Step 1- Feeding
Feeding your pet the correct food in the correct quantities is the first stage in looking after their long term health.  The choice of food is vast and can be confusing. Pets have differing nutritional needs at different stages of their lives and it is important that you know and understand what these are. Make a note to discuss your pets diet with the Vet or Nurse next time you visit. Pets by Vets is our very own pet superstore. The advantage to you as a pet owner is you can get on the spot advice on the best food for your pet. We recommend Hills foods, but if this should not be suitable for you, we offer impartial advice on all the brands available.

Step 2- Vaccinations
Dogs, Cats and Rabbits, all need to be vaccinated against a number of potentially fatal yet preventable diseases. Vaccinations are given at 8/9 weeks old and require “topping up” with a yearly booster to maintain the level of protection offered. If your dog is going into kennels, I strongly recommend additional protection against Kennel Cough. Please ask for details. During the yearly booster appointment we also carry out a FREE thorough health check and advise on any changes in care routines needed as your pet goes through different stages of their life. An essential part of preventative pet care.

Step 3- Neutering
Neutering is important in both male and female dogs and cats. For social as well as health reasons, this is a vital part of pet health care. Neutered pets are unable to breed. If your pet is not neutered, or you are unsure of the benefits of neutering, please contact the surgery and I will be more than happy to discuss your options further.

Step 4- Worming
Dogs and cats need to be wormed every 3 months. I recommend that you pick up your yearly supply when you bring your pet in for their yearly health check and booster. Milbemax can be purchased from our practice, which is 100% effective. We offer 20% discount when purchasing a years supply. Wormers bought from pet shops and supermarkets do not offer the same guarantee.

Step 5- Fleas
If you’ve ever experienced living with fleas you’ll know what an unpleasant (not to mention itchy!) problem they can be. Modern society and central heating are perfect for fleas to breed in. If your pet picks up fleas then so does your home. The good new is there are some 100% effective products, which if used regularly, will prevent your home and pets becoming infested with fleas. All products purchased from premises other than veterinary practices are less than 40% effective due to the difference in ingredients they contain. (Pyrethrin or Permethrins). Products purchased from Anrich, such as Advantage, Frontline, Program and Stronghold are 100% guaranteed to prevent fleas if used as a regular part of your pets health care routine. Once again I recommend you purchase your years supply (with 20% discount) during your yearly health check and booster visit.

Step 6- Electronic Chipping
This is an essential security measure for all pets from tortoises to dogs. There is no more effective and cheaper way than ensuring your pet is returned to you if they are lost. Vets, Dog Wardens and Police all have scanners so you can have peace of mind that the chip will be found. Electronic chipping is a quick and harmless procedure that inserts an identity chip into your pet that contains your address and phone number details. You can now buy a Biothermal chip which takes the pets temperature without using a thermometer.

Step 7- Pet Insurance
Offering your pet the very best in health care can sometimes be a costly affair in times of illness. With operations starting from £100 and treatments that can quickly rise in the £0000’s, pet insurance is becoming increasingly popular with pet owners. Two of my staff members have recently been accredited as advisors for Pet Plan and therefore I am able to offer a FREE months cover for all puppies, kittens and rabbits.

Step 8- Behaviour
A badly behaved puppy or dog can disrupt the whole family and become stressful for pet and owner alike. It is important that the correct behaviours are taught and stuck to from day one. Socialising early in the first few months of settling down is a vital part of ensuring your dog grows up well behaved! At Anrich we run fortnightly puppy socialisation classes to help with this problem. Please talk to my reception staff for more details.

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