Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I have my pet vaccinated?

We recommend that your cat or dog is vaccinated against infectious diseases annually. The annual vaccination is also an opportunity for the vet to give your pet a thorough health examination and for you to ask any questions concerning their health or behaviour.

We advise that rabbits should be vaccinated against Myxomatosis every 6 months and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD) annually.

Do I need to have my dog vaccinated against Kennel Cough?

Kennel Cough is a highly infectious disease that dogs may catch whilst staying in Kennels, and if caught during their stay, will need Veterinary treatment. We advise that any dog visiting kennels is vaccinated against this disease. The vaccination we use lasts for 12 months.

When can my puppy have its 1st vaccinations?

Your puppy can receive its first vaccinations at 8 weeks old. The second part of the vaccination is given 2 weeks later. Ideally, puppies need to remain inside and not socialize with other animals until 1 week after the 2nd injection.

When can my kitten have its first vaccinations?

Your kitten can have its first vaccination from 9 weeks old. The second part of the vaccination is given three weeks later and we recommend that your kitten remains inside and does not mix with other animals for 1 further week.

When can my rabbit have its 1st vaccinations?

Your rabbit can have its first vaccinations from 6 weeks old.

At what age can my dog be neutered?

Bitches can be spayed from 6 months old and we recommend that dogs are neutered from 9 months old. If a bitch has already had her first season, we advise you wait for 2 months after the season has ended before having her spayed.

At what age can my cat be neutered?

Male and female cats can be neutered from 6 months old. Cats can still be neutered if they are in season.

At what age can my rabbit be neutered?

Rabbits can be neutered from 4 months onwards. Apart from preventing unwanted offspring, it may help to improve the temperament of rabbits who are more difficult to handle.

What is Fly-Strike in rabbits?

Fly-Strike is more common in warmer weather and it occurs when the rabbit becomes dirty around its rear end. Flies lay eggs in the soiled area which then hatch out into maggots and these then eat their way into the rabbits skin. This process usually occurs extremely quickly and is often not noticed by the owner. If immediate Veterinary attention is not sought, then this condition can often be fatal. We advise that you check your rabbit every day for signs of Fly-strike and discuss preventative treatments with your vet.

How regularly should I treat my pet for fleas?

We recommend that you treat your dog for fleas every 2 months and your cat for fleas every 4-5 weeks. Don't forget that fleas are present all year round, so it is important to continue the treatment during the winter months.

I have found fleas on my cat or dog, what should I do?

We recommend you contact the Surgery for advice. Its is important to treat both your pet(s) and your house immediately and continue with repeat treatments to avoid further infestations.

How regularly should I treat my pet for worms?

Puppies and kittens need to be wormed at 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 weeks old. Then they need to be wormed every 4 weeks until they are 6 months old.

Cats and dogs need to be wormed every 3 months.

Rabbits need to be wormed every 4 months.

What is Microchipping?

A Microchip is a tiny capsule inserted under the skin at the back of the animals neck. The chip contains a unique number that can be read by a hand held scanner. Vet's, Police and Rescue Centers all have scanners and the first thing they will do if a stray animal is handed in, is to check for a Microchip. We recommend that you have your pet Microchipped as if your pet is lost or stolen, it can be easily identified and the owner contacted.

What should I look for when taking our pet insurance?

Not all pet Insurance is the same, there are three main types of cover to consider:

Maximum Benefit Cover - cover is provided up to a maximum amount per condition, therefore complex and skilled medical procedures that often require referral to Specialists may not be covered.

Time limited Policies - usually have a 12 month limit on paying for a condition, therefore, long term conditions such as arthritis, dermatitis or diabetes will not be covered after 12 months.

Lifetime Policies - this is the best type as cover is renewed at the start of each year and is the best cover for ongoing treatments.

At Barnhouse, we recommend Pet Plan Insurance who offer a Lifetime (cover for life) policy.