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Dogs

Finding your perfect dog

Owning a dog can be very rewarding, offering us lots of companionship and fun! However, it is a long-term commitment and can be very demanding.

There are some key areas to think about before getting a dog.

Environment

How much outside space your pet will have access to.

Is your home suitable for a dog?

Time

How much time will you have for your dog and how long might they be left alone.

How active are you?

Do you enjoy time outside and want to be more active.

How much are you willing to spend on your dog?

Food, medications, insurance.

Breed knowledge

Have you owned a dog at all before or have you had previous experience of the breed. Pop into the surgery and pick up a copy of our Finding your perfect dog guide for some helpful tips.

Here is a list of some essentials for your new dog:

  • Comfortable bedding
  • Food/water bowls
  • Small selection of toys
  • Collar and lead
  • Poo bags & holder
  • Calming products to help them settle in such as a pheromone or herbal based diffuser

We are always here to support and advise pet owners, so please feel free to ask us about anything pet related that you have questions or concerns about.

Preventative Healthcare

Vaccination

Vaccines start at eight weeks of age. We recommend your new dog/puppy has a few days to settle in so will generally book first vaccine appointments once your new addition has been with you for at least 3 days. The first vaccination appointment is with one of our veterinary surgeons and includes a full health check. The second vaccination is given 14- 28 days later. If your new pet has already started their vaccine course elsewhere it is important to let us know what vaccine they have received (manufacturer & date given) this enables us to book the second vaccines at the appropriate interval. There are many brands of dog vaccines available and not all cover the same diseases or are compatible to be given together to complete a course, we will be able to advise. Two weeks after this second vaccination your puppy will be protected so can start exploring the outside world. Visit our Vaccination section for more information.

Parasite treatment

A parasite prevention plan should be started as soon as your dog enters your home. Our Best Start Puppy Package includes the full course of vaccinations, health check, first flea/tick & roundworm treatment and microchip visit https://www.belmontvets.co.uk/about-us/offers/puppy-kitten-packs for more information. It is wise to take an effective veterinary flea and parasite prevention product for your cat even if it is clear of unwanted visitors. As soon as your cat begins to get out and about, it is at risk from picking up parasites. Visit our Parasite Prevention section for more information.

Neutering

We generally can neuter dogs from 6 months of age but our team will advise you on the best time to neuter your dog as the timing can be breed and temperament dependent. This is a commonly performed operation with a quick recovery time.

If your puppy is a member of our health plan the Lifetime Care Club we give a 20% discount on the cost of neutering, visit https://www.belmontvets.co.uk/lifetime-care-club for more information.

Neutering can reduce the risks of:

  • Mammary cancer in females
  • Testicular cancer in males
  • Prostate problems in males
  • Unwanted pregnancy

Visit our Neutering section for more information.

Microchipping

It is a legal requirement for all puppies to be microchipped by the time they are 8 weeks old. A microchip is roughly the size of a grain of rice and is inserted between the shoulder blades. The chip contains a unique number which is recorded on a database with your pet’s details and yours. If you move or change phone number it is important to update the database with your new details. If your pet gets lost at any time during their life, the microchip can be read by veterinary practices and rehoming centres so you and your pet can be reunited.

Insurance

We strongly believe that all clients and their pets benefit from a reliable pet insurance policy, covering illness and injury. Ask us about 4 weeks free cover when you visit us. Visit https://www.belmontvets.co.uk/services/insurance/petinsurance-guide for some helpful tips on the different types of policies available.

Nutrition

Your puppy should be fully weaned by the time they are ready to join your family. Always ask what they have been fed and whenever possible stick to this for the first few days to reduce the risk of an upset stomach. Once your new dog or puppy has settled in you can start to introduce a new food by gradually mixing an increased proportion into your pet’s food over the next week. A good quality complete diet designed to meet the nutritional needs of puppies, supporting development and growth is ideal. For adult cats a good quality completed food suitable for their age range is recommended you can download our hand nutrition guide here for more information or we can discuss suitable diets when you visit the practice https://www.belmontvets.co.uk/services/pet-nutrition

Companionship and behaviour

Puppies are naturally curious and playful, so it is important to let them explore their new home. Gradually introduce them to a variety of new sights, sounds and smells. It is important to provide puppies with a space that they can feel safe and secure. You should also help them to become accustomed to spending time on their own without human interaction. This will help them to grow into confident, friendly dogs that feel safe in your home.

We are a Dogs Trust Accredited Dog Friendly Clinic visit our Dog Friendly Clinic page for further tips on how support your doggy with vet visits https://www.belmontvets.co.uk/about-us/dog-friendly-clinic

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