Advice

We are happy to advise you on any aspect of pet care and health, if we do not know the answer we will tell you but we are the most likely people to be able to find the answer for you or find professional expert advice.

Please call or make an appointment if you have any concerns about one of your pets or if you are planning to have a new pet and would like further information on the care and welfare of the animal you are thinking of having.

Cats
Many of you will not be aware that a new vaccine is now available for bordetella. Bordetella is responsible for the flu symptoms sometimes seen in fully vaccinated cats. This is a particular problem for cats who live with other cats, dogs or are going to boarding catteries. It is something which you should consider for any feline given the above criteria but particularly if your feline is an OAP or young kitten.

How to help your pet cope with the Fireworks
Clients often require advice or treatment for their animals who are alarmed by fireworks. There are a number of solutions to help you get through this difficult and worrying time, particularly if your pet is afraid of loud noises, etc. Click for more information about some treatments for dogs and cats that are proving successful in dealing with this problem.

Parvo Virus
We believe that there maybe an outbreak of parvo virus in Maidstone at the moment, this is a very nasty disease which is often fatal. It is important to ensure that your dog's vaccinations are up to date - click here for more information.

A New Pet

An exotic look - but is it the right pet for you & your family?

If you are thinking of getting a pet, particularly if it is to join other pets in your home please feel able to contact the surgery to discuss suitability of species/breed/sex. Of course we are not experts in all situations and combinations but between us we own a variety of dogs, cats, rabbits, chinchillas, guinea pigs, birds and fish so often someone is on hand who has some knowledge about your intended pet.

As soon as you get a new pet get an appointment for a free veterinary health check, we do not start their vaccines until they are the right age and have had time to settle in with you but the first health check gives you the peace of mind that there are no obvious problems and if there are major problems it gives you the opportunity to think over your options before you get too attached to your new companion.

Puppy Parties

At CVS the nurses run puppy parties which provides everyone with a chance to get to know everyone. The puppies learn how to socialise with other pups and also it gives them a chance to gain confidence with strangers and relax in the surgery so subsequent visits are not so stressful. Everyone has a fun time and usually the puppies go home exhausted so the clients have a quiet afternoon!

Identi-Chipping

We would also advise you to think about getting you pet identi-chipped, it has been known for an owner to be informed as to the location of their pet before they even realised the animal was missing! It saves you trailing round all the rescue centers and gives you positive identification of your pet in cases of dispute.

Diet and Weight Checks

We would advise all young dogs and cats to have regular weight checks, many put on a few too many pounds at an early age and unfortunately its more difficult to get this excess weight off in later life.

Also uncommonly, some youngsters fail to grow as they should and often the owner is not aware there is a problem so weight checks help identify any cause for concern so that we can investigate it as early as possible. Things dealt with promptly often have a better outcome. It is also useful to monitor the weight of the older animal; often a gradual weight loss can be the first insidious sign of disease. Weight checks are free with the nursing team so take advantage.

Often the owners of older animals are unaware of how much modern veterinary medicine may be able to do to help. Many might have also lapsed their vaccinations and so are not presented to the vet. Regardless of your pets vaccination status do consider having your old companion evaluated by a vet. Dogs and cats can be classified, as OAP's as young as 6 years depending on the breed. If you are able please also bring a urine sample to the appointment. Many dogs and cats become couch potatoes or sleep a lot through problems such as chronic pain, some clients find their pet gets a new lease of life after a dental treatment. Some get back their exercise tolerance just because they have lost weight or have got a diet suitable for their kidney failure or treatment for cardiac failure. If your animal seems to be ageing it doesn't necessarily have to put up with it's problems.

One sad day...

No one wants to think about the end of their companion's life. However you might like to know if your companion needs to be put to sleep that we will always try to visit your home to do this if it is what you wish. This can only be done in surgery hours; since we have commitments to other patients we hope you are prepared to be flexible. We also offer a respectable cremation service and your pets ashes can be returned to you. ( www.surrey-pet-cemetery.co.uk)

Insurance

In this profession it is heart breaking to see owners have to make decisions that need not be made due to lack of available funds at that time, and there is no such thing as an NHS for animals. Drugs cost money as do the syringes, needles and bandage materials, all this can add up to a large bill and the last thing we, as a profession, want to do is cut corners and hope it will work. We, as you do, want the best for your animals, they are after all a part of your family. For more information click on the information icon above.