Heratworm disease can kill, so it is vital to protect your pets from day one. Heartworm is carried by mosquitoes which transfere the parasites from infected pet to new host (young and adults). Adult heartworms can grow up to 30 cm long. They live in the blood vessels of the heart and lungs, restricting blood flow, which can lead to heart failure.

Prevention is the key. Yearly injection, monthly tablets and Spots on are avilable to prevent heartworm diease in dogs and cats. If your dog has not been given any of these to prevent heartworms your veterinarian can test to determine if your dog is already infected. Treatment is available, but prevention is the only true way to control heartworm.

Dogs:

Responsible pet care requires puppies to be taken to the vet for their initial course of vaccinations, but these cannot protect them for the rest of their lives. The immunity weakens over time and your pet can again become susceptible to disease. Dangerous infcetious diseases such as Canine Parvovirus, Kennel cough, Hepatitis and Coronavirus can be easily transfer from another dosg. All of these deaseses can be easily prevented with vaccination. Your puppy should start his vaccination programme at around 6 weeks of age. The next vaccines ar at 12 and 16 weeks of age, then annual vaccination. Until your puppy has completed his/her vaccination programe, do not take him/her to places that less healthy dogs may have access to (eg. parks and shops)

Cats:

Important infectious diseases that could affect your cat are viral diseases such as Cat Flu (Feline Herpe Virus and Feline Calici Virus), Feline Entritis , Chlamydis , Feline AIDS and Feline Leukemia. Cats should be vaccinated at 6, 12 and 14 weeks of age, then annually.

It is recommended as a minimum that you worm your pets at 2, 4, 8 and 14 weeks of age. After 12 weeks of age, monthly worming up to 6 month of age and then every three monthly treatment (worming) helps keep your pets healthy and reduces the risk of worms transfering from your pets to you and your family.

Flease are bloodsucking parasites that can feed, breed and lay egs on your pets. They can cause extreme discomfort for you and your pets and a skin condition called flea allergy dematitis. Fleas can also carry tapeworm and can cause anaemia. For best protection, all pets in the household should be on flea preventetive.

Your pets need the right kind of nutrition and exercise to grow into a healthy adult pets. Overweight pets are more prone to joint problems, heart and liver diseases and diabetes. Once your puppy has completed his vaccination course you will be able to visit dog exercise parks and beaches or other places. There are toys that provide both mental and physical workouts.