Frequently Asked Questions

When do I vaccinate my puppy or kitten?
Why do I need to vaccinate my pet every year?
Which is the best wormer and flea product for my pet?
How often should I worm my pet?
My cat won’t take wormer tablets. What can I do?
What does it cost to feed a Labrador puppy on Science Plan?
When do I neuter my pet?
What is involved in neutering my pet?
How much does microchipping cost?
When should I teach my dog to sit?
How should I toilet train my pup?
How about health insurance for my pet?

When do I vaccinate my puppy or kitten? 
Puppies can be vaccinated from 8 weeks, with a second dose at 10 weeks of age and are protected from 11 weeks of age.  To maximize protection, The Park Veterinary Group includes a third vaccination to puppies at 16 weeks of age.  This approach has been recommended by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association and is at no extra cost to clients. 

Kittens can be vaccinated from 9 weeks of age, with a second dose at 12 weeks of age and are protected from 14 weeks of age.

Why do I need to vaccinate my pet every year?
To keep your pet fully protected, annual vaccination is required.  However, your pet’s risk profile is assessed with the aim to give protection with as few vaccinations as possible.


Which is the best wormer and flea product for my pet?
There is no simple answer. There are wormer/ flea products which treat both worms and fleas in one simple drop on the back of the neck, pills taken by mouth or as a treat, and long-acting flea prevention injections which last 6 months.  Ask the vet or member of staff for advice. Please remember for some products we do need to see your pet prior to dispensing.


How often should I worm my pet?
Wormers do not protect your pet in the same way vaccines do and some worms can easily infect humans.  For these reasons regular worming is essential both for human and animal health:

Most puppies are treated with liquid or granule wormers in the first few weeks of life.  To ensure that your new puppy is kept worm free we recommend monthly worming up to 6 months of age, then every 3 months, though in some situations adult dogs do require more frequent treatment.  

Cats should be wormed as tiny kittens, then at 9 and 12 weeks, then every 3 months, though hunters do require more frequent treatment. 


My cat won’t take wormer tablets. What can I do?
There are now products that treat worms and fleas in one simple drop on the back of the neck. 


What does it cost to feed a Labrador puppy on Science Plan?
The amount of food you give depends on the age of the puppy. In general, a rapidly growing puppy will require 300- 400 grammes/ day or 97p per day. This is a small price to pay if your pet remains healthy and less likely to suffer health problems in later life.


When do I neuter my pet?
In most cases most cats and dogs are neutered at 6 months of age.  Please discuss this with the vet at first vaccination.


What is involved in neutering my pet?
The surgery is performed on a day patient basis and in most cases your pet is fit and able to go home the same day. Only the best anaesthetics, pain relief and surgical techniques are used to make sure that your pet has the best of care whilst with us for the day.


How much does microchipping cost?
The cost of the whole procedure is less than £15 and further savings can be made if you sign up to a kitten health plan.


When should I teach my dog to sit?
This is one of the most important commands you can use to help control your puppy and most pups will be able to follow this command by 14 weeks of age if you start early enough.


How should I toilet train my pup?
The key to success is consistency. Take your pup out immediately after feeding and praise good behaviour (toileting outside) and ignore mistakes in the house. Telling young puppies off when they make a mistake often makes the problem worse as they are not able to work out praise from criticism when they are very young.


How about health insurance for my pet?
Health insurance for your pet provides peace of mind when you need it most.

Many diseases can be treated and cured now; with pet health insurance the best treatments will be affordable for your pet. 

We can only provide insurance from one pet insurance provider (Pet Plan) as we have no wish to take on the burden of becoming an insurance broker. We recommend Pet Plan because they are a fair company to deal with and in our view deliver excellent value to our clients. There are other companies providing insurance but please do read the small print. The cheapest are not necessarily the best.