Picking the right pet means choosing a pet that fits in with your life, so think carefully about the type and breed of pet, to make sure you can meet its needs, and it fits the bill from your point of view.

Dogs need plenty of exercise and attention, as well as regular trips outside, so aren’t always ideal to working owners. It’s wise to research different breeds to ensure you can cope with your prospective pooch’s exercise, grooming and emotional needs. If you have time for a puppy, find a reputable breeder and make sure that parent dogs have had the necessary pre-breeding checks, and that the puppy is healthy and well socialised.

Cats are more independent, and so can be more suitable for owners that work, but they still need to be cared for, and some require a huge amount of grooming.

Rabbits, guinea pigs, and small furries made great pets too, but like all pets, should be checked properly at least once a day and should have access to a large exercise area.

When you pick up your new pet, it’s a good idea to bring it in to us for a prompt health check. We can make sure it’s fit and healthy, and can advise you on appropriate feeding, exercise, training and socialisation as well as vaccinations, worming and parasite control. We can also talk through pet insurance, and micro chipping, to help you keep your new pet safe and healthy and to help you and your pet to enjoy your lives together.

Is your dog protected against kennel cough? It’s known as kennel cough, but it isn’t just caught in kennels! On the contrary, your pet is more likely to encounter the disease wherever dogs meet, such as the park, in the street, dog shows and in training classes.

Kennel cough is a highly infectious cough that affects dogs, causing symptoms of severe whooping-like coughing and breathlessness as well as high temperatures, sore throats and loss of appetite. Even in mild cases, the need for isolation to prevent infecting others can hinder normal exercise and socialisation.

The condition is caused by a mixture of viruses and bacterium (Bordetella Bronchiseptica). Luckily a vaccine is available.

We recommend that dogs are vaccinated against kennel cough before going into kennels, dog shows, dog training classes, or at other times when the disease is rife. Please contact us if you would like any further information on kennel cough vaccination, or would like to book an appointment.

With Valentines coming up we would like to make all pet owners aware of the amount of stray and abandoned animals there are in the rescue centres in the local areas. To help reduce these amounts please consider them when looking for a new member to add to your family.
They would love to be given a warm loving home for life.
To help prevent more vulnerable pets going to these rescue centres please get your pets spayed and neutered when your vet advises you.
If you do not wish to breed then that is the kindest thing you can do to prevent any unwanted litters happening and avoid some significant health problems.
If you wish to ask about further infomation regarding these topics then please call our Reception Team to book an appointment to speak to a member of our Nursing Team.