Vaccination

Puppies get protection initially in life from their mother’s milk and then as they are weaned this protection wanes and thus vaccinations are required to maintain it. Typically we vaccinate puppies at 8 and 10 weeks old (though can be from as young as 7 weeks old) and then annual boosters afterwards. The primary puppy course acts to stimulate the body’s immune system to produce a protective response then the yearly booster afterwards maintains this immunity.

​Parvo virus
We still see this viral infection commonly in puppies and it can often be fatal. The virus attacks the intestines which results in severe diarrhoea and vomiting. This virus is particularly a concern in young puppies

Leptospirosis
This bacteria is spread in the urine of rats and infected dogs and thus water sources such as rivers/lakes can be a source of infection. It locates in the liver/kidneys of dogs often causing irreversible damage and thus organ failure
Distemper
Viral infection that attacks the gut, lungs and nervous system. Typically proves fatal
Infectious Canine Hepatitis
A viral infection that attacks liver, kidney, lungs and eyes. Many cases are fatal although occasionally dogs can recover
Parainfluenza 
One component of the very infectious condition of Kennel Cough
​Kennel Cough 
The Kennel Cough vaccine is a single intranasal vaccine against the bacteria Bordetella Bronchiseptica and Parainfluenza Virus. Most kennels will request this vaccine as the condition is highly contagious.

Worming

Regular worming prevents your cat or dog becoming ill from a worm infection, there are several types of worm that can infect your pet and cause illness such as skin irritations, diarrhoea and worse, some can be fatal if left untreated.
Talk to one of our vets today about the best course of treatment for your particular animal, prevention is definitely better than cure in this case.
Worms
These include:

Tapeworms – long flat worms made up of multiple segments that can grow to 55cm long. These worms shed their segments which can be seen in faeces and resemble white rice grains.

Roundworms – look like a ‘typical worm’, being white and string like in appearance. These worms can sometimes be seen in faeces or vomit but often stay within your pet’s digestive tract.

Lungworms – live in the lungs and airways and not the digestive tract.  Lungworm has only become a problem in the UK recently but are potentially fatal if not treated.

Most animals are infected with worms via ingesting their eggs or larva. This can be directly from the ground (roundworms) or via ingestion of an intermediate host like a flea, slug or snail (tapeworm and lungworm). Some worms can also spread directly from mum to pup/kitten via the placentae and in some circumstances even the milk.
Worm infections vary in the clinical signs that they cause. These may include vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss or respiratory problems. We must also remember that some worms can be transmitted from animals to humans, especially children, so it is important to regularly protect your pet from infection.
There are multiple products on the market these days to treat and prevent against all types of worms in cats and dogs. No one product suits every animal therefore talk to one of our staff or book a free nurse clinic to chat about your pets lifestyle and how best to protect them.

Neutering

Spaying female dogs
Advantages of spaying your dog:
• Stops her from having unwanted puppies
• Reduces her chances of developing breast cancer
• Prevents pyometra – a life threatening infection in the uterus.
Your bitch can be spayed three months after her first season, some animals are spayed before their first season but please discuss the advantages and disadvantages of doing this with your vet. Prior to being spayed your dog should undergo a routinehealth check with the vet.
Castrating male dogs:
The advantages of castrating your dog:
• Prevents him wandering off to find females in season
• Prevents testicular cancer
• Reduces the risk of prostate cancer
• In some cases then it can help reduce aggression
• Prevents him from fathering unwanted puppies
Your dog can be castrated anytime from six months of age. Prior to being castrated your dogshould undergo a routine health check with the vet.

New Puppy

As a new puppy or dog owner, you will be aware of the responsibilities that come with dog owning and caring for your dog. However, you will also benefit from the incredibly rewarding and pleasurable experience of dog ownership.
In time, with the correct training and care, your puppy or dog will hopefully become a well-adjusted adult who is a pleasure to own and a credit to you and the dog society at large.
When you collect your new puppy remember he will probably be nervous being taken away from its litter and environment for the first time. Here are some tips on how to make your new puppy as relaxed as possible:

  • Try to minimise exposure to loud noises
  • Settle your puppy in a carrier
  • Don’t let children or adults handle the puppy too much if it’s nervous

Your new puppy will need his vaccinations (which his breeder may have already started). Puppies need two injections, approximately a fortnight apart by the time they are 10-12 weeks old. This protects them from serious, potentially fatal, diseases such as distemper and parvo.
Puppies also need worming frequently. We recommend every 3-4 weeks until they are 6 months of age.
At Rutland Vets we offer free puppy socialisation classes run by our nurses to learn more about health care and training for your puppy and the opportunity for him to meet and play with other dogs his age. Following on from this Tracey, one of our qualified nurses, runs puppy training courses to learn the essentials such as sit, lie down etc.
– See more HERE

Puppy Classes

Why not book an appointment to make sure your new family member is fit and healthy and we will give you as much help and advice as you need with your new arrival.
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At your puppy’s first visit they will receive a full health check and we will discuss with you their individual needs with regard to vaccinations, microchipping, feeding, parasite control and behaviour. They will also receive a free flea and worm treatment. Any other questions you have can also be answered at this time, or please feel free to telephone us before or after your visit with any questions or worries you may have.

Old Friends

We offer a free ‘preventative’ healthcare clinic for cats and dogs over the age of 8 years.
This free clinic takes about 30 minutes. An optional and price-discounted blood test can also be taken, to identify any underlying medical problems such as liver or kidney disease. Also included are checks on weight, teeth and arthritis.
The consultation gives you the opportunity to discuss any subtle changes you may have noticed in your pet. Any problems can be promptly treated enabling your pet to live longer and enjoy a fuller life.

Emergencies

It is essential for all pet owners to know how to deal with emergencies and when to call the vets. Sometimes it is difficult to decide whether your pet needs urgent attention or treatment. If you spot any of these symptoms, you should phone the practice:

  • Your pet seems weak, lethargic, depressed
  • Your pet’s breathing is noisy and rapid
  • There is continuous coughing
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Severe diarrhoea
  • Your pet is unable to urinate or defecate
  • Your pet is fitting or has seizures
  • Your pet is unable to walk or get up
  • Your pet is in severe pain or discomfort

Even if it is an emergency, try to keep calm, call the vet as soon as possible and never give human medication to your pet.

In case of a road accident, if your dog cannot get up, you can lift smaller dogs by placing one hand on the front of the chest and the other under the hindquarters. You can lift larger dogs using an improvised stretcher, like a blanket. Always be extra careful when approaching an injured dog as they can bite you.

If you suspect that your dog has eaten any of the following, please, contact the practice:

    • Alcohol
    • Avocado
    • Caffeine
    • Coffee, tea and energy drinks
    • Chocolate
    • Fat trimmings
    • Gum
    • Grapes and raisins
    • Nuts
    • Milk
    • Mushroom
    • Fruit pits and seeds
    • Potato skins
    • Raw potato
    • Rhubarb
    • Xylitol
    • Yeast and dough
    • Human medications
    • Poinsettia
    • Rhododendron
    • Daffodil bulbs