Best For Pet is a pet wellness plan that removes the financial stress and complexity from providing your pet with the best care possible.

Inclusive of unlimited vet consultations, annual vaccinations, $250 off a dental procedure, and 24/7 online vet advice, this membership is suitable for cats and dogs of all ages.

If you already have a pet them you probably have a local vet. If not, do some research and set up an appointment with a vet nearby. Get recommendations from your friends but the one thing we do want to stress – keep it local and make sure there is an emergency section. Also, call or visit your vet before you get your new kitten, to make sure you have everything you need. Some vets supply; others will direct you to a pet shop.

Just like with puppies, feed your kitten at regular times. Water must always be kept refreshed and full. Keep the bowls in the same place all the time, but once your kitten has finished its meal, put the food bowl away. Remember that as a kitten grows it will need to eat more, or you will need to change the type of food, so always check this with your vet.

The food you give is a kitten is different to the food you give a fully grown cat so be prepared for when you bring your kitten home. You can buy kitten food from your local vet or from a good pet shop; ask for advice if you are unsure which food to give and how often to give it. Unlike dogs, cats do not usually steal lamb chops off the table, but they MIGHT and they can jump, so be careful!

This is the one piece of equipment you definitely need to have. Kittens are smart, even from a young age. Show them the little box and the litter and they will use it. Keep it in the same place all the time, clean it out daily, change the litter if it starts to smell (usually every week) and be grateful that you have it. Your cat will use it and you won’t have a mess in the house. Apart from that ball of string you left lying around…

Kittens love to play, whether with a pair of slippers, a piece of string, a toy mouse or a bit of cardboard. Get them a few toys of their own. It will save your own things from getting ruined and toys will stimulate them and keep them busy. When they’ve had enough, they’ll creep into your shoulder or on to your lap for a cuddle.

Ask your vet how much pet insurance is on a monthly basis. You will be surprised to hear that it is not very expensive and it is really recommended. While cats are usually pretty sturdy animals, they do and can get sick. You must get them inoculated according to the schedules, but also, take out insurance for if and when they are not well. It will save you money.

Open Monday to Friday, Alexandria veterinary Clinic is located at 138 Botany Road, Alexandria. From vaccination, behavioural issues and puppy classes to the latest techniques in theatre surgery, dental treatment, imaging and emergency care

For their health and well-being and to prevent unwanted litters, have your puppy desexed before he or she becomes sexually mature (at about six months of age).

Desexing can sometimes also improve behaviour.

While myths like “desexing makes a dog lazy” still continue, the fact is that desexing means your dog:

Tends to be less aggressive towards other animals and people

Is less likely to stray and get lost

Is less likely to mark indoors and outdoors by urinating

Won’t cycle or go ‘on heat’, therefore avoiding the unwanted attention of male dogs

Can’t produce unwanted puppies Serious health conditions like pyometra (infected uterus) and mammary cancer in female dogs, and cancer or infection of the testes or prostate in male dogs can also be avoided, or their chance of occurrence minimised by desexing.

Most dogs will get fleas at some time. Not only are flea bites annoying and uncomfortable, causing your puppy to scratch, but they can also cause dermatitis and transmit tapeworms to your puppy. Because fleas breed very quickly and live in your puppy’s environment, an effective flea control programme involves:

Treating every pet in your household

Using an effective flea control product. There are a number of products available which provide excellent flea and tick control.

Intestinal worms are very common parasite in dogs. Intestinal worms such as roundworm, tapeworm, hookworm and whipworm can have serious health effects and in severe cases even cause death. Always assume your puppy has worms and use an effective treatment to protect them. Intestinal worms can also infect you and your children. So if you have kids, make sure you teach them good hygiene. They should always wash their hands after they’ve played with their puppy.

Here’s the recommended worming schedule:

Puppies from 2 weeks of age: Worm every two weeks until 12 weeks of age.

Puppies aged 3months: Worm every month until 6 months of age.

Puppies aged 6 months: Worm every 3 months for life.

Heartworm is a very dangerous parasite for your puppy. Unlike other worms, heartworms don’t live in the intestines but in the heart, lungs and blood, and are transmitted by mosquitoes.

Heartworms are found in blood vessels associated with the lungs and the right side of the heart. Although dogs may show no signs of the disease in the early stages, once it takes hold they start to cough, grow weak and can eventually die.

As mosquitoes are prevalent throughout most of Australia, it’s important to protect your new puppy from this potentially fatal parasite.

We offer a number of different options for Heartworm prevention, the best being:

Puppies <3months of age: Oral medication options.

Puppies 3-6 months: First heartworm injection (lasts 3 months).

Puppies 6-9 months: Heartworm booster injection (lasts 9 months).

Puppies >9 months: Heartworm injection (lasts 12 months).

Paralysis ticks are dangerous parasites, which deliver a deadly toxin. In fact, a single tick can cause paralysis and death. They are increasingly being found year-round but are less common in Winter months. These nasty parasites can be mainly found along the east coast of Queensland, New South Wales and even into Victoria and Tasmania.

Paralysis ticks are generally found near bush land, where they can attach themselves to your puppy as you’re out walking. They are also found in urban areas, and can be carried in by the local wildlife of the area.

What to do if your puppy gets a Paralysis tick: If you find a paralysis tick on your pet, it must be removed as soon as possible. You can do this carefully or you can take your pet to your vet so that they can remove it.

To remove a tick, dab it with methylated spirits and leave for a few seconds. This will help to kill the tick and it is therefore easier to remove. A tick hook may be used or you can grasp the tick as close to its head/to your pet’s skin with tweezers or fingertips. Twist the tick as you pull it out. It is important to remember that if there is one tick present, it is very possible that there may be another one there – your pet needs to be checked. Keep the tick so that your vet can identify it.

Even-though the tick has been removed it is important to note that it is very possible that paralysis signs may still develop depending on the amount and potency of toxin that has already been injected. Your pet should be kept calm and as quiet as possible for 3 days and monitored for any signs of paralysis.

If you see any signs of paralysis whatsoever (even if it is barely evident), including weakness, especially in the back legs, take your puppy straight to your vet.

Having the right vaccinations at the right time is essential to protect your puppy from infectious diseases, such as the deadly and contagious parvovirus.

Please consult with your vet about the right vaccination plan for your puppy.

1st vaccination: 6 – 8 weeks

2nd vaccination: 12 – 14 weeks

3rd vaccination: 16 – 18 weeks

Puppies are like children – they are excitable and can get into scrapes. If your puppy does have an accident or has a fight with another animal, always take them to your vet to check for any internal injuries that you may not be able to spot.

An unwell puppy may display one or more of these symptoms:

Coughing and sneezing continuously

Discharge from the eyes or nose

Swollen or painful areas

A change in the way your puppy behaves

If you see any of these signs or anything else you are concerned with, consult your vet.

Curious puppies are very vulnerable to poisoning.

Common household poisons like snail and many baits are extremely toxic. If you suspect that your puppy may have eaten any poisons, you should take them to your vet immediately. Call your vet if you notice any of these symptoms:

Foaming at the mouth

Excessive drinking and urinating

If you need any more information to help you understand even more about looking after them, our family here at Alexandria Veterinary Hospital is bursting with helpful information and expert advice. We understand your every need when it comes to raising a puppy. You’ll find all you need to know about caring for your pup, parasite protection and even get free treatment reminders. We are here to help you.

Open Monday to Friday, Alexandria veterinary Clinic is located at 138 Botany Road, Alexandria. From vaccination, behavioural issues and puppy classes to the latest techniques in theatre surgery, dental treatment, imaging and emergency care