Question 1

Why should I microchip my dog or cat?

Accepted Answer

It is the law now in Queensland that both dogs and cats need to be microchipped when a puppy or a kitten. The council encourages all owners to have their animals microchipped.  From a veterinary point of view we encourage all owners to microchip so that if the animal is presented to our animal hospital injured or found wandering the streets we can contact the owner as soon as possible.

Question 2

What diseases do I need to vaccinate my cat for?

Accepted Answer

There are a number of diseases we recommend cats are vaccinated against. We use and recommend a F4 and that vaccinates the cat against Feline Enteritis (now called Feline Parvo), Feline Herpes and Feline Calicivirus (often called Cat Flu) and Chlamydia (an eye and upper respiratory problem).  We recommend all cats are vaccinated once a year.

Question 3

How long does a vaccination last for?

Accepted Answer

Once the animal has its puppy or kitten vaccination program finished then the vaccine should give good protection for one year. We recommend yearly vaccinations.

Question 4

What age should I get my dog or cat desexed?

Accepted Answer

The dog or cat can be desexed once it is big enough to identify the reproductive organs and the animal is strong enough to handle the anaesthetic. There are huge variations in ages that are recommended by different organisations.  We recommend that 6 months of age is the ideal time to desex your dog or cat.

Question 5

How common are teeth problems in dogs or cats?

Accepted Answer

90% cats over the age of 3 years will have mild decay within their mouth that should be addressed. Small dogs (under the weight of 15kg) usually develop teeth problems by the time they are 5 years of age. Medium sized dogs (from 15kg to 30kg) usually develop teeth or oral problems by the time they are 8 years old. Large dogs (over the 30kg mark) do not develop problems until they are in their ger

Question 6

Why is it necessary for my dog or cat to have clean teeth?

Accepted Answer

The biofilm that forms on the enamel surface of the tooth contains plaque � a mixture of bacteria and a sticky protein that grows upon itself like a snowball. The bacteria produce enzymes which literally dissolve the tooth and decay of the tooth structure starts.

Question 7

Why does my dog have bad breath?

Accepted Answer

Yes it can be a big problem. There is a saying � two teeth cannot occupy the same space at the same time. The role of the adult teeth is to push out the baby teeth and then occupy the same space. That way the teeth will all be sitting �right� and the animal will minimise any decay or interference with other teeth.

Question 8

I have heard that feeding bones will clean my dog�s teeth � is this right?

Accepted Answer

No it is not right. A dog will clean its teeth using two main methods � the chewing method that results in the dog sinking its teeth into or through an object such as a hunk of meat or while chewing a pig�s ear. The second method is the gnawing action that a dog does when chewing on a large amount of �chewy meat� or using a dental toy.  Bones only break their teeth.

Question 9

When are where is Puppy School held?

Accepted Answer

Puppy Preschool is run over 4 weeks and is held on Wednesday nights from 6.00pm to 7.00pm. Located at East Bundaberg Veterinary Hospital Reception area.

Question 10

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

Ring 07 4153 1399 or use the form on our website

Question 11

Is it a good thing to clip my dog in winter even though it is so cold?

Accepted Answer

If the temperature of the area is below freezing (0 degrees) then we do not recommend dogs get clipped. Remember, in our area the night time temperature may get below 10 degrees (and remember that dogs and cats have developed coats to survive in minus 10 degrees) but the daytime temperature often gets over 20 degrees.

Question 12

How often should I get my dog or cat clipped?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the type of coat and how fast it grows back. As a general rule we recommend all long and thick coated dogs and cats are clipped in September, late November, late January and again in April.

Question 13

Why should I clip my dog?

Accepted Answer

Most dogs originally were bred in cooler countries such as Europe, England, Northern America, Alaska etc. These dogs were bred to live in cold climates that often got down to minus 10 degrees Celsius and these dogs lived outside in these temperatures. So coat type became important � the thicker the coat the more the air just above the skin was super heated and retained by the undercoat.

Question 14

How do I tell when the nails need clipping?

Accepted Answer

Normally a dog should have its nails just touching the ground when it walks. The nails are used for gripping the ground as it runs. If the nail is too long then the toes are going to be bent backwards. Usually the owner can hear the nails �clip� on the ground when the dog walks of lino or other hard surfaces.

Question 15

What is the best food to feed my dog?

Accepted Answer

We recommend Royal Canin and Hills for dogs. We only recommend the dry food (kibble).

Question 16

Should I give my dog bones?

Accepted Answer

It is my recommendation that the owner can give bones to a dog or cat but with some limitation. I do not recommend cooked bones as they splinter when eaten and the sharp ends can cause damage.

Question 17

Is dry food better for my cat compared to tinned food?

Accepted Answer

We recommend a combination of both � dry and tinned foods. Once the cat is over 4 months of age it is best to feed the animal twice a day. It is best to use a variety of different forms of tinned foods � chicken, fish, turkey etc.

Question 18

My dog has dental problems � is there special food to help clean his teeth?

Accepted Answer

Yes there is. Come in and our receptionist will show you the different foods to assist your animal.

East Bundaberg Veterinary Hospital

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