Vaccinations
We recommend vaccinations (and annual boosters) for all dogs, cats and rabbits.
Dogs should be vaccinated against Parvovirus, Distemper, Canine infectious hepatitis, Parainfluenza and Leptospirosis. Puppy vaccinations are given at 8 and 10 weeks. Dogs going into kennels can be vaccinated against infectious tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) if required, and dogs or cats going abroad can be vaccinated against rabies.
Cats should be vaccinated against feline infectious enteritis, cat flu, Chlamydia (a part of cat flu and a cause of conjunctivitis) and also against feline leukaemia. For young cats and those that are ‘higher risk’ (e.g they go into catteries a lot or are shown) we also advise vaccination against a disease called Bordetella, a bacterial form of Cat Flu. Vaccinations are given at 9 and 12 weeks old, with boosters every 12 months.
Rabbits should be vaccinated against myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease from 3 months old, with annual boosters
All our vaccinations and boosters include: a full physical examination, including check eyes, ears, teeth, gums, mouth, palpate throat, check glands in neck. Auscultate chest, palpate abdomen, check for any “lumps and bumps” and advise accordingly. Coat examination to look for any fleas or other parasites.
Dental Treatment
Dental disease is very common in our pets. A high percentage of the dogs and cats we see have tartar buildup on their teeth, and gingivitis (inflamed gums) as a result of this. We recommend brushing your pets teeth daily, using a special pet toothbrush and toothpaste to help prevent dental problems. If your pet is not co-operative, dental chews or Logic oral hygiene gel will help control tartar levels. We do not recommend feeding bones to clean the teeth as this can often lead to fractured teeth, and bones have the potential to cause intestinal obstructions.
We have a modern air driven, ultrasonic dental drill, scaler and polisher, similar to that used in human dentistry. There is a dedicated dental area with specialist table. Under general anaesthetic we can scale and polish your pet’s teeth and also extract teeth if they are loose or severely diseased.
We offer free dental checkups with our nurses – they will examine your pet’s mouth and advise you accordingly on any dental care required. The staff can advise on mouth and tooth care for your pet at any time, but when we perform any dentistry, we will discuss long term dental care at a follow up appointment.
Neutering
Cats are usually castrated from 5 months old. This helps minimise urine marking (especially in the house), roaming and fighting with other cats (and associated risks of abscesses and FIV infection). Female cats are usually spayed from 5 months old. This prevents any unwanted litters of kittens, and also removes the risk of diseases of the ovaries or uterus later in life
Male dogs can be castrated from 6 months old. This helps reduce the risk of roaming, also it reduces the risk of prostate disease, perineal hernias and anal problems. It also stops them becoming surprise fathers, and of course it eliminates the risk of testicular cancer! Female dogs (bitches) can be spayed from 5 months old, either before or after the first season. If neutering is done before the first season it greatly reduces the risk of getting mammary (breast) cancers later on in life. This risk is still reduced if the bitch is neutered after the first season, but by nowhere near as much. It also removes the risk of pyometra (a potentially life-threatening infection of the uterus, usually seen in older dogs), and or course there will be no seasons to cope with and no unwanted litters of puppies.
Plus, statistically, neutered pets live longer!
Obesity and Diet
Olwyn runs an obesity clinic to help pets lose weight. Overweight pets are more prone to many problems such as; heart disease, arthritis and diabetes. We can offer specialist advice and diets to help your pet regain its correct weight. Please phone Olwyn for more details.
We sell a range of Hills pet diets as well as a selection of grooming aids, toys, leads and collars, dental hygiene products and free advice to go with them from the nurses.
New Pets
New puppy and kitten checks - we will check over a new puppy or kitten FREE OF CHARGE. Just give us a ring when you get your new pet. We also give 6 weeks free insurance with Petplan to all puppies and kittens at their first vaccination.
Maria 'Pups' Taylor runs puppy parties on Saturday mornings in the church hall next to the surgery. These are FREE OF CHARGE to puppies between their first vaccinations and completing the course. They are extremely useful for socializing puppies in the vital first few months of life to help them have more 'balanced' personalities as well as being a general educational tool for puppy owners. Children are welcome.
Microchipping
All pets should be microchipped. All kennels, charities, vets and stray animal homes now scan for chips and if your pet is lost, strays or is involved in an accident it gives you the best chance of being reunited with them. We can microchip your pet from 10 weeks of age. There is the option of a microchip that also records your pets' temperature so we do not have to use the dreaded thermometer!
Withy Grove Vets
39 Station Road,
Bamber Bridge,
Preston
PR5 6QR
Tel:01772 330103
Fax:01772 330669
Email Us
Reception is open:
Monday to Friday
8.30am to 8.00pm
Saturday
8.45am to 2.00pm
Sunday
1.30pm to 4.00pm