Paws for Thought: Your Your Top Pet Health Questions Answered

At Vetmed, we understand that your pets are family. We’re here to help you keep them healthy and happy with the best care and advice. Here are some of the most common questions we get from pet owners, along with our expert recommendations.

1. My pet has diarrhea, do I need to bring them in?

Diarrhea can have various causes, from dietary indiscretion to more serious conditions. It’s best to contact Vetmed for advice. Depending on the severity and other symptoms, our veterinarians may recommend bringing your pet in for evaluation and treatment.

2. My pet has eaten something they shouldn’t, do I need to bring them in?

If your pet has ingested something toxic, foreign, or potentially harmful, it’s crucial to seek veterinary advice immediately. Contact Vetmed for guidance. In many cases, prompt action can prevent serious health issues.

3. How often do I need to give my pet their parasite prevention?

For puppies and kittens, we recommend an intestinal all-wormer every two weeks until they are 12 weeks old, followed by monthly worming until they reach six months of age. Afterward, your pet should be wormed every three months. In rural areas where pets have access to livestock, it may be advisable to administer a tapeworm treatment monthly between the quarterly all-wormer doses.

Flea and tick treatments can be effectively managed with combination products. For dogs, there are various options such as chews lasting between one to three months, veterinary-strength medicated collars, or topical products lasting up to six months. Cats can benefit from topical products lasting up to three months for flea and tick prevention.

For heartworm prevention in dogs, consider an annual injection administered by one of our vets, which can be synchronized with your pet’s annual check-up and vaccination schedule, or opt for a monthly chew or tablet.

As a general guideline, pets should undergo an annual vet check-up. During this visit, we assess your cat or dog’s overall health, discuss necessary vaccinations for the year to maintain their protection, and determine the most suitable options for comprehensive parasite prevention based on your pet’s specific needs.

4. I’ve gotten a reminder that my pet is due for vaccines – what are they due for and how often should they get them?

Regular vaccinations are essential for your pet’s health. Vetmed provides a comprehensive vaccination schedule tailored to your pet’s needs. You can track and manage your pet’s vaccination schedule conveniently through our online portal, ensuring they stay up to date. In general, vaccinations are required:
• 6 – 8 weeks of age
• 10 – 12 weeks of age
• 14 – 16 weeks of age
• then annually for the rest of their life

5. Can I please get a repeat prescription for my pet’s medication?

For all medications, including for the ongoing treatment of illnesses, we will need to see your pet for a 6 monthly check up to monitor their health through a physical examination and a blood test. This helps us to ensure that your pet is receiving the right dosage and adjust treatment, as necessary. In between the 6-month checkups, Vetmed are happy to offer repeat prescriptions for most ongoing medications. Please talk to one of our team today about your pet’s medication or to place an order.

6. What age should I get my pet desexed?

Desexing age recommendations vary by species and individual pet health. Vetmed adheres to NSW Pet Registry requirements and recommends discussing desexing with our veterinarians to determine the best timing for your pet. Typically, the best time is between 5 and 6 months of age, but this can vary depending on your pet’s breed.

7. Do you offer home consultations?

Vetmed offers home consultations for certain services, providing convenience and personalised care for your pet in the comfort of your home. Contact us to inquire about availability and schedule a home visit.

8. Can I book my dog in for puppy school?

Vetmed offers a 3-week puppy training course designed to socialise your puppy and give you the best tips and advice for training your new puppy. Our experienced trainer provides valuable guidance to set your puppy up for a happy and healthy life, covering:

• Socialisation – Play with other puppies and exposure to different people
• Basic Obedience – sit, drop, come and leave it
• Toilet training
• Teaching them to be calm and happy when home alone
• Dealing with normal behaviours such as chewing, jumping, biting and digging.
• Problem solving
Speak to one of our friendly Vetmed team today about booking your puppy in!

9. When and how often should I get my pet professionally groomed?

Vetmed offers grooming services at our Randwick location. While some pet owners can manage grooming at home, professional grooming provides several advantages. Many owners choose professional services due to time constraints, uncertainty about grooming techniques and equipment, difficulty in handling pets during grooming, and concerns about potential accidents. How often grooming is needed varies based on breed and coat type. Short-haired dogs typically benefit from weekly brushing, while medium to long-haired pets may require daily grooming to keep them comfortable and reduce shedding. Dogs with thick undercoats, like double-coated breeds, also need daily brushing regardless of coat length. For dogs needing coat clipping or trimming, grooming frequency should be tailored to their fur growth rate and seasonal changes, which our veterinarians can advise on.

We are also happy to offer cat grooming. Since our feline friends prefer to stay at home basking in the sun than taking a trip to the salon, we offer hygiene and lion style clips under a twilight sedation – this way, your cat is stress-free and comfortable during the whole visit, and we use the utmost care to make sure they leave feeling a million dollars! Vetmed’s experienced groomers ensure thorough and gentle care, tailored to your pet’s specific needs, promoting their health and well-being through expert grooming practices.

10. Why does my pet need an internal health check?

We all know that prevention is better than cure, and prioritising your pet’s preventative health is key to keeping them happy and healthy. Effective preventative health care and early detection of illness are essential to ensure your furry family members stay well.

An internal health check involves a physical examination, blood test and urine test. In younger pets, an internal health check is recommended to establish a baseline blood level. This is important for later in life if your Vet needs to know what their “normal” is. In our older pets, an internal health check allows us to detect hidden or sub-clinical disease. Early detection allows intervention with medications or special food that may reverse or slow the disease’s progression. This can improve the quality and longevity of your pet’s life.

Vetmed: we are here for you and your pet

Vetmed is dedicated to ensuring the health and happiness of your beloved pets. We’re here to support you with expert advice on routine check-ups, preventative treatments, grooming, and training. Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned pro, Vetmed is here to help you provide the best care for your pets. Contact us today to learn more.

Vetmed offers comprehensive pet care services, with four clinic locations across the Eastern Suburbs and the Northern Beaches, including Lindfield, Randwick, Forestville, and Northbridge.