►What type of dog must I buy?
►Does a dog or cat need a friend?
►Must I have my dog/cat vaccinated and how often?
►When and how often does my dog come on heat?
►Must I sterilise my dog?
►At what age must I sterilize my dog/cat?
►How often must I deworm my pets?
►My dog/cat is scratching – does it have fleas?
►What food must I feed my dog/cat?
►Can I give my dogs a bone?
►What can I do when my dog has diarrhea?
►My dog/cat is overweight – Is there anything I can do?
►My dog’s breath smells-what can this be due to?
►Is my pet too old for surgery?

ANSWERS

What type of dog must I buy?

There are many types of dog breeds on the market. Some pure bred some cross bred, males, females, young puppies and adult dogs. No wonder this seems confusing. Every person or household will have a specific need. This must first be identified: family dog, guard dog, toy breed, working dog, terriers and giant breeds to name a few.. Once this has been decided upon can a person make a more clear choice.

Examples of certain popular breeds:
Guard dogs: Rottweiler, Boerboel, Bullmastif, German Shepherd, Ridgeback, Doberman
Toy Breeds: Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Toy Pom, Chihuahua
Working dogs: Weimeraner, Pointers(German, English), Spaniels
Terriers: Jack Russel, Fox Terriers, Scottish terriers
Giant Breeds: Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound

Does a dog or cat need a friend?

Dogs and cats are social animals. They are used to other animals in litters and it is therefore advisable that kittens and puppies do have peers they can relate to. Do not necessarily acquire more than one young animal at one time: pups need a lot of attention when growing up and a few pups can divide your attention. It would be easier if one pup was a few months old, house trained before another pup was introduced.

Young animals also learn good (unfortunately bad as well) habits from older dogs which could make house training, obedience and basic commands easy to learn.

Since the advent of vaccines (think Louis Pasteur…) many fatal diseases have been prevented and even some diseases almost entirely wiped out. Dogs and cats are no different to humans in this regard. Deadly dog viruses can be prevented by inoculations. Pups need a series of three vaccines given at 6, 10 and 12 weeks of age. he vaccination is repeated every year. Cats no different and also need a series of vaccines when they are young to be repeated annually. The most important dog diseases that are prevented by vaccination: Distemper, Rabies, Parvo Virus, Hepatitis, Para-influenza, Kennel Cough and Leptospira Cat viruses that can be prevented by vaccination: Herpes Virus, Calici Virus, Feline Panleucopaenia, Chlamydia and Rabies.

At every annual inoculation your veterinarian will give your pet a thorough examination: look at the pets ears, eyes, mouth, heart, lungs, abdomen skin coat and condition of the pet will be noted. These are compared to the year before (weight, growths etc) and advise will be offered to what is the best to do for your pet.

Unsterilised bitches come on heat between the age of 5-9 months of age-depending on the type and breed. Large dogs generally come on heat a little alter and small breeds a little sooner. Once the bitch has experienced her first oestrus cycle she may come on heat every 9-11 months. This will occur through her life until about 10-12 years of age where she may go through a phase of anoestrus.

Unless a bitch is intended for breeding she must be sterilised. The risk of the anaesthetic, the cost of the operation far outweigh the benefits from sterilisation.

Benefits include: decreased incidence of mammary tumours, pyometra (uterine infections) phantom pregnancies, ovarian tumours and anoestrus (she will not come on heat again).

It is advisable to sterilize male dogs a well. Males can suffer from prostate cancer, prostatic hyperplasia, perineal hernias and testicular cancer. Castration dramatically reduces these risks. Male dogs tend to become less aggressive towards other males and territory marking (leg lifting) will be reduced.

There is a myth that a female must have a litter before she is sterilised. Every time a bitch comes on heat she increases her chances of mammary tumours and pyometra. It is therefore advised that a bitch be sterilized before she comes on heat between the age of 5-6 months. Males can be castrated at the same time before aggression towards other male dogs sets in.

Worms (intestinal parasites)are around the whole year round. Once off deworming may not be enough to prevent re-infestation. Worm eggs are small they can be blown around, occur on grass lawn and hatch every 3 weeks depending on time of year and the type of worm. It is therefore advised that pets be dewormed 3-4 times a year. We advise with every season change a dewormed be given to all pets.

My dog/cat is scratching –does it have fleas?

Your pet may be suffering from flea infestation,but there are other causes for itching dogs/cats. Ectoparasites(fleas, ticks, lice, mites) allergic dermatitis (contact allergy, food allergy, food allergy) certain mineral deficiencies are all causes for itching dogs/cats.

All animals in the household (dogs,cats) must be treated once a month with Frontline that will kill all adult fleas. The product also contains a chemical that prevent flea eggs from hatching. Frontline is also highly effective against ticks. Ticks are the transmitter of the deadly disease Biliary fever.

There are many pet foods available these day to the consumer. The general rule is : you get what you pay for. Dog and cat foods that are recommended by our practice include: Eukanuba, Iams, Hills, Olympic, Royal Canin, Vets choice. These food all differ in quality and price. Please ask our trained reception staff, nurse or vet for more information what will suit your pets specific needs.

Bones have only one function : they help the animal salivate and cause a mechanical abrasion action on the teeth. The salivation keeps plaque build-up limited and the mechanical action will remove some tartar build-up. Bones unfortunately have more detrimental effects on dog’s health than these mentioned benefits. Teeth often fracture Bones splinter and get stuck in the oesophagus(swallowing pipe), stomach, cause constipation. Many patients have had to have bones surgically removed from their intestines.

Diarrhea is only a symptom lf disease. There are many causes for diarrheas: Virus, bacteria, protozoa, worms, inflammatory conditions, food intolerance's to mention a few. We do advise people telephonically if the pet is bright and alert and still eating well-to starve the patient for 12 hours ant then to start feeding a bland diet. There should be a favourable response within 24hours. If dog or cat vomits, is depressed and deteriorates – please bring dog/cat  in to the vet.

An amazing 40% of our patient suffer from obesity. Obesity radically reduces the pets life-increases risk of heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, arthritis, pancreatitis and several other serious diseases.

The good news is that there has been incredible research in this field of animal nutrition over the last few years. Products on the market allow us now to control our patient weight. Prescription diets like Eukanuba Restricted Calorie,Hills R/D are available to us now with outstanding results. Weekly weigh-ins are done at our hospital at no charge for easily monitoring progress.

There are numerous causes of halitosis: renal failure, periodontal disease, gastritis, anal gland impations to name a few. The most common cause however is oral pathology: Peridontal disease, plaque accumulation with gingivitis. An astounding 80% of or pets suffer form oral pathology. Red, inflamed gums are all part of this disease process. Regular check-ups(vaccinations) at your vet will ensure that your pets oral hygiene needs will be taken care of. If periodontal disease or gingivitis is noted by your vet he/she will recommend a dental prophylactic descale and polish. This is done under anaesthetic where the patients teeth are descaled and polished in much the same way a dental hygienist does with our teeth. We will advise home-care for your pet witch will include chews, toys, toothpaste and tooth brushing of tour pets teeth as well as a recommended diet.

Pets should not be denied surgery on the grounds of old age.
Pets are living and staying healthy longer, no more is age a big concern when it comes to anaesthetics or surgery. It is the health of the pet that we are concerned with. Our ability to run blood tests, measure out put from the heart etc. allow us to ensure that you pet is healthy and if not support and monitor it as required during any anaesthetic or operation performed.
Many senior pets require surgery such as cancer removals or dental work, a larger number of our surgery cases are seven years or older.
Denying these pets surgery will often allow the disease to worsen leading to pain or suffering. Often the only humane alternative will be euthanasia.