Dogs & You

Dogs

Please refer to this information for guidance on the routine healthcare requirements for dogs.

Vaccinations

Dogs can be vaccinated against a number of potentially lethal diseases including:

Canine distemper virus
Canine adenovirus (canine hepatitis)
Parvovirus
Leptospirosis
Bordetella bronchispeptica (kennel cough)

Schedule of vaccination:

Puppies

Puppies will need a course of two injections. The first one should be given at the age of 8 weeks, and a second vaccine should be given exactly 4 weeks later.

Puppies can also receive a seperate kennel cough vaccine from 8 weeks. This is a liquid which is put onto the dogs gum, rather than an injection.

Adult dogs

Adult dogs require annual booster injections, alongside which they will receive a general health with one of our vet.

If your dog has lapsed in their boosters, they may need to restart their vaccinations with the two-injection course again, in order to generate the necessary immunity.

Additionally, we are now only able to vaccinate using L4 rather than L2, which covers an additional two strains of Leptospirosis. This means that any dog which has not previously been vaccinated with L4 will need to complete a two-injection course of vaccinations, exactly 4 weeks apart, in order to generate the required immunity to the additional strains. This second vaccine will be at no additional cost to your dogs annual booster, provided this has not lapsed.

Adult dogs can also be given a seperate kennel cough vaccination annually, and this may be required if you wish to book your dog into kennels or with a dog boarder.

Please note that their may be additional vaccination requirements if you wish to travel abroad with your dog.

Fleas

Fleas are external parasites which may be found on your pet, and survive by feeding on their blood. Flea infestations can be harmful to your pet and a nuisance in your home. It is easier to prevent fleas than it is to clear an infestation, therefore we reccommend using a flea treatment year round. This treatment comes in various forms including a monthly or three monthly 'spot-on', a three monthly tablet, or a yearly injection. Please note that some of these treatment options also cover ticks so speak to one of our vets if this is something you are interested in.

Our vets are able to clinically assess your dog and dispense an appropriate prescription-only flea treatment, which are more effective than over-the-counter flea treatments. Please note that your dog must be assessed by a vet once a year in order for any prescription parasite treatments to be dispensed. We aim to coincide this with your dogs annual booster and general heath check, however this assessment can also be completed in a seperate flea and worm consultation.

Since flea treatments are weight-dependent, it is important that your pet is regularly weighed. For puppies, we require an up to date weight monthly in order to dispense any flea treatment, to ensure that they receive the correct dose. This is because they are still growing therefore their weight should be increasing monthly. Our nurses are able to weigh your puppy and apply the treatment in practice monthly, at no additional cost to the price of the treatment.

Once your dog reaches their stable adult weight, flea treatment can be dispensed for you to apply at home, however you can continue to bring your dog into practice for our nurses to apply the treatment if you prefer.

Worming

Worms are internal parasites which can affect your pet, as well as having health implications for you and your family. Dogs are at risk of several types of worm, therefore we recommend broad spectrum worming, including coverage for lungworm.

Treatment Regime

Due to reported cases of Lungworm in Sheffield, we advise monthly worming treatment for your dog.

Microchipping

It is a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped by 8 weeks of age.

Microchipping is beneficial because it facilitates your dog being reunited with you, in the event they were to go missing. Consequently, it is important that you keep your dog's microchip details up to date with any changes of contact information or address, for instance. This can be done by contacting the company your pet's microchip is registered to.

Neutering

Neutering dogs can be beneficial for preventing pregnancies or unwanted behaviours, and may also have health benefits. In female dogs, spaying prevents pyometra (uterus infection) and reproductive cancers. In male dogs, neutering reduces the risk of testicular cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia.