Prevention:
Keeping Them All Well

Let’s be honest: life gets busy. Between work, the school run and trying to remember where you left your keys, it’s easy for a booster or a flea treatment to slip off the radar.

The good news? A little prevention goes a very long way. Many of the illnesses we treat every day can be avoided, or caught early, with a few simple habits. Think of this as your pet’s personal bodyguard briefing, so they can spend more time doing zoomies and less time in our waiting room (although we do love seeing them).

The 30-second version

1. Vaccinations, parasite control, dental care, neutering and microchipping are the five big building blocks of prevention.
2. There’s no one-size-fits-all plan. Your vet will tailor one to your pet’s age, health and lifestyle.
3. Never use a dog flea product on a cat. Some can be fatal to cats.
4. Microchipping is a legal requirement for dogs and cats in England, and the details must be kept up to date.
5. An annual health check helps us catch problems early, even in pets who seem perfectly well.

Vaccinations: their invisible shield

Vaccines teach your pet’s immune system to recognise and fight specific diseases before they ever come across them. Think of it as giving their body the ‘wanted poster’ in advance. Several of these diseases are still present in the UK and can be serious, or even fatal, particularly in young or unvaccinated animals.

The diseases vaccines commonly protect against in the UK include:

• Dogs: parvovirus, distemper, infectious canine hepatitis and leptospirosis. A kennel cough vaccine is often recommended too, especially for dogs who visit kennels, daycare or groomers, or who mix with lots of other dogs.
• Cats: cat flu (feline herpesvirus and calicivirus) and feline infectious enteritis (panleukopenia). Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) vaccination is often recommended, particularly for cats who go outdoors.
• Rabbits: myxomatosis and both strains of rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease (RVHD1 and RVHD2).

Puppies, kittens and young rabbits need a primary course of vaccinations, followed by regular boosters throughout their lives. Not every part of every vaccine is needed every year, which is exactly why there’s no one-size-fits-all schedule. Your vet will tailor a plan to your pet’s age, health, lifestyle and where they live and travel.

Young puppies and kittens shouldn’t mix with unvaccinated animals or visit places where other animals have been until your vet says it’s safe. We’ll let you know when that is, so you can start exploring the world together.

Planning to take your pet abroad? Rabies vaccination and specific paperwork are required, and the rules can change. Speak to us well before you travel, ideally several months ahead.

Does my indoor cat really need vaccinating?

Indoor cats have a lower risk, but not zero. Some viruses can be carried into the home on shoes and clothing, cats do sometimes escape, and most catteries require up-to-date vaccinations. We can help you decide what level of protection is right for your cat.

Vet advice Ask us which vaccines are right for your pet and when their boosters are due. Missed a booster? Don’t panic: call us and we’ll advise on the safest way to get back on track.

Parasites: the uninvited guests

Fleas

Fleas are more than an itchy nuisance. They can cause skin disease and allergies, and they can spread tapeworm. Spot even one flea and there are likely to be many more eggs and larvae hiding in carpets, bedding and soft furnishings, because most of a flea population lives in the home rather than on the pet.

If one pet has fleas, all the pets in the household usually need treating, alongside a thorough clean: hot-wash bedding and vacuum regularly, then empty the vacuum outside.

Try the flea comb test

Not sure if your pet has fleas? Comb them over a damp white paper towel. If tiny black specks appear and turn reddish-brown when they touch the damp paper, that’s flea dirt (digested blood). Time to call us for advice on treatment.

Did you know? Fleas are serious overachievers. An adult female flea can lay dozens of eggs every single day. Those eggs drop off into carpets, sofas and pet beds, which is why treating your home matters just as much as treating your pet.

Ticks

Ticks live in long grass, woodland and parks. They’re most active from spring to autumn but can be found all year round, and they can transmit diseases to pets (and people), including Lyme disease and babesiosis. Check your pet over after walks, paying attention to the head, ears, armpits, between the toes and around the tummy.

Found a tick? Remove it promptly with a proper tick removal tool, following the tool’s instructions. Don’t squeeze the tick’s body, burn it, or cover it in oils or creams. Not confident? We’re very happy to remove it for you.

Worms

Worms come in several types. Roundworms and tapeworms are common, and some roundworms can be passed to people, particularly children.

Lungworm is a parasite of dogs picked up from slugs and snails, including their slime on toys, water bowls or grass. It can cause coughing, tiredness and problems with blood clotting, and it can be life-threatening. Pick up after your dog promptly, wash hands after handling pets, and bring toys and bowls indoors overnight.

Important: never use a dog flea treatment on a cat

Some flea treatments made for dogs contain an ingredient called permethrin, which can be severely toxic, and even fatal, to cats. Never use a product that isn’t made for your pet’s species, never split or share treatments between pets, and always dose for your pet’s current weight. If a cat has been treated with a dog product, or has had close contact with a recently treated dog, call us immediately on 01843 808344.

Vet advice Parasite risk depends on your pet’s species, age and lifestyle. Seek professional veterinary advice on which products to use and how often, rather than guessing.

Dental care: more than fresh breath

Dental disease is one of the most common problems we see. It can be painful, but pets are experts at hiding it, and most will keep eating even when their mouth hurts. That’s why regular dental checks matter so much. Many owners tell us their pet seemed ‘years younger’ once a sore mouth was treated.

Signs to look out for:

• Bad breath (yes, even worse than usual ‘dog breath’)
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• Brown or yellow build-up (tartar) on the teeth
• Dropping food, chewing on one side, or going off harder food
• Pawing at the mouth, drooling, or rubbing the face on the floor

The gold standard of home care is daily tooth brushing with a toothpaste made for pets. Never use human toothpaste, as some contain ingredients (such as xylitol) that are dangerous to pets.

How to get started with brushing

1. Pick a calm moment and let your pet lick a little pet toothpaste off your finger.
2. Gently rub their teeth and gums with your finger for a few seconds, then reward them.
3. Over the following days, introduce a pet toothbrush or finger brush, starting with just a few teeth.
4. Build up slowly, keep sessions short and always end on a positive note.

Some dental chews and diets can help, but they’re not a substitute for brushing. Be cautious with very hard chews, such as antlers, bones or hard nylon toys, which can break teeth.

Rabbits, guinea pigs and some other small pets have teeth that grow continuously, so their diet plays a huge part in keeping teeth healthy. See our guide Feathers, Scales and Small Furries for more.

Did you know? Adult dogs have 42 teeth and adult cats have 30. That’s a lot of brushing, but your pet’s mouth will thank you for it.

Vet advice We check teeth at every routine appointment. If you notice any of the signs above, book a check rather than waiting, and seek professional veterinary advice before starting any new dental product.

Neutering

Neutering (spaying females and castrating males) prevents unplanned litters and can bring health benefits. In females it can reduce the risk of a serious womb infection called pyometra and some cancers. In males it removes the risk of testicular cancer and can reduce some hormone-driven behaviours, such as roaming. In female rabbits, neutering greatly reduces the risk of womb cancer, which is common in unneutered does.

The best time to neuter varies between species, breeds and individual animals, and there are factors to weigh up in every case.

Vet advice Speak to us about whether and when neutering is right for your pet. We’ll talk you through the benefits, the risks and what to expect.

Microchipping: their ticket home

A microchip is a tiny chip, about the size of a grain of rice, placed under the skin. It carries a unique number linked to your contact details on a database, so a lost pet can be scanned and reunited with you.

In England it’s a legal requirement for dogs to be microchipped by 8 weeks of age, and for pet cats to be microchipped by 20 weeks of age (this came into force on 10 June 2024). Keepers who don’t comply can be given 21 days to have their pet chipped, and may face a fine of up to £500. In public places, dogs must also wear a collar and tag showing their owner’s name and address.

A microchip only works if the details are correct. Moved house or changed your phone number? Update the database straight away. It takes five minutes and could mean the difference between a lost pet coming home or not.

Vet advice Not sure if your pet is chipped, or which database they’re on? Ask us to scan them at their next visit.

Your pet’s first year at a glance

Bringing home a new pet is exciting (and slightly chaotic). Here’s a simple overview of the prevention milestones to think about. Your vet will give you exact timings for your pet.

Healthy weight, records and regular check-ups

Keeping your pet at a healthy weight is one of the most powerful things you can do for their long-term health. Extra weight is linked to arthritis, diabetes, breathing problems and more. Our guide Food for Thought covers this in detail.

An annual health check is recommended even for pets who seem perfectly well, because pets hide illness and many conditions are easier to manage when caught early. Older pets often benefit from more frequent checks (see The Vintage Years).

Keep a pet health folder. A simple folder (paper or on your phone) with your pet’s vaccination record, microchip number, insurance details and any medicines makes life so much easier, especially in an emergency or when a pet sitter is in charge.

It’s also worth considering pet insurance, because unexpected illness and injury can be costly. Policies vary a great deal, so read the terms carefully.

Your prevention checklist

• ☐ Vaccinations up to date
• ☐ Flea and worm treatment given on schedule
• ☐ Tick check after walks
• ☐ Teeth checked and brushing routine started
• ☐ Microchip details correct and current
• ☐ Weight checked
• ☐ Pet health folder put together
• ☐ Annual health check booked