Pet Advice

Flea Treatment

Fleas are parasites that will bite and feed on your pet. They are a major cause of itchy skin and allergic skin disease. They are a year round problem and each individual flea can lay 2000 eggs. These eggs may fall onto the floor and will later hatch into larvae, then fleas. Fleas can also bite people as well as your pets, and can also transmit tapeworms!

How often should I treat my pet for fleas?

We recommend monthly flea treatment/prevention for all cats and dogs. One of our staff will be able to advise on the best flea treatment for your dog. We stock a range of prescription only flea treatments which are more effective than over the counter shop bought products. If your pet does get fleas we also recommend treatment of your home environment to ensure any eggs present in the environment do not hatch into fleas.

Microchipping

Microchips (or identichips) are a permanent way of identifying your pet. In April 2016, it became compulsory for all dogs in the UK to be microchipped. If your dog is not microchipped you may be liable to a fine. We recommend microchipping all pets.

A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is injected under the skin on the back of the neck. Each microchip carries a unique number which is read using a special scanner.

Vets and animal rescue organisations scan all stray animals. If the animal has a microchip then owner details can be found on a central database to enable the pet and owner to be reunited. Being able to contact you quickly in an emergency can sometimes be life saving for your pet.

To arrange an appointment, you can either contact us directly, or click here to request an appointment online.

Pet Travel

If you're looking to take your pet abroad, then Andale Veterinary Centre are here to help! There are set steps you need to complete in order to make your pet eligible for a Pet Passport:

To be fitted with an identichip
To have a Rabies vaccination
To be issued a pet passport
To wait 21 days between being given a Rabies vaccination and leaving the UK
To visit an appropriate vet 24-48 hours prior to return to the UK for a tapeworm treatment which will be documented in your Pet Passport

Rabies vaccination boosters will be given every three years.

For full regulations, please refer to DEFRA.

NOTE: For all non EU countries, advice must be sought from DEFRA.

NOTE: It is the responsibility of the pet owner to seek advice on specific requirements for the country of travel. Speak to a vet for advice on how to find this information.

Worming

There are two types of intestinal worms in cats and dogs – roundworms and tapeworms. These can cause weight loss, diarrhoea, constipation and a swollen abdomen.

Puppies and kittens can be born with worms and can also be infected via their mother’s milk. All dogs and cats can pick up worms from the environment and contact with other animals. Some worms can pass to humans, especially children.

How often should I worm my pet?

Puppies and kittens should be wormed regularly by the breeder from 2 weeks' old. Once you rehome your puppy/kitten we recommend worming at 8 weeks' old and then every month until 6 months old. Adult cats and dogs should be wormed every 3 months. This will treat and prevent any further worm burden.

One of our staff will be able to advise on the best worming treatment for your dog. We stock a range of prescription-only worming medicines which are more effective than over the counter, shop bought products.

For any further information or advice, please do not hesitate to contact the practice. Alternatively, you can now request an appointment online.