Vaccines
Due to the success of vaccines, the incidence of many serious viral diseases in the UK pet population has dramatically reduced over the past 20 years. These diseases include canine distemper, infectious hepatitis, canine parvo virus and feline panleukopaenia. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of ‘vaccine-preventable’ illnesses due to pet owners choosing not to vaccinate or letting their pet’s vaccines lapse. These diseases can cause your pet to become very ill and can even be fatal. In the case of leptospirosis, vaccination is highly recommended as this disease is transmissible to humans (zoonotic) and can cause severe illness.
Kennel cough, perhaps poorly named, does not only affect dogs who have been in kennels. It is an airborne disease that any dog can catch. Risk factors include any close dog to dog contact (agility, puppy training, doggy day care etc) and can even be spread between neighbouring homes.
The immunity gained from the leptospirosis and kennel cough vaccinations only lasts around one year so it is important to see your dog annually to keep their protection boosted.
Microchipping
Microchipping is a legal requirement for all dogs over 8 weeks of age. In June 2024, microchipping will be a legal requirement for all cats over 20 weeks of age.
In the UK, 2 out of 3 stray dogs never get reunited with their owners as their microchip details are not up to date.
You can check yours today at Petlog or PETtrac
Beware of scam websites that falsely claim to register pets to a national microchip database. A list of authorised pet databases can be found here:
Get your dog or cat microchipped – GOV.UK
Preventative Parasite Control
We live in a rural area where fleas, ticks and worms are common. These parasites can pose a risk to human health and to farm animals. We can look at the risks for your individual pet and put together a treatment plan to protect them and you.
We offer a Pet Healthcare Plan that includes the preventative medications.
Pet Health Plan | Boroughbridge Vets
Pet Insurance
Purchasing pet insurance cover can help protect you against unexpected vet bills, which can run into thousands of pounds, especially if a specialist referral is required.
When choosing an insurance policy, it is important to check that your pet is covered for both accident and illness and that this cover is lifelong. It is also important to consider factors such as:
- Waiting periods
- Level of cover
- Length of cover
- Excesses
- Co-payments (owner contributions)
- Exclusions
Most policies do not cover pre-existing illnesses, injuries, or routine treatments, such as vaccinations and dentistry. Some policies will not cover pets over a certain age or certain breeds. Please be aware that some cover may be split over several conditions, some per condition, and some per year.
If you choose not to insure your pet, please ensure you have a financial plan in place to cover unexpected bills if your pet has an accident or becomes unwell.
Annual Health Check
As your pet goes through life, different considerations and concerns may be present. For example,
- During puppy/kittenhood – nutrition, socialisation, toilet training
- Adulthood – weight control, dental care, neutering checks
- Ageing pets – ‘slowing down’, medical problems, weight loss/gain, joint problems, quality of life concerns
We can help your pet enjoy a long and healthy life by guiding you through each stage and providing screening, such as urine and blood pressure testing, if indicated.
Our nurse clinics include puppy checks, weigh & worm appointments, dental checks, nutrition, weight and senior clinics, ensuring we are keeping your pet in tip-top condition from their first visit, right throughout their life.
Clinic Nurses;
Fiona and Frankie (Registered Veterinary Nurses)
Natasha (Student Veterinary Nurse)