Emergency 01244 853823
Out of hours 01244 853823
Churchview Heswall 0151 3426820
Churchview Neston 0151 3530118

If you are looking to book a cat vaccination, please be aware that there is an ongoing shortage of some cat vaccines affecting all UK Veterinary practices. Find out more here.

Pet Care Q & A

Frequently asked questions on pet care

Q. Pet Insurance can be expensive – why should I get my pet insured?

A. We strongly advise all of our customers to take out pet insurance for a number of reasons. From time to time, your pet may need non routine, more complex treatment which can be very expensive, particularly if on-going treatment is required. Also, should your pet be involved in an accident or other emergency, they may require surgery which you are unable to budget for. Insurance will provide peace of mind for you and with a variety of insurance plans available, there will be one to suit every need. We are agents for PetPlan and all of our staff will be able to help you, should you wish to take out insurance.

Q. Why should I get my pet neutered? Isn’t this an unnecessary procedure?

A. Not at all! Neutering your animal is a very important part of responsible pet ownership. Unless you wish to breed from your pet, we recommend that you consider this for a number of reasons. It goes without saying that every year the animal charities are inundated with unwanted animals, abandoned due to excessive unplanned breeding. There are many health reasons for getting your pet neutered. For female dogs and cats that are not spayed, they face a higher risk of developing womb infections later in life which can be fatal and will require major surgery. They are also at higher risk of mammary and uterine tumours. For unneutered male cats and dogs, they can develop prostate and testicular cancer which again can be fatal or require major surgery. Additionally, males can become more territorial and this can see them becoming aggressive and often sees them getting into fights. Please speak to one of our staff for further information on Neutering.

Q. I have just received a booster reminder from you – why do I need to get this done each year?

A. There are many different types of dangerous diseases that your pet can pick up if they are not up to date with their vaccinations, potentially putting their life at risk. Vaccines create antibodies, which assist the body in fighting against the dieases vaccinated against. However these antibodies disappear over time, and quicker in a dog, cat or rabbit than occurs in humans. As a result, they need to be “topped up” from time to time, hence the annual booster programme. By keeping up to date with their boosters, you can be assured that they will be protected. Preventative health care can be budgeted for and we will notify you to let you know when your pet is due. Also, if you are planning to put your pet into kennels/cattery at any time, they will not be accepted unless all of their vaccinations are up to date. We can also give rabies vaccinations and arrange a pet passport should you wish to take your animal abroad.

Q. I have seen flea and worm treatments in the supermarket – why do I need to get them from the vet?

A. While supermarkets do offer a small range of over the counter treatments, they are limited to the dosage and also the types of protection that they offer. Often they are ineffective, particularly against fleas or ticks which means buying more products and this can be more expensive than buying from your vet. We offer a FREE flea and worm check for your pet which includes taking their weight so we can ensure the correct dosage for your pet. Also the products that we sell are often multi-purpose which means that they will treat both fleas and worms, keeping it cost effective for you. Finally, NO supermarket product will not be able to provide treatment for the recently discovered life threatening lungworm parasite Angiostrongylus vasorum, which has claimed the lives of many young dogs. Only POM products available from your vet are effective against this dangerous parasite.

Q. When I saw the vet last time she recommended booking my dog in for dental treatment – why is this important?

A. Like with humans – your pet can get plaque build up, gum disease and abscesses which can be very painful and can lead to them having to have many teeth removed under general anaesthetic. Periodontal disease occurs in dogs and cats just as it does in humans, and requires regular dental treatment to keep it at bay. Also, if your pet has dental problems this can affect their ability to eat and can result in weight loss or digestive problems. We can offer preventative dental care including animal toothpaste, toothbrushes and special diets to keep your pet’s mouth healthy. But if the problem has progressed, then treatment under General Anaesthetic, involving a combination of any necessary dental extractions, along with scaling and polishing of the rest of the teeth, will be required.

Q. A neighbour said that my dog was too fat but she really enjoys the titbits I give her – I can’t see a problem as she gets walked every day.

A. Giving your dog human food can result in obesity as well as digestive problems, which can require surgery. It is very important to keep your pet’s weight controlled as overweight pets can lead to them suffering from diabetes and joint problems, as well as putting additional strain on their heart. This can also be associated with hormonal problems such as hypothyroidism. We offer free weight management clinics with our nurses to help monitor and control your pet’s weight and we can also advise on the right diet.

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