We offer nursing clinics to discuss feeding, training, insurance, socialisation and to answer all the questions you have about your new family member. While an appointment must be made to see the vet for their first health check and vaccination, these clinics allocate more time to discuss the less medical side of new ownership. It also gives us a chance to get acquainted with your new pet and for them to feel comfortable in the practice. This isn’t only open to puppies and kittens but also to pets that have been adopted or rescued.
Nail Trimming
Cutting your pets nails can prove awkward at home but we will show you the best way to restrain and trim. Cats and dogs have a vein that runs through their nails known as the ‘quick’. This glows pink for white nails but it is invisible if your pet’s nails are black. This is why a good technique is important to avoid making them bleed which can sting your cat/dog. Dewclaws, the nails high up on the inside of their leg, should not be forgotten as they do not contact the ground and therefore do not wear naturally.
Ear Cleaning
Ear infections are uncomfortable and can be a source of pain. While a consult will have to be made with one of our veterinary surgeons if medication is required, our nurses are on hand to teach you how to clean your dog or cats ears during an infection and also as a preventative measure. This is an excellent skill to learn if your pet is prone to ear infections as regular cleaning can reduce the frequency of reoccurrence.
Microchipping
It is now a legal requirement in Ireland for all dogs to be microchipped. Microchips are easily implanted and we register them at the time of implantation so you don’t need to worry about any paperwork. We extend this offer to cat owners also, while it is not a legal requirement, it is good practice to microchip your pet as a means of identification if they get lost. New legislation means animal’s microchipped before September 2015 may not be registered and our nurses can talk you through how to go about re-registration also.
Studies show that being as little as 20% overweight greatly increases the risk of your pet developing a debilitating illness like arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, breathing difficulties and urinary stones. Excess weight also has a negative impact on your pet’s overall quality of life and can shorten their life expectancy. Our free weight management clinics are aimed at reducing bodyweight and advising clients on the importance of nutrition and exercise.
Neutering is the most commonly performed surgery in veterinary and is carried out almost every day of every week. However, we know that it is often the first big step for an owner and the idea of surgery can be a scary thought. The aim of this clinic is to explain exactly what is involved and to put your mind at ease. Our nurses will answer any questions you have before carrying out a full clinical examination to ensure your pet is an ideal candidate to be castrated (males) or spayed (females).
It’s estimated that 80% of animals over the age of three will have some degree of dental disease. Left untreated, this can cause bad breath and discomfort for your pet. Our nurses will assess your dog/cats oral health and inform you if they require a dental procedure. They will also offer tips on how to reduce plaque build up to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthier for longer.
You will be advised about post-op directions by the vet/nurse when your pet is being discharged. However, an important part of post-op care is regular assessment of the incision site/wound to intervene early in the unlikely event of an infection or wound breakdown. Wound checks and stitch removals are performed by our nurses free of charge to maximise your pet’s chances of a speedy recovery.