It’s that time of year! Everyone is adding new fury additions to their families from goofy Great Dane puppies to little fluffy kittens. Like people, our four legged friends need lots of care and nurturing in their early stages of life, ranging from vaccines and socialisation, to navigating the new challenges of having our fluffy friends.
What healthcare do I need to get for my new puppy/kitten?
In the first few weeks of your kitten or puppy’s life, pet owners need to ensure that their new pet is vaccinated against viruses including the deadly parvovirus, and parasite prevention including intestinal worms, heartworm, fleas and ticks. Vaccinations and parasite prevention are just two of the ways in which we can protect our new friends.
Here at Maraboon Vet Surgery, we aim to make this process as easy as possible for you and your pets with both puppies and kittens only needing three rounds of vaccines, each 4 weeks apart to ensure their safety.
Puppies and kittens require three vaccinations, 4 weeks apart.
- 1 st Vaccination – 6-8 weeks
- 2 nd Vaccination – 10-12 weeks
- 3 rd Vaccination – 14-16 weeks
Your pet’s vaccination appointment includes a health check and our friendly team will also provide any necessary parasite prevention such as worming and external parasites i.e. fleas and ticks. During these appointments, we can also offer microchipping, the heartworm injectable option for your puppies, and for your kittens; discuss FIV vaccinations if your cat is going to have outdoor access. Once your puppy or kitten has completed their vaccinations, they will be protected against the core deadly viruses, parasites and will be ready to socialise in high populated areas, board at kennels and be covered when travelling.
Click here for more information on puppy and adult dog vaccinations including schedule and what is covered.
How do I know what to give my pet and when?
As a practice, our aim is to make the process of remembering due dates for your pet as simple as possible for our valued clients. Maraboon Vet Surgery keep track of your pets history including vaccinations and parasite prevention, and send out reminders so clients are notified when they need to book an appointment or come into the clinic to pick up parasite prevention!
We are also able to set reminders throughout the year that lets our clients know when their pets are due for parasite prevention such as worming.
When should I get my pet desexed?
At Maraboon Vet Surgery, we recommend all animals to be desexed if you are not planning on breeding. Unwanted pregnancies occur all the time and there are so many pets in the world looking for homes already, so it is our strong suggestion to desex your beloved pets. However, we also firmly believe that each individual animal requires a tailored approach to determine when is the best time to desex (considering all factors such as breed, size, home circumstances and gender).
Cats
Cats, both female and male can be desexed anywhere from 6 months of age and this will prevent any unwanted pregnancies, spraying from male cats and wandering behaviour.
Dogs
Most dogs can be desexed from 6-9 months of age, and 12 months of age for larger breeds. Please click here to read more information about desexing your pet. Some dog breeds may benefit on waiting to desex after 12 months of age to allow for full growth and the development of joints.
Desexing for your cat or dog is a day procedure, where your furry friend is dropped off at our Emerald or Blackwater clinic in the morning and will go home to their loving family in the afternoon.
What is the best Parasite Prevention for my pet?
At the Maraboon Vet Surgery, we provide a wide range of parasite prevention to cover all parasites including heartworm, intestinal worms, fleas, ticks and mites. We have different application methods available including tablets, chews and spot-on, as well as the option to book an appointment if wanting to do a 12 monthly injection (heartworm and flea/tick available). If you are unsure of which options would be most suitable for your pet(s), contact our friendly staff and we can help your family select which products will suit your furbaby and your lifestyle.
How should I provide socialisation to my new pet?
In the early stages of your puppy’s life, it is important to ensure that your new addition is well socialised and has access to many different types of enrichment to ensure healthy habits are built for both you and your pet. Here at the Maraboon Vets our lovely nurses run Puppy Preschool. This is a 4 week program that provides lots of helpful information that will help both you and your pet, here are just some of the few topics covered;
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Your puppy can join puppy preschool as soon as they have had their second vaccination to ensure they are getting this vital socialisation and training in their key learning and habit building months. The Maraboon Vets are also connected with the Maraboon Pet Resort that runs an amazing doggy day-care, where your pets, once fully vaccinated get to spend the day running around playing with other dogs and getting lots of love and cuddles from our staff!
Please click here for more information on our puppy preschool program or contact our clinic if you would like any further information.