How frequently should we be vaccinating dogs and cats (in South Africa)?

Historically, annual vaccination had been recommended. There were two reasons. The most important was that vaccine manufacturers had proof that the core vaccines provided immunity for at least a year. The second reason used to justify annual vaccination was that pets benefit from an annual health check – usually given at the time of vaccination. […]

What must I look out for when buying a puppy?

One of the saddest things in private practice is witnessing the joy and delight of a new puppy turn to sorrow when, a few days after its purchase; it succumbs to a horrible disease like parvo virus or distemper. What makes it especially sad is that these diseases are preventable with correct vaccination. A growing […]

Vaccinations

What you should know about vaccination? Vaccinations protect your pet from several highly contagious diseases such as canine distemper, parvovirus infection and respiratory tract infections. It also protects against transmissible diseases such as rabies that also pose a risk to humans. Vaccination will not cure a pet that is already sick. Only healthy pets should […]

Sterilising

What is spaying and neutering of dogs and cats? It is the surgical removal of reproductive organs of dogs or cats. Why is it necessary? Every year thousands of unwanted dogs and cats, including puppies and kittens are needlessly destroyed. The good news is that every pet owner can make a difference. By having your dog […]

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a developmental, multifactorial, genetically influenced condition that is characterized by ill-fitting or loosely-fitting hip joints and the development of secondary degenerative joint disease (arthrosis). As hip dysplasia is a developmental disease, it only manifests itself radiological after the age of about 6 months. There is no doubt about the fact that the tendency to […]

Deworming

Worms (hookworms, roundworms and tapeworms) commonly infect dogs and cats and also pose a threat to humans. How do dogs and cats pick up worms? Worms or internal parasites can be picked up by: licking the ground or drinking contaminated water ingesting infected fleas which can transmit tapeworms through the placenta before birth from the […]

Dogs and Cats