Does my dog need to see a visit every year?
All pets should have a full health check once per year (usually at the time of their annual vaccination). We recommend that older pets (cats over ten years, dogs over eight years old) are checked every six months as they can be prone to developing age-related health conditions.
Should I chip my dog or cat?
YES! Micro-chipping your animal will help bring them home if they ever get lost or wander off.
Is my pet overweight?
The best way to determine if your pet is a healthy weight would be to book a consultation with your vet so the animal can be weighed.
What should I feed my dog or cat?
There are many great brands out there. The ones we recommend the most are based on years of results and healthy dogs and cats. Occasionally, prescription diets are recommended based on a pet’s specific needs.
Should I check my dog or cat's teeth?
Dental health is just as important for dogs and cats as it is for people. Bacteria and food accumulate around the teeth and, if left unchecked, will lead to gingivitis loss of bone and soft tissue. This can result in tooth loss, an abscess, or a bacterial infection.
Unless your pet just ate something fishy, stinky breath isn’t normal. Having a veterinarian evaluate your pet’s teeth regularly and clean them as needed will help prevent periodontal disease and any related problems.
Should I be deworming my dog or cat?
Yes, it is recommended to deworm your animal at least once a year during their annual check-up. If your animal is exposed to environments that could infect them frequently its recommended to deworm once every month.
When do I switch from puppy/kitten food to adult food?
Switching a puppy or kitten to adult food too early can cause obesity and gastro-intestinal issues. We recommend switching to adult dog or cat food between 10-12 months. Check with us before you make a change.
Where do I take my pet in the case of an emergency?
If the emergency occurs during business hours please call our clinic ahead of time so we can expect you. Should the emergency case take place out of business hours please contact either of the 24 hour emergency vets listed below:
Fourways Veterinary Clinic: 011 705 3411
Bryanston Emergency Vet: 011 706 6023
How often should I bathe/groom my dog?
If no skin condition is present, you can bathe your dog every 4-6 weeks. In some cases, you may need to bathe them more often than that, but no more than once a week. It is important to use pet shampoos (not people shampoos) in order to avoid damaging or causing allergy outbreaks on your pet’s skin.
Should I groom/bathe my cat?
Many long-haired cats need grooming every day to prevent knots from forming, while short-haired cats generally do a good job of grooming themselves. However, grooming sessions at least once a week are still important to help keep their coat in a good condition.
What is Kennel Cough?
It is an upper respiratory infection that is contagious among dogs, particularly when they are in close settings such as a kennel, groomer, or a dog park. Some symptoms can include coughing, lethargy (lack of energy), and lack of appetite. If left untreated, Kennel Cough can be difficult and costly to treat, and it can also cause a lot of pain and lead to pneumonia. If you are boarding your pet at out our facility, we do require that the Bordetella vaccine be given to your pet prior to boarding. We also recommend that the vaccination be given yearly.
My dog has been scooting, do they have worms?
Possibly. But it may also indicate that the anal glands are not emptying properly. The dog should be checked by the veterinarian to determine the cause.
Why does my dog/cat need pre-anaesthetic blood screening?
A pre-anesthetic blood screen is the process of drawing your pet’s blood and testing it prior to a surgical procedure. We are able to then identify any underlying issues that could potentially complicate the procedure. All of our testing is done in-house which allows us to get a quicker response and serve you better. For the safety of your pet, we do blood-screening prior to any surgical procedure.
Can my dog/cat be sterilized during heat?
It is not our preference to spay your pet while they are in heat or pregnant; however, we understand that there are certain times where this might be necessary. Your veterinarian will consider the risk and benefits, and will help you decide the safest course of action.
What type of animals do you see?
We currently see domestic animals such as dogs and cats.
Do I need to make an appointment to be seen by a vet?
Yes, we work strictly on a booking first base.