Dogs
Vaccination​
At Dundas Veterinary Group, we recommend vaccinating your pet on an annual basis to reduce the risk of contracting contagious diseases which can cause serious illness and, in some cases, may be life-threatening.
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The core vaccination programme covers Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus and Leptospirosis. We also offer the Kennel Cough vaccination as an additional vaccine, which is advisable if your dog is very social with other dogs or regularly goes with a dog walker or into kennels, as this is spread via close aerosol contact.
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Restarting vaccinations involves two injections 4 weeks apart, followed by an annual ‘booster’ vaccination. At these appointments, your pet will receive a full health assessment, and any concerns or questions can be discussed with one of our vets.
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At Dundas Veterinary Group, we believe that these annual health checks are essential to support your pet’s health, ensuring appropriate care and enabling early detection of any potential health problems. As your pet grows older, we may recommend more frequent visits.
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Please see our Pet Health Plan scheme, which provides comprehensive preventative healthcare at an affordable price:
https://www.dundasvetgroup.co.uk/pet-health-plans
Puppy Vaccinations
Our puppy vaccination course consists of 2 to 3 vaccinations, depending on the age your puppy receives their first vaccine.
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If your puppy has received their first vaccination with the breeder, please advise the reception team, as the vet will then be able to recommend when the next vaccination is required. Not all vaccinations are compatible, and to ensure your puppy is fully protected, we may recommend restarting the vaccine protocol.
Cats
Vaccination​
We recommend vaccinating all cats, whether indoors or outdoors, due to the varying modes of transmission of the most commonly encountered infectious diseases.
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Annual booster vaccinations protect against Feline Herpes Virus, Feline Calicivirus (causes of cat flu), and Feline Panleukopenia virus (feline enteritis). Vaccination consists of two injections 3 weeks apart, followed by an annual booster.
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During these visits, your pet will receive a full clinical examination, and any concerns can be discussed with one of our vets.
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We also advise an additional vaccination for outdoor cats to protect against Feline Leukaemia virus, which can be spread via saliva and secretions, most commonly through fighting. This can be administered alongside the standard vaccination.
Kitten Vaccination
Kittens can be vaccinated from 9 weeks of age. Depending on your cat’s expected lifestyle, the vet will recommend the most appropriate vaccination course.
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If your cat initially receives only the ‘indoor’ vaccination course but later goes outdoors, the leukaemia vaccine can be added at a later date.
Worming, Flea and Tick Control
Please see our Pet Health Plan, which supports your pet’s preventative healthcare needs:
https://www.dundasvetgroup.co.uk/pet-health-plans
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Worming​
Young and older animals can be more susceptible to parasite burdens, but pets of any age are at risk. For puppies and kittens, we recommend a more frequent deworming protocol until they are 6 months old. After this, we recommend treatment every 3 months.
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Please note that some parasites are ‘zoonotic’, meaning they can be transmitted to humans. More frequent worming may be advised in households with young children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals.
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Flea and Tick Treatment​
Fleas and ticks are a common nuisance for both pets and their owners. Fleas live in the environment all year round but thrive in warmer weather or when central heating is used. They can cause significant discomfort, leading to scratching, skin irritation, and, in some cases, allergic reactions. Prevention through appropriate parasite control is essential, and our team will be happy to advise on the best options.
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If your pet has fleas, we recommend washing bedding on a hot cycle and regular vacuuming to reduce environmental contamination and break the flea lifecycle. Household treatment may also be required.
Ticks are typically seasonal but are increasingly seen from March through to October due to climate change. Tick bites can cause local reactions and may transmit diseases.
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If you find a tick on your pet, please contact the practice so we can safely remove it. Do not use tweezers, as this can leave mouthparts behind. Tick removers are available at the practice.
If a tick has been removed, monitor the area for several days. If your pet becomes unwell, please contact the practice promptly.
Neutering
Females​
We strongly advise that bitches are spayed to reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancy, eliminate the risk of life-threatening uterine infections (pyometra), prevent phantom pregnancies, and reduce the risk of mammary tumours if performed early.
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Smaller breeds can be spayed before their first season (around 6 months of age), offering maximum protection. For medium to large breeds, recent studies suggest allowing one season to support skeletal development.
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Timing is important. If your dog has had a season, we recommend spaying 3 months after bleeding stops. A free preoperative assessment will be arranged to determine the best timing.
We offer both traditional surgical spay and laparoscopic (keyhole) spay. Our vets will help you choose the most suitable option.
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Males​
The decision to castrate depends on age, behaviour, and owner preference. Health benefits include reduced risk of prostate disease and prevention of testicular tumours.
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Behavioural benefits may include reduced mounting, urine marking, and improved recall. However, proper socialisation before castration is important.
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A temporary implant for chemical castration is also available, lasting 6 or 12 months, allowing you to assess behavioural changes before committing to surgery.
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Cats​
Both male and female cats can be neutered from 5–6 months of age. Males may be castrated earlier if living with an entire female.
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Early neutering helps reduce spraying, vocalisation, and stress-related behaviours. Female cats can be spayed from 5–6 months, as timing is less critical than in dogs.