Getting a new family member is very exciting, but there are a lot of things to consider to ensure you have a happy, healthy pet. This can sometimes be a bit overwhelming during your first puppy or kitten consult so we have compiled this helpful guide. 

Kittens
  • Parasite treatment - kittens need to be wormed more regularly than adults as they are more susceptible and also worms can be passed along in the mother's milk. Worming should be done every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months old. After this they can start the adult 3-monthly worming schedule. We will usually ask you to come in and get your kitten weighed to make sure we are prescribing an accurate dose.
  • Vaccinations - we recommend all cats be vaccinated, whether they are indoor or outdoor. Ages for first vaccines depend on the manufacturer and if the breeder has already paid for a vaccine, but our protocol is the first vaccine to be given from 9 weeks old, and the second dose 3-4 weeks later. First vaccinations are always at least 2 doses, but only an annual vaccination is needed thereafter. 
  • Microchipping - this is not a legal requirement in cats yet, but we would always strongly advise that your chip your cat even if he or she lives only indoors. Cats manage to escape on a regular basis, and sadly we know from first hand experience that without a chip many poor cats do not find their way back home. It's a quick, easy and cheap way to make sure you and your cat do not get separated
  • Neutering - this is done from 5-6 months in cats. Please see our page on neutering for more information 
  • Feeding - the amount of food will vary based on manufacturer, age and breed, but usually there will be a guide on your pack based on either kitten age or estimated eventual adult weight. If you aren't sure, book in a nurse consultation to chat about feeding your little one. Generally kittens need meals split to 4 times a day up to 12 weeks, three times daily until 16 weeks, and twice daily thereafter
  • Insurance - we are happy to offer 5 weeks free insurance to puppies and kittens. Please see our insurance page for a more comprehensive guide
  • Health plan - if you want to sign up to our health plan, to get the most benefit it is best to enrol early to make full use of the discounts available, for example on neutering. Please see our health plan page for more details 

Puppies 
  • Choosing a puppy - there are hundreds of dog breeds to choose from, and although you may like the look of some more than others, it's really important to both you and your pup's happiness that you choose one that will suit your lifestyle. If you would like any help in making your decision we are very happy to discuss the common health issues and behavioural traits of the breeds you are interested in. It is important to only buy from a responsible breeder - the puppycontract website can help with this.
  • Puppy party - At the moment our puppy parties are suspended due to Covid-19, but if you have any concerns about socialisation or would like some advice, please call and book an appointment.
  • Parasite treatment - puppies need to be wormed more regularly than adults as they are more susceptible and also worms can be passed along in the mother's milk. These worms present a risk not only to the puppy, but to other dogs and to humans as well. Worming should be done every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months old. After this they can start the adult 3-monthly worming schedule. As with kittens, we will usually ask you to come in and get your pup weighed to make sure we are prescribing an accurate dose.
  • Vaccinations - It is very important that all dogs are vaccinated. Your puppy's first vaccination is usually given around 6 to 8 weeks old and a second dose is given two to four weeks later. Every year after that your dog will need an annual visit to check his or her health and to have any booster vaccinations that are due.
  • Microchipping - legally all puppies must be microchipped by 8 weeks, so make sure that your puppy's breeder has had him or her chipped and registered the chip in their name before you pick the puppy up from them. If you are a breeder or for some reason need an older dog chipped, we can provide both standard chips and chips that register your dog's temperature.
  • Neutering - Making the decision to have your dog neutered is a complex issue, so we have discussed this in more depth in our Neutering section.
  • Feeding - the amount of food will vary based on manufacturer, age and breed, but usually there will be a guide on the packaging based on either puppy age or estimated eventual adult weight. If you aren't sure, book in a nurse consultation to chat about feeding your little one. Generally pups need meals split to 4 times a day up to 12 weeks, three times daily until 16 weeks, and twice daily after that.
  • Insurance - we are happy to offer 5 weeks free insurance for puppies and kittens. Please see our insurance page for a more comprehensive guide.
  • Health plan - if you would like to sign up to our health plan, it is best to enrol early to get the full benefit and to make use of the discounts available. Please see our health plan page for more details.


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