With a new pet comes new responsibility, so here are some things you need to know when bringing your new pet home.
Did you know it is a legal requirement to have your dog microchipped? Whilst it is not a legal requirement for cats, we do highly recommend it – yes, especially if your cat is a house cat. Cats by nature love to explore and house cats, which get the chance to escape, will likely not know their way home, so it’s important get them microchipped as soon as possible. Vaccinations are also an imperative part of your new pet’s first few weeks at home. Your pet pooch should ideally receive their first dose at eight weeks old and their second dose at 10-12 weeks depending on the vaccine chosen, or for kittens nine weeks then 12 weeks. We recommend waiting a further one week following their vaccine, before letting them outside. This prevents them from picking up dangerous viruses and diseases from other animals.
Do your research! Every species, breed and individual animal is unique and you will need to train them to live with you, this takes time and patience, but with the right research and a little trial and error, you will get there. Don’t give up. Whatever species your new addition is, it will need the appropriate care to ensure it lives a long and healthy life. At Sore Paws Veterinary Clinic, the aim is to prevent illnesses occurring to reduce the chance of the animals needing treatment.
That’s where our Practice Health Plan comes in, for just £14.50 upwards, depending on species and weight, your pet will receive all the preventative care they need from top-class veterinarians. The plans include; health checks and vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, worm prevention, kennel cough vaccines, comprehensive six-month health checks, nail clips and anal sac expressions. Plus, you can benefit from unlimited consultations for just £5 extra a month and discounts on a number of services, products and insurance options. At Sore Paws, the team are dedicated to making sure your pets receive the best treatment possible, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns about your beloved furry family member.
Doctor Sarah Elizabeth Stead and the Sore Paws Veterinary Clinics teams in Winlaton and Newton Aycliffe are an independent, family-run practices that pride themselves in providing quality care for your pets, at affordable prices.