Microchipping

Microchipping is an invaluable way of easily and permanently identifying your dog. It is a tiny implant, approximately the size of a long grain piece of rice, which is implanted beneath the skin. It carries an identification number which can be read with a scanner. This number is then held on a national database alongside your registered details.

If your details change, please remember to update the microchip details.

New government legislation now states it is compulsory for all dogs over the age of 8 weeks old to be microchipped.

Contact the Petlog website.

Lost or Found Dogs

If you do lose your dog, ring all the local veterinary practices and the Dog Warden.

If you find a dog, please bring it to the surgery so it can be scanned or ring the Dog Warden.

Neutering

Male dogs can be castrated anytime from 6 months of age.

Our receptionists will be happy to discuss booking your dog in.

Female dogs are generally spayed at 6 months or 3 months after a season. Feel free to discuss spaying with us.

If you wish to discuss neutering your dog or bitch please book in for a free pre op check with one of our vets who can advise you about the most appropriate timing for your pet to be neutered.

Fleas Ticks & Worms

Fleas

Fleas are an ever present source of irritation to both pets and owners. Generally fleas can lead to problems with skin irritation, allergies and secondary infections that may need veterinary treatment. They can also spread tapeworms if swallowed while grooming. Flea infestations in young puppies can cause severe anaemia and even death due to the volume of blood taken by fleas feeding.

They are easily prevented/treated using appropriate flea control products regularly.

Our staff can advise you and provide suitable products for your dog.

Ticks

Tick numbers are on the increase due to changes in climate. Ticks can cause local irritation, secondary infections, self trauma and swellings at attachment site which may need veterinary treatment. It is important that if you remove ticks you retrieve the head and mouthparts as well as the body. Our reception staff can show you how to use a very simple, effective tick remover.

One type of tick in the UK can spread Lyme disease (Borreliosis) which can affect people and dogs. Cases are rare but increasing. However, the ticks involved are found mainly in damp wooded areas such as the New Forest. Worth bearing in mind if spending time in these areas as extra tick protection may be worthwhile.

Ticks from abroad can spread many other diseases (eg. Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Hepatozoonosis, Tick Bourne Encephalitis) which is why animals must have tick treatment certified when travelling on pet passports to prevent these diseases being brought into the UK.

Our staff can advise on tick treatment when necessary.

Worms

Your dog should be wormed approximately every 3 months.

Dog roundworms (Toxocara Canis) can pose a small human health risk particularly to young children who are more likely to come into contact with soil contaminated by dog faeces which is how the infection is transmitted. Regular worming and proper disposal of dog faeces can help reduce this risk.

Our staff can help advise you and provide suitable products for your animal.

Lungworm

The lungworm (Angiostrongylus Vasorum) is a parasite that can cause serious health problems in dogs and can even be fatal if not diagnosed and treated.

Dogs can become infected with lungworm when they accidently (or purposefully) ingest slugs or snails which are carriers of the lungworm larvae. Dogs will often ingest them whilst eating grass, investigating undergrowth, drinking from outdoor bowls/dirty puddles or they can even pick them up from their toys if left outside.

The lungworm Angiostrongylus Vasorum is now endemic throughout much of the UK.

Our staff can advise on suitable treatment for Lungworm so please call to discuss this further.