Pet Care

It is very upsetting when your pet becomes unwell. At Alphavet, we offer a range of vaccinations to prevent disease. We also advise on a course of vaccinations and boosters to top up your pet's protection.

Dogs

Puppies are vaccinated at 6-8 weeks' and at 10 weeks' old. The vaccines protect them against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis, parainfluenza and Kennel Cough. Boosters are given throughout your dog's life to maintain immunity.

Cats

Kittens receive primary vaccination at 9 weeks' and 12 weeks' of age. These offer protections against feline leukaemia, panleukopaenia and cat flu. Annual boosters are recommended.

Rabbits

Myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease vaccines are given annually.

Neutering also has health benefits as well as preventing behavioural problems. It is the responsible thing to do if you do not intend to breed from your pet. At Alphavet, we perform these operations with the utmost care and attention to detail. Each patient is assessed carefully and given a general anaesthetic specific to their needs - this is considered a routine operation. However, at Alphavet we take the time to ensure minimum discomfort to your pet. 

Parasite prevention and control is available. Your pet can have worming and flea treatments and pick up their prescriptions.

If your pet is in need of a surgical procedure, they will be cared for by a team of professionals. Whilst under general anaesthesia they will be meticulously monitored by the Alphavet team, assisted by ECG, pulse oximetry and Doppler blood pressure monitoring. We put great emphasis on preventing discomfort to your pet so a tailor-made combination of painkillers are always administered. Pets are delicately and sympathetically handled by the veterinary surgeons and post-operative veterinary nurses to get them back on form as soon as possible.

Our guide to helping your pet through surgery:

Pre-operation:

• Make sure all your pet's vaccinations are fully up to date as they are more susceptible post-surgery.
• Reduce the risk of dangerous vomiting by not giving them food after their dinner the evening before.
• If you can, book some time off work to care for your pet at home post-surgery.

Post-operation:

• Keep your pet warm on the journey home.
• Make sure they have a warm, comfy bed to return to as they'll want to rest.
• Only give small portions of food as at first, their appetite may be low. Encourage them to drink water.
• Administer meds as prescribed.
• Keep noise down and try not to startle your pet - which would put strain on the stitches.
• Limit their activity to the amount of time recommended by the vet.
• Keep cats confined and dogs on a lead prior to stitch removal.
• A date will be booked with you to bring your pet back for any bandage and stitch removal and to check your pet's progress.

It's natural for pets to lick their wounds but pet owners need to prevent them from doing so as they heal better if they are clean and dry. If required, we can provide you with an Elizabethan collar to help with this. Your pet may seem dopey for some hours after surgery from the pain-killing medications. If you are concerned in any way, give the practice a call for advice. If you see any problems with the stitches or your pet seems distressed, contact Alphavet immediately.