Small Animals - Wellness Care/Preventative Care
All animals need preventative health care to keep them in optimal health. Remember prevention is always better than cure and usually cheaper too!
Below, you'll find some info and tips on how to provide the best preventative health care for your pet.
New Kitten Care
New Puppy Care
Adult Cat Care
Adult Dog Care
Rabbits
Birds
Mature Pet Care
Dental Health
Below, you'll find some info and tips on how to provide the best preventative health care for your pet.
New Kitten Care
New Puppy Care
Adult Cat Care
Adult Dog Care
Rabbits
Birds
Mature Pet Care
Dental Health
New Kitten Care
Vaccinations
Kittens require a series of vaccinations usually at 8 and 12 weeks of age to protect them from the cat flu viruses (Rhinotracheitis, Calcivirus) and Panleukopenia. These diseases can be fatal. Your kitten will also be given a health check at the same time to detect any problems.
Worming
Kittens need to be wormed every 2 weeks from 2 weeks of age, then monthly from 3 months of age to prevent a worm burden developing. Good worming products include Milbemax and Drontal. When they are 6 months old, you can start them on the adult worming regime of every 3 months.
Flea Treatment
All year round preventative flea treatment is necessary in Northland due to the high environmental challenge, Advantage is safe to use from 6 weeks of age and Frontline Plus is safe from 8 weeks of age.
Nutrition
Kittens have a very sensitive digestive system and are prone to diarrhoea with sudden changes in diet, so introduce any new diet slowly over 7-10 days mixing it in with the old food. All kittens need to be fed a diet that is complete and balanced. Check what you are feeding - if it does not contain both these words ‘complete and balanced’ the diet does not contain all the nutrients and vitamins for optimal health. Kitten food should be fed until 12 months of age.
Neutering
Neutering is usually done at 5-6 months of age. We recommend all cats should be neutered (unless used for breeding purposes) which helps control the already overburdened animal population as well as preventing health problems.
Microchipping
Microchipping is not compulsory for cats but it is recommended. It dramatically increases the chances of you getting your cat back should they get injured, go missing, or be stolen.
Remember to ask for a free Hills Best Start Kit when you bring your kitten in for its first vaccination!
Vaccinations
Kittens require a series of vaccinations usually at 8 and 12 weeks of age to protect them from the cat flu viruses (Rhinotracheitis, Calcivirus) and Panleukopenia. These diseases can be fatal. Your kitten will also be given a health check at the same time to detect any problems.
- Kittens should be kept exclusively indoors until 10-14 days after their final vaccination. Protection from disease may not be absolute until after this time.
Worming
Kittens need to be wormed every 2 weeks from 2 weeks of age, then monthly from 3 months of age to prevent a worm burden developing. Good worming products include Milbemax and Drontal. When they are 6 months old, you can start them on the adult worming regime of every 3 months.
Flea Treatment
All year round preventative flea treatment is necessary in Northland due to the high environmental challenge, Advantage is safe to use from 6 weeks of age and Frontline Plus is safe from 8 weeks of age.
Nutrition
Kittens have a very sensitive digestive system and are prone to diarrhoea with sudden changes in diet, so introduce any new diet slowly over 7-10 days mixing it in with the old food. All kittens need to be fed a diet that is complete and balanced. Check what you are feeding - if it does not contain both these words ‘complete and balanced’ the diet does not contain all the nutrients and vitamins for optimal health. Kitten food should be fed until 12 months of age.
Neutering
Neutering is usually done at 5-6 months of age. We recommend all cats should be neutered (unless used for breeding purposes) which helps control the already overburdened animal population as well as preventing health problems.
Microchipping
Microchipping is not compulsory for cats but it is recommended. It dramatically increases the chances of you getting your cat back should they get injured, go missing, or be stolen.
Remember to ask for a free Hills Best Start Kit when you bring your kitten in for its first vaccination!
Beemo & Rufus
- Italian Greyhounds
New Puppy Care
Vaccinations
Puppies require a series of vaccinations usually starting at 6 weeks to protect them from Parvovirus, Hepatitis, Distemper, Leptosporisis and optionally Kennel Cough. These diseases, except for Kennel cough, are sadly almost always fatal. Your puppy will also be given a health check at the same time to detect any problems.
Worming
Puppies need to be wormed every 2 weeks from 2 weeks of age, then monthly from 3 months of age to prevent a worm burden developing. Good worming products include Milbemax and Drontal. When they are 6 months old you can start them on the adult worming regime of every 3 months.
Flea Treatment
All year round preventative flea treatment is necessary in Northland due to the high environmental challenge. Advantage is safe to use from 6 weeks of age and Frontline Plus is safe from 8 weeks of age.
Nutrition
Puppies have a very sensitive digestive system and are prone to tummy upsets when they go to a new home, due to the stresses of weaning, leaving mum and the littermates, travel and dietary change. To help avoid diarrhea introduce any new diet slowly over 7-10 days mixing it in with the old food. All puppies need to be fed a diet that is complete and balanced. Check what you are feeding - if it does not contain both these words ‘complete and balanced’ the diet does not contain all the nutrients and vitamins for optimal health. Puppy food should be fed until 12 months of age, however large/giant breeds will need to be fed puppy food for longer.
Neutering
Neutering is usually done at 5-6 months of age. We recommend all dogs should be neutered (unless used for breeding purposes) which helps control the already overburdened animal population as well as preventing health problems.
Microchipping
Microchipping is now compulsory for all dogs born after 2006 except working dogs. We generally do this at the last vaccination and you receive a discount if you get the microchip implanted at the same time as another procedure. Microchipping is invaluable for identifying bored young dogs that escape while their owners are at work!!
Remember to ask for a free Hills Best Start Kit when you bring your puppy in for its first vaccination!
Vaccinations
Puppies require a series of vaccinations usually starting at 6 weeks to protect them from Parvovirus, Hepatitis, Distemper, Leptosporisis and optionally Kennel Cough. These diseases, except for Kennel cough, are sadly almost always fatal. Your puppy will also be given a health check at the same time to detect any problems.
- Puppies should be kept exclusively indoors/on your fenced section until 10-14 days after their final vaccination which is done at 10-12 weeks. Protection from disease may not be absolute until after this time.
Worming
Puppies need to be wormed every 2 weeks from 2 weeks of age, then monthly from 3 months of age to prevent a worm burden developing. Good worming products include Milbemax and Drontal. When they are 6 months old you can start them on the adult worming regime of every 3 months.
Flea Treatment
All year round preventative flea treatment is necessary in Northland due to the high environmental challenge. Advantage is safe to use from 6 weeks of age and Frontline Plus is safe from 8 weeks of age.
Nutrition
Puppies have a very sensitive digestive system and are prone to tummy upsets when they go to a new home, due to the stresses of weaning, leaving mum and the littermates, travel and dietary change. To help avoid diarrhea introduce any new diet slowly over 7-10 days mixing it in with the old food. All puppies need to be fed a diet that is complete and balanced. Check what you are feeding - if it does not contain both these words ‘complete and balanced’ the diet does not contain all the nutrients and vitamins for optimal health. Puppy food should be fed until 12 months of age, however large/giant breeds will need to be fed puppy food for longer.
Neutering
Neutering is usually done at 5-6 months of age. We recommend all dogs should be neutered (unless used for breeding purposes) which helps control the already overburdened animal population as well as preventing health problems.
Microchipping
Microchipping is now compulsory for all dogs born after 2006 except working dogs. We generally do this at the last vaccination and you receive a discount if you get the microchip implanted at the same time as another procedure. Microchipping is invaluable for identifying bored young dogs that escape while their owners are at work!!
Remember to ask for a free Hills Best Start Kit when you bring your puppy in for its first vaccination!
Adult Cats
Vaccinations
Most adult cats require a vaccination usually every 2 years to protect them from the cat flu viruses such as Rhinotracheitis, Calcivirus and Panleukopenia. These diseases can be fatal. A health check is recommended every year even if a vaccination is not required to detect problems early such as dental, heart or kidney disease, and also to assess whether more frequent vaccination is needed e.g. for Persians prone to Herpes virus.
Worming
All adult cats should be wormed every 3 months with an all-wormer such as Milbemax or Drontal.
Flea Treatment
All year round preventative flea treatment is necessary in Northland due to the high environmental challenge. Tick treatment may also be required, depending on where you live.
Nutrition
All cats need to be fed a diet that is complete and balanced. Check what you are feeding, if it does not contain both these words ‘complete and balanced’, the diet does not contain all the nutrients and vitamins for optimal health. Always feed a diet specific to your pet’s life stage or condition.
Neutering
All cats should be neutered (unless used for breeding purposes) which helps control the already overburdened animal population as well as preventing health problems.
Microchipping
Microchipping is not compulsory for cats but it is recommended. It dramatically increases the chances of you getting your cat back should they get injured, go missing, or be stolen.
Vaccinations
Most adult cats require a vaccination usually every 2 years to protect them from the cat flu viruses such as Rhinotracheitis, Calcivirus and Panleukopenia. These diseases can be fatal. A health check is recommended every year even if a vaccination is not required to detect problems early such as dental, heart or kidney disease, and also to assess whether more frequent vaccination is needed e.g. for Persians prone to Herpes virus.
Worming
All adult cats should be wormed every 3 months with an all-wormer such as Milbemax or Drontal.
Flea Treatment
All year round preventative flea treatment is necessary in Northland due to the high environmental challenge. Tick treatment may also be required, depending on where you live.
Nutrition
All cats need to be fed a diet that is complete and balanced. Check what you are feeding, if it does not contain both these words ‘complete and balanced’, the diet does not contain all the nutrients and vitamins for optimal health. Always feed a diet specific to your pet’s life stage or condition.
Neutering
All cats should be neutered (unless used for breeding purposes) which helps control the already overburdened animal population as well as preventing health problems.
Microchipping
Microchipping is not compulsory for cats but it is recommended. It dramatically increases the chances of you getting your cat back should they get injured, go missing, or be stolen.
Adult Dogs
Vaccinations
Adult dogs require a vaccination every year for Leptosporisis (and Kennel cough if they go to boarding kennels/mix frequently with other dogs) and every 2 years to protect them from Parvovirus, Hepatitis and Distemper. These diseases can be and often are fatal. A health check is recommended every year even if a vaccination is not required to detect problems early such as dental, heart or kidney disease.
Worming
All adult dogs should be wormed every 3 months with an all-wormer such as Popantel.
Flea Treatment
All year round preventative flea treatment is necessary in Northland due to the high environmental challenge. Tick treatment may also be necessary for those dogs living rurally especially during spring.
Nutrition
All dogs need to be fed a diet that is complete and balanced. Check what you are feeding if it does not contain both these words ‘complete and balanced’ then the diet does not contain all the nutrients and vitamins for optimal health. Always feed a diet specific to your pet’s life stage or condition.
Neutering
All dogs should be neutered (unless used for breeding purposes) which helps control the already overburdened animal population as well as preventing health problems.
Microchipping
Microchipping is now compulsory for all dogs born after 2006 except working dogs. Microchipping your dog dramatically increases the chances of you getting your pet back should they get injured/go wandering/or be stolen.
Vaccinations
Adult dogs require a vaccination every year for Leptosporisis (and Kennel cough if they go to boarding kennels/mix frequently with other dogs) and every 2 years to protect them from Parvovirus, Hepatitis and Distemper. These diseases can be and often are fatal. A health check is recommended every year even if a vaccination is not required to detect problems early such as dental, heart or kidney disease.
Worming
All adult dogs should be wormed every 3 months with an all-wormer such as Popantel.
Flea Treatment
All year round preventative flea treatment is necessary in Northland due to the high environmental challenge. Tick treatment may also be necessary for those dogs living rurally especially during spring.
Nutrition
All dogs need to be fed a diet that is complete and balanced. Check what you are feeding if it does not contain both these words ‘complete and balanced’ then the diet does not contain all the nutrients and vitamins for optimal health. Always feed a diet specific to your pet’s life stage or condition.
Neutering
All dogs should be neutered (unless used for breeding purposes) which helps control the already overburdened animal population as well as preventing health problems.
Microchipping
Microchipping is now compulsory for all dogs born after 2006 except working dogs. Microchipping your dog dramatically increases the chances of you getting your pet back should they get injured/go wandering/or be stolen.
Rabbits
Vaccinations
Adult rabbits require a health check and vaccination annually to protect them from Calcivirus, which is a fatal disease.
Teeth Trimming
Some rabbits have real trouble with their teeth not wearing down. Lack of hay and other roughage is a major factor. If your rabbit is losing weight, not eating well or the teeth are obviously too long they will need them trimmed. Toys and hard chews will help wear teeth down also.
Flea Treatment
Yes rabbits get fleas! Advantage is the ONLY safe flea treatment should you need to treat your rabbit (talk to us about when and why to treat your rabbit especially if you have other pets).
Nutrition
A mixture of hay, fresh grass and rabbit pellets should be fed. Fruit and vegetables can be fed in small quantities (not exceeding 20% of the total diet). Pellets should not be fed exclusively as this is a major cause of overgrown teeth.
Neutering
All male rabbits living with a female should be neutered unless they are to be used for breeding, otherwise you’ll have baby rabbits before you know it! Females together can also be aggressive towards each other. Speying reduces this behaviour and prevents uterine adenocarcinoma (cancer of the womb) and pyometra (womb infection).
Vaccinations
Adult rabbits require a health check and vaccination annually to protect them from Calcivirus, which is a fatal disease.
Teeth Trimming
Some rabbits have real trouble with their teeth not wearing down. Lack of hay and other roughage is a major factor. If your rabbit is losing weight, not eating well or the teeth are obviously too long they will need them trimmed. Toys and hard chews will help wear teeth down also.
Flea Treatment
Yes rabbits get fleas! Advantage is the ONLY safe flea treatment should you need to treat your rabbit (talk to us about when and why to treat your rabbit especially if you have other pets).
Nutrition
A mixture of hay, fresh grass and rabbit pellets should be fed. Fruit and vegetables can be fed in small quantities (not exceeding 20% of the total diet). Pellets should not be fed exclusively as this is a major cause of overgrown teeth.
Neutering
All male rabbits living with a female should be neutered unless they are to be used for breeding, otherwise you’ll have baby rabbits before you know it! Females together can also be aggressive towards each other. Speying reduces this behaviour and prevents uterine adenocarcinoma (cancer of the womb) and pyometra (womb infection).
Birds
Worming
All birds need worming between 1 and 4 times a year. Please discuss this with us and we will advise you of the best worming interval depending on the cage/aviary environment of your bird/s.
Beak Trimming
Some birds require regular beak maintenance. If your bird’s beak is not being worn down then it will require trimming.
Nutrition
Your bird should be fed a fresh a seed/grain mix appropriate to its breed. Any fruit or vegetables that are fed should be fit for human consumption to prevent bacterial and fungal diseases.
Microchipping
Microchipping is available for birds and is a sensible idea for valuable birds should they get lost or stolen.
Worming
All birds need worming between 1 and 4 times a year. Please discuss this with us and we will advise you of the best worming interval depending on the cage/aviary environment of your bird/s.
Beak Trimming
Some birds require regular beak maintenance. If your bird’s beak is not being worn down then it will require trimming.
Nutrition
Your bird should be fed a fresh a seed/grain mix appropriate to its breed. Any fruit or vegetables that are fed should be fit for human consumption to prevent bacterial and fungal diseases.
Microchipping
Microchipping is available for birds and is a sensible idea for valuable birds should they get lost or stolen.
Mature Pet Care
A mature pet is any cat or dog that is over 7 years of age. As your pet ages it will require extra TLC from you to ensure they remain healthy and to pick up any health problems early.
Preventative Health
As your pet ages its requirements for vaccinations, worming and flea treatment remain the same as for adult dogs and cats and you should ensure these are kept up to date for optimal health. Screening blood panel and urine tests can help pick up disease early – this is especially important prior to anaesthesia.
Nutrition
All mature pets should be fed a complete and balanced mature diet. These contain adjusted levels of certain ingredients to help maintain healthy kidneys, lower levels of fat and calories to suit your pet's reduced activity level, and increased fibre to assist gastrointestinal health. There are many prescription diets that help with chronic diseases such as skin disease, arthritis, kidney disease, weight management etc.
Arthritis
This is a very common problem with older dogs and cats. Dogs will show symptoms such as limping after exercise, pain when touching the affected body part, stiffness after waking particularly in winter and a decreased overall activity level.
Cats are a bit more subtle with their symptoms which are; decreased jumping onto furniture, difficulty grooming, increased irritability and reduced appetite. There are over the counter joint supplements such as Mobilise/Cat pep, which can help reduce symptoms. Keeping your pet at ideal bodyweight is important to prevent joint overloading.
Anti-inflammatories may also be needed – these are only available after consultation.
Heart Disease
About 1 in 10 animals have heart disease and mature pets are more at risk of developing it, so is important to know the symptoms to look for.
These include:
If you notice any of the above symptoms with your pet please bring them in for a consultation. If they are found to have heart disease there are many medications available to improve their quality of life and increase life expectancy.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is most commonly seen in cats but dogs can be afflicted with renal disease also. Increased water intake is usually the only sign in the early stages and this often goes unnoticed, especially in cats.
Changes in blood parameters do not appear until two thirds of kidney function has been lost, meaning early diagnosis can be a challenge. Once diagnosed the disease can still be managed to ensure your pet’s quality of life is improved.
Symptoms include:
Cognitive Dysfunction
As your pet ages so does the brain which can cause distressing changes in their behaviour.
Symptoms include:
Loss of mental function affects 1 in 3 mature cats and 1 in 5 mature dogs! There are foods and medication available to assist your pet’s cognitive function and protect nerve cells from further degeneration.
A mature pet is any cat or dog that is over 7 years of age. As your pet ages it will require extra TLC from you to ensure they remain healthy and to pick up any health problems early.
Preventative Health
As your pet ages its requirements for vaccinations, worming and flea treatment remain the same as for adult dogs and cats and you should ensure these are kept up to date for optimal health. Screening blood panel and urine tests can help pick up disease early – this is especially important prior to anaesthesia.
Nutrition
All mature pets should be fed a complete and balanced mature diet. These contain adjusted levels of certain ingredients to help maintain healthy kidneys, lower levels of fat and calories to suit your pet's reduced activity level, and increased fibre to assist gastrointestinal health. There are many prescription diets that help with chronic diseases such as skin disease, arthritis, kidney disease, weight management etc.
Arthritis
This is a very common problem with older dogs and cats. Dogs will show symptoms such as limping after exercise, pain when touching the affected body part, stiffness after waking particularly in winter and a decreased overall activity level.
Cats are a bit more subtle with their symptoms which are; decreased jumping onto furniture, difficulty grooming, increased irritability and reduced appetite. There are over the counter joint supplements such as Mobilise/Cat pep, which can help reduce symptoms. Keeping your pet at ideal bodyweight is important to prevent joint overloading.
Anti-inflammatories may also be needed – these are only available after consultation.
Heart Disease
About 1 in 10 animals have heart disease and mature pets are more at risk of developing it, so is important to know the symptoms to look for.
These include:
- Coughing, especially at night.
- Reluctance to exercise, tiring easily (dogs).
- Poor appetite.
- Laboured or fast breathing.
- Collapse often associated with exercise in dogs.
- Weight loss.
- Enlarged abdomen, often a pot bellied appearance.
- Weakness.
If you notice any of the above symptoms with your pet please bring them in for a consultation. If they are found to have heart disease there are many medications available to improve their quality of life and increase life expectancy.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is most commonly seen in cats but dogs can be afflicted with renal disease also. Increased water intake is usually the only sign in the early stages and this often goes unnoticed, especially in cats.
Changes in blood parameters do not appear until two thirds of kidney function has been lost, meaning early diagnosis can be a challenge. Once diagnosed the disease can still be managed to ensure your pet’s quality of life is improved.
Symptoms include:
- Increased thirst.
- Vomiting.
- Poor appetite.
- Poor coat condition.
- Depression.
- Weight loss.
Cognitive Dysfunction
As your pet ages so does the brain which can cause distressing changes in their behaviour.
Symptoms include:
- Disorientation.
- Irregular sleep patterns.
- Reduced social interaction.
- Loss of house training.
- Inappropriate vocalization.
Loss of mental function affects 1 in 3 mature cats and 1 in 5 mature dogs! There are foods and medication available to assist your pet’s cognitive function and protect nerve cells from further degeneration.
Dental Health
Dental disease is a very serious problem for cats and dogs and if left untreated bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause kidney, heart and liver disease. Bad breath is the first sign that your pet may need dental treatment.
Symptoms:
If you suspect your pet has dental disease an appointment with one of our Vet Nurses will help determine what level of treatment is required. Scaling (Removing tartar), polishing and dental extractions all require general anaesthesia.
Prevention
There are many options available for reducing dental disease in our pets such as:
Dental disease is a very serious problem for cats and dogs and if left untreated bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause kidney, heart and liver disease. Bad breath is the first sign that your pet may need dental treatment.
Symptoms:
- Bad breath (Halitosis).
- Salivating.
- Reluctance to eat hard foods.
- Red or bleeding gums.
- Chewing on one side of the mouth.
- Brown/yellow tartar build up on teeth.
- Tooth loss.
If you suspect your pet has dental disease an appointment with one of our Vet Nurses will help determine what level of treatment is required. Scaling (Removing tartar), polishing and dental extractions all require general anaesthesia.
Prevention
There are many options available for reducing dental disease in our pets such as:
- Tooth brushing - is the most effective form and meat flavoured toothpaste makes the job easier!
- Dental diets – This is an easy way of reducing dental disease, since your animal has to eat anyway! The dental diets contain a large firm kibble that actually helps scrape the plaque and tartar off the teeth as your pet bites it.
- Limiting soft food – Wet food should only be an occasional part of your pets diet, as it leaves a coating of food on the tooth. This causes plaque and tartar to develop rapidly.
- Dental treats – There are also a lot of dental treats on the market now that help to freshen breath and remove some plaque and tartar. Water additives such as Healthy Mouth – help reduce bacteria in the mouth that contribute to gingivitis and plaque.
- Remember that the best dental care is a combination of preventative & surgical treatments.
