We offer FREE development checkups at 4 and 6 months. As they grow it's recommended to take your dog or cat to the vet for a check-up at least once a year. Kittens and senior animals may require more frequent visits. Regular check-ups help ensure they stay healthy and allows for early detection of health issues.

Vaccinations are a vital shield against diseases. Don't forget annual boosters to ensure maximum protection. For dogs, please ask about essential protection that a vaccine protects against Canine Cough. For more on vaccination click here.

Regular flea and worm treatments are necessary to keep your pet, your family and your home worm and flea free. Practically all puppies have worms, so treatment to kill these parasites is important as they can affect your pet’s health and can potentially be passed on to humans. Worm treatment can be administered in the form of tablets or a topical flea and worm treatment which is applied on the back of the animal’s neck. Fleas and their larvae can live year-round so monthly treatment is advised. For more on parasites click here.

Microchipping is a simple chip inserted into an animals neck. If they ever get lost and someone scan's them, their owner can be identified. All dogs must be microchipped by law. For more on microchipping click here.

Try and stick to a dry food, no table food, and minimal treats. Feed puppy and kitten food when a pet is under one year old. Adult food should be fed to adult pets and low-fat food to neutered pets. Receptionists and nurses are trained in pet nutrition and can advise on the best diet. If you have more than one pet, microchip serving bowls are a great idea to ensure only the pet for whom food it is intended for, gets it.

Most animals that gain weight are overfed, which results in an intake of too many calories combined with insufficient physical activity. However, some dog breeds are more prone to weight gain such as Labradors, Retrievers and Cavalier King Charles. 

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If you notice it is more difficult to feel your pet’s ribs, have had to loosen their collar, they are more sluggish, or are having difficulty breathing you should make an appointment with the nursing weight clinic. If there is any indication that there may be an underlying medical condition causing weight gain weight, we can carry out laboratory tests and investigate your pet’s health further.

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Also pet weight loss can also be an indication that there is an underlying problem that needs further investigation.

Taking care of your pet's teeth can help their quality of life and longevity. For more on dental, click here.

Although not done until 6 months of age onwards, it is good to be aware of the many health benefits of neutering. Your nurse or vet will explain why this is so important. For more on neutering click here.

Recommended by our staff who all have pet plans for their own pets: A health plan helps manage the cost of veterinary bills and saves you money. Pets are susceptible to all of the same illnesses as humans and even more. For example dogs can suffer from diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, tumours, broken bones etc. Most pet health insurance will cover the cost of investigation and treatment of these illnesses and injuries and can normally be taken out at any age. Learn more on health plans here.

A dog license is compulsory and can be purchased at your local post office. Dog licenses are renewed yearly or you can buy a lifetime one if that is easier and it is about €20 per annum. 

Our very own Tracy Barnes is a qualified CBTT dog trainer and runs a puppy preschool where puppies up to 18 weeks old and their owners learn basic commands along with discipline and training methods that will help to socialise your dog and help them behave appropriately with people. For more on dog training click here.

Pets can experience anxiety for various reasons. The most common is separation anxiety in dogs and they often seem distressed when you are preparing to leave the house. Inappropriate behaviour such as excessive barking, urinating inside or destructive behaviour can also be a sign. Try to teach your dog that sometimes you will need to be apart from each other. The earlier you start getting your dog used to this, the easier it will be.

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Changes in routines, the introduction of a new baby or new pet, a traumatic event, or moving house are all ways in which anxiety may begin too. Talk to us also about products and medicine if your pet's anxiety gets worse.

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Here are some tips to try to help with anxiety;

• When leaving them alone, leave the radio on, provide comfy bedding (a blanket with your scent), fresh water and toys (Kongs stuffed with frozen treats are a favourite)

• Try feeding their main meal just as you are leaving the house

• Dog sometimes like crates or kennel runs which provides a comfortable “den like” area 

• Make sure they get plenty of exercise 

• Give your dog some obedience training

• Socialise your dog by bringing them to a doggy daycare center

• Keep pets indoors during fireworks

• Teach your dog to be on their own when you are home, so they don't become dependent on you

As your pet ages there is a chance they will get arthritis. If you notice they are slowing down, book in for a vet check-up. Things like limping, stiffness or difficulty getting up can be a sign and we can put a plan in place to make life comfortable for them. We have plans and medication that will help manage pain.

The truth is that most cats are lactose intolerant so giving them cow's milk can sometimes cause health issues and many cats can suffer stomach upsets from milk*.

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There are specially formulated 'cat milk' products which are more suitable for cats, but cats don't need milk as part of their diet to maintain optimal cat health and these products can actually be quite fattening and if offered regularly to your cat, their solid food diet should be adjusted to compensate for the calories in the milk in to avoid developing obesity and its related cat health dangers.

* from hillspets

Cats often wander — it’s common for them to go missing for up to 24 hours, and some may be gone two to three days before returning.

• Put up posters and check local Facebook groups and animal charity pages.

• Ask neighbours to check sheds, garages, or any locked spaces where a cat might get trapped.

• Leave out strong-smelling cat food to help your cat smell their way home.

• Put your cat’s litter box and bedding outside — familiar scents can attract them back.

• Walk around your area calling their name regularly — they may respond if they’re close by.

We’re happy to share a missing-cat post on our social media — just send us a photo and your contact details so people can reach you if your cat is spotted.