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When should I have my pet spayed/neutered, and what are the benefits?

Anytime from 6 months of age, the precise timing will depend on your pet’s breed and whether you want to manage an intact animal. Spay and neuter surgeries’ main benefit is for population control, though reduction of risk for some cancers is also an advantage.

How often should my pet have a check-up?

Annual examinations are recommended for pets under 7 years. More frequent examinations are scheduled for older pets to address any concerns or changes that occur with aging.

When should my puppy or kitten be vaccinated?

The current recommendations for vaccination are a course of 3 vaccinations given monthly at 8, 12 and 16 weeks. The mum’s exposure to the diseases we vaccinate against determines how much antibody is concentrated in her colostrum, and we cannot predict how much each pup/kitten consumed at birth. Ensuring the last vaccination is given at or after the 16-week mark ensures that all of mum’s antibodies are gone and the pup/kitten’s immune system can respond to the vaccine!

What vaccines do adult pets require?

• The core vaccines for cats protect them from Feline Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Feline Panleukopaenia. Rabies is also considered a core vaccine as we live in a rabies endemic country.
• For dogs, their core vaccines protect them from Canine Parvovirus, Canine Distemper, Canine Hepatitis and Rabies.
• After a complete puppy or kitten series and boosters at around 16 months, most of the injectable vaccines have 3-year duration of immunity data. Canine cough (aka kennel cough or Bordetella) must be given annually.

How do I know the right time to say goodbye to my pet?

Unfortunately, there isn’t an answer to this question that can be applied to all cases. Questions I will ask:

• How much of *your* pet do you see each day? How much of their personality and love of life is there?
• How much of what they typically enjoy doing is do-able for them?
• Sometimes it can be hard to see a trend, so sometimes placing 2 jars on the counter with a pile of pennies (?!) or similar, and asking yourself/the family – overall was this a good day or a bad day? Not just did they eat, but did they *enjoy* their day?

What about Pet Insurance?

Pet insurance is never a bad idea! The cost of veterinary care has increased as pet guardians expect the best health care for their furry companions. I have heard of some families putting the equivalent of a monthly premium into a Health Spending Account for the pet, while others opt to go with insurance. It is worth shopping around and comparing the fine print of different policies. Behaviour concerns are not covered in all basic insurance plans and need a separate rider, and dental coverage can be variable as well.