Crossroads Veterinary Centre, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire - Crossoroads Veterinary Centre- Top Tips

	THE BENEFITS OF VACCINATION Unless properly vaccinated, your pet is at risk of contracting a possibly fatal disease. A young animal will receive some antibodies from its mother’s first milk. This immunity falls rapidly and if not vaccinated, your pet could succumb to a serious illness. Puppies and dogs are vaccinated against distemper, parvovirosis, infectious canine hepatitis, leptospirosis, and Para influenza virus disease, They can also receive vaccinations against rabies and Kennel cough. Puppies need two injections at two week intervals where the first dose is given at eight weeks of age. Booster vaccinations are required at regular intervals - ranging from six months for kennel cough to two years for distemper. Some boosters however are required annually. Kittens are vaccinated from nine weeks of age and need another injection three weeks later. We vaccinate routinely for enteritis, ‘cat flu’ and feline leukemia. A vaccination against Bordetella is available. This vaccine is of potential use in breeding colonies and boosters are administered annually. Rabbits are vaccinated against myxamatosis and haemorrhagic viral disease. Vaccinations start at six weeks of age and boosters are annual. WHY MICROCHIP? Please phone your closest surgery for more information and available appointment times At crossroads we feel microchipping your pets is very important as we ourselves return home many stray cats and dogs brought into the surgery throughout the year that are microchipped. What is a microchip? A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice, which is inserted between the shoulder blades under the loose skin of the neck just like a normal injection. It is a permanent method of identification unlike a collar and tag which can fall off your pet or be removed. Each chip has its own unique number. Your details are then registered on a database with this number linking you to your pet. Why should I microchip my pet? If your pet has gone missing and is found by someone who takes them to a local vet, animal charity or the dog warden, they will then scan your pet to check for the microchip. When the identification number has been obtained it is then possible to locate the owner. It is important to keep all contact details up to date so that your pets can be returned to you as quickly as possible. What animals can be microchipped? Dog Cat Rabbit Tortoises If you choose not to mircochip your pet and it looses its collar and tag it can be difficult to locate an owner when the pet is found. Your dog or cat will then be held with the dog warden or animal charity for which you will be liable for the costs during the period of boarding until they are returned home. If your pet is held for a long period of time it may be re homed.

	BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE??? For many of us, the onset of the warmer spring weather results in a trip to the garden centre. But we must insert a cautionary note here... Some of the products we commonly use in our gardens(usually to eradicate pests) can also be toxic to our animal companions. SLUG PELLETS frequently contain the chemical 'metaldehyde' and are generally blue or green in colour. Metaldehyde is very toxic to pets and since many dogs will eat almost anything, slug pellets should only be used with great care, keeping pets away from areas where they are used and stored. Many gardeners will apply a thick layer of mulch to their flower beds in the Spring and Summer months. A little known but potentially lethal hazard is the use of cocoa shell mulch. Dogs are attracted to these shells by their smell, but they contain theobromine which is very poisonous to dogs. As a result, it is safer to use an alternative such as tree bark. As a general rule, when applying *anything* to your garden, ALWAYS read the label carefully regarding the hazarsda to pets, and (of course!) to humans.
	A CAT AMONGST THE FLOWERBEDS If you have ever suffered the indiginity of a cat 'disrupting' your flower beds in in order for it to preserve its own dignity... by that I mean the use of that nice big 'litter tray' known as the flower borders... then worry no more... by placing slices of orange an lemon -which cats hate the smell of incidentally- in the flower beds, you can keep them at bay so sending them to a toilet far away, or at least out of range of your favourite petunias!
	CHOCOLATE Chocolate, the source of much delight and many watering mouths is certainly tempting for us, but beware! It is actually a poisonous substance for dogs... especially the dark chocolates. So if your dog does gets a hold of or makes off with your favourite feel-good delicacy, then make sure you seek urgent medical advice.
	For information on some vital facts on animal health