The first developmental check takes place when your pet is 4 months old.  At this point your pet will have had all of their vaccinations for their first year. It will be approximately one month since we have seen your pet so it is very important that we weigh them when they arrive to monitor how much they have grown in that time.

During their check up our veterinary nurse will:

• Examine your pet from nose to tail
• Check that their teeth, ears and coat are all in good condition
• Check that their microchip is registered with your details
• Give you a parasite prevention plan specifically tailored to your pet’s needs
• Discuss your pet’s diet and increase/decrease the amount to feed
• Give you an appointment for your pet’s next developmental check

The second developmental check takes place once your pet has reached 6 months of age. Your pet will have grown a lot since their last check and they are now old enough to be neutered. They will be weighed again and this will be used to help monitor their growth.

During their check up our veterinary nurse will:

• Examine your pet from nose to tail
• Check that your pet has lost all of their puppy/kitten teeth
• Talk about behaviour
• Discuss your pet’s diet and increase/decrease the amount to feed
• Check that they are up to date on their parasite treatment
• Discuss neutering and book an appointment for your pet

Developmental checks can be booked Monday – Friday. To book your pet’s appointment you can call us on 01 6237044.

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Vaccinations and new puppies and kittens

Anicare has seen many adorable new puppies and kittens recently in all its hospitals and we feel it is worthwhile to record some pointers to consider before one makes a decision to take on a new pet.

Before one considers a new pet proper research is required, factors to consider are the time taken on training and walking if a dog, the cost of feeding, grooming and veterinary care and kenneling whilst on holidays. Equally whether to purchase a pedigree dog or cat or own a mongrel or moggie needs careful consideration, in terms of dog certain breeds for example cavaliers, shih tzus, Labradors and retrievers are renowned for their excellent temperaments, but as with humans the occasional pet can be a renegade. In this regard the puppy training classes we run in all our hospitals are an important help in insuring your new pet grows up to be a loyal and trusted family member.

In the context of a family there is no doubt your pet will be welcomed, a pet will give your child a sense of responsibility in caring for the pet and help teach gentleness, responsibility and compassion. Studies have shown that children raised around animals have higher self esteem and confidence and can cope with emotional problems better.

Vaccination for dogs against parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza and infectious bronchitis are given from 6 weeks of age on, similarly for cats against cat flu, feline enteritis and feline leukemia from 9 weeks of age. It is important to obtain full details including a signed vaccination certificate if you are told an initial vaccination has been given and to bring this with your pet when coming to Anicare for further vaccination

At the initial consultation we will give your pet a full check over and can also dispense flea and worm treatment including products effective against lungworm, we can also show you the range of Hills pet foods suitable for your pet and will give a puppy pack with important information about care and training for your pet and some food samples. We will also help you with pet insurance which is highly advisable and can provide you if you wish with 6 weeks free insurance if your pet is over 8 weeks old.

We look forward to welcoming you at one of our clinics located in North and West Dublin and serving all the districts in Dublin 1, 3,5,7, 9, 11 and 15 and areas such as Clonsilla, Clonee, Blanchardstown, Palmerstown, Lucan, Ballyfermot, Cabra, Phibsboro, Glasnevin, Drumcondra, Clontaff, Fairview, Raheny, Sutton, Howth, Artane ,Santry and Swords.

Anicare has clinics open every day of the week including Saturdays and Sundays.We look forward to welcoming your newest family member to us

Pictured above are Goldie and Nika who were with us this week and Teddy vaccinated a few weeks ago