buying.
· It should have bright eyes, with no dishcharge or cloudiness.
· The ears should be clean—look right down inside the ear flap and check that there is no brown wax or smelly discharge.
· Any odor from the ears may indicate thepresence of an infection or mites.
· The puppy/kitten’s coat should be free from any signs of parasites, such as fleas and lice, and any scaliness or dandruff.
· Overall, the puppy/kitten should look well fed, firm and rounded, but with no stomach distension.
· Breathing should be quiet and with no hint of a cough.
· Any breeder who tries to tell you a puppy/kitten is just getting over a bout of diarrhea, a cold or any other “minor” ailment needs to be treated with suspicion.
· Have the puppy/kitten checked by a vet before you buy.
· Interact with the puppy you are interested in.
· It should have bright eyes, with no dishcharge or cloudiness.
· The ears should be clean—look right down inside the ear flap and check that there is no brown wax or smelly discharge.
· Any odor from the ears may indicate thepresence of an infection or mites.
· The puppy/kitten’s coat should be free from any signs of parasites, such as fleas and lice, and any scaliness or dandruff.
· Overall, the puppy/kitten should look well fed, firm and rounded, but with no stomach distension.
· Breathing should be quiet and with no hint of a cough.
· Any breeder who tries to tell you a puppy/kitten is just getting over a bout of diarrhea, a cold or any other “minor” ailment needs to be treated with suspicion.
· Have the puppy/kitten checked by a vet before you buy.
· Interact with the puppy you are interested in.
Congratulations on your new family member! |
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It's always an exciting time when you get to bring home your new puppy or kitten, but it's also the most important time to get them started on their health care.
Starting between 6-8 weeks of age, all puppies and kittens should start their first vaccination and deworming. It is important to start early so that their immune system is built up over time as their mother's protection wears off. They should then be boostered every 3 weeks until approximately 15 weeks of age when they can receive their rabies vaccination. |
Spaying & Neutering
Getting your pet "fixed" is an important responsibility as a pet owner. For the health and future of your pet, it is important to get this done as soon as they are ready, which is ideally between 4-6 months of age. We can schedule these operations at either of our clinics, please give us a call to get your pet spay or neutered today!