Frequently Asked Questions

02

Q1: When should my pet be vaccinated?

A: Your pet should be vaccinated on a regular basis.  The first vaccinations must be given at 8 weeks.   Boosters (extra injections to ensure immunity) will have to be administered at the ages of 12 weeks.

After this period, your pet should be vaccinated yearly.   When your pet is vaccinated for the first time you will be given a Vaccination Record Book. Keep this book and bring it with you whenever your pet is re-vaccinated.

Q2. Why is vaccination so important for your pet?

Vaccination protects healthy dogs from some common diseases.  These diseases can kill.  They are listed below, together with the symptoms most commonly seen.

Parvovirus – Dogs of any age can be affected but it is most common in unvaccinated puppies under one year of age. The disease is much more severe in young pups and is often fatal. The symptoms include an initial high temperature,  vomiting, profuse bloody and smelly diarrhoea and abdominal pain. This leads to dehydration, collapse and death which can occur in as little as 24 hours.

Vaccination is very effective in preventing this disease, but must be done BEFORE exposure to the virus. It is essential to vaccinate puppies at 6-8 weeks and then monthly for another 1 to 2 doses.

Distemper - Distemper is a serious infectious disease of dogs. It can affect dogs of all ages but is most common in unvaccinated puppies under 6 months of age. Initially dogs have a high temperature, discharge from the eyes and nose, coughing, diarrhoea and vomiting. If they survive this stage they can develop nervous symptoms including fits, twitching and paralysis. The nose and footpads can also become hard and cracked. Even if dogs survive the initial stage they carry a guarded prognosis for a normal life as the nervous signs may occur in apparently recovered dogs. Vaccination largely controls this disease.

Infectious Canine Hepatitis - This disease can affect dogs of all ages. The symptoms can vary from mild to severe. In severe disease dogs can have a high fever, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, coughing and be very reluctant to move.  Some dogs die.  If they recover they can have "blue" eyes caused by clouding of the cornea, and can develop liver and kidney damage.  Even dogs with mild disease can develop liver damage.  Due to effective vaccination programmes this disease is now rarely seen.

Kennel cough - Kennel cough can be caused by both viruses and bacteria. The main culprits are Canine parainfluenza virus, Canine Adenovirus and a bacterium called Bordetella. Although seldom causing death it is highly contagious. It is most commonly encountered where dogs are kept closely together for example in kennels. Signs may vary from a mild cough to severe coughing, gagging and retching. This is usually made worse by exercise. The normal vaccination contains both viruses.  Bordetella is a separate vaccine that usually is given into the nostrils with a dropper. Most dogs find it quite unpleasant and therefore recommend it only if your dog is going to go into kennels. Vaccination does not always prevent disease but will make the symptoms less severe.

Leptospirosis - Leptospirosis can cause liver and kidney damage in affected animals. It is transmitted by contact with urine of infected animals, (or rats which are common carriers of this disease) or through environmental contamination especially damp conditions and stagnant water. There are many strains of this bacteria - the vaccine contains 2 common strains but doesn't protect against others. It is not a very common disease but humans can also be infected.

Rabies - Rabies is an extremely dangerous disease as it can be transmitted to humans if they are bitten by a rabid animal. If this is not treated early enough it is fatal. Saudi Arabia is NOT recognized as a rabies free country, so if you plan to travel with your dog a rabies vaccination is necessary. If your dog is on the Pet Passport Scheme it also needs a microchip implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination and, one month later, a blood test for rabies antibodies. If your dog passes the test and has enough antibodies (more than 0.5 iu/ml) you need to give the rabies vaccination every year BEFORE or ON the due date otherwise the blood test becomes invalid and you have to do all the vaccines and tests again.

Your dog should be vaccinated against all of these major canine diseases. Ask your veterinary surgeon for details.

Remember - vaccination is not for life. After the initial puppy vaccinations annual boosters are recommended to maintain protection.

After having vaccinations some dogs may feel unwell for a day or two, and may develop a lump where the vaccination was given. This lump slowly resolves after a few days to weeks. If you are worried please contact your Vet.

Q3: When should my dog be wormed?

A: In Saudi Arabia, puppies should be wormed at 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks and thereafter at 6 monthly intervals.

Q4: Why does my pet scratch?

A: Some scratching is normal, but if the scratching is persistant, then a visit to your Vet is recommended.  Fleas, and flea allergy are common causes of scratching.  Other allergies are also common, and sarcoptic mange also causes scratching.  Scratching the ears, or shaking the head may indicate ear mites.

Q5: How do I keep my dog tick free?

A: There is an anti-flea/tick product called FRONTLINE for dogs and cats.  This is applied to one spot on the dog or cat's neck and ensures that he does not have any parasites such as ticks or fleas.  This product is special in that it is not absorbed but stays on the oil layer of the skin and kills ticks when they get on the animal.  Frontline now also comes as a very effective spray, although this is not always available for sale. It's very important to get the environment (house or garden) sprayed by a reputable pest control company if you find many ticks on your pet. Ticks can carry tick-fever, a sometimes fatal disease in dogs.

Q6: What is tick fever?

A: Tick fever or Erlichiosis is caused by the tick borne parasite called Erlichia canis.  It is transmitted when an infected tick attaches to your dog.  In the acute phase dog usually have a high temperature, decreased appetite and are lethargic.  Sometimes they show nose bleeds and spots of bleeding on the skin and gums.  Most dogs improve within a week and can then appear normal for 3 months or more before the chronic stage sets in.  During the chronic stage dogs can become very ill and die if not treated soon enough.  There is NO vaccine available - the only way to prevent it is by controlling ticks.  We have spot-on treatments and sprays available to kill ticks.  You may also have to spray your garden if your dog has a lot of ticks.  If your dog has had ticks and is unwell you need to make an appointment for a check and possibly blood tests.

Q7: How often should I bath my pet?

A: Once a week at the most.

Q8: What should I use to clean him?

A: A special pet shampoo or a mild baby shampoo, certainly not any perfumed hair shampoos. If the animal has any skin complaints, there are special shampoos available to help.

Q9: How often and at what age should my pet's teeth be cleaned?

A: Teeth start to get dirty around 2 years of age and should be cleaned under a general anaesthetic.   Some people brush their pets' teeth with special pet toothpaste from a very young age.  This helps to prevent a build up of calculus.  Terriers and small dogs like poodles are particularly prone to teeth problems and should have 6 monthly dental check ups from the age of 2 years.  

Q10: What is microchipping? Why is it necessary?

A: Microchipping is the process of injecting a small microchip underneath the skin of your animal (just on the neck). This microchip has a unique number which can be used to identify your pet. The number is read using a special reader.  Microchipping is permanent and is a requirement for any animal that is to be exported.  Jeddah Veterinary Clinic sells Tracer® microchips, these can be put into your animal at any age.

Q11: Is the anesthesia for my pet's surgery safe?

A: We use different types of anaesthetics depending on the age and health status of the animal.   Pets older than 7 years may undergo a pre-anaesthetic blood test to assess kidney and liver function. Every pet undergoes a pre-anesthetic health examination before any surgery is considered. Although there is always a risk involved when anaesthetising an animal, we use drugs and methods that are safe.

Q12: Why do I have to starve my pet before the operation?

A: This is to prevent regurgitation and possible inhalation of vomit or saliva into the lungs while under anesthetic or during recovery. Food should be withheld from 10pm the night before. It's easy to remember - dinner's fine, just no breakfast.

Q13: At what age can my   dog be castrated?

A: This surgical procedure can be done from 5 months of age.

Q14: At what age can my dog be spayed?

A: This surgical procedure can be done at any time from the age of 6 months.  

Q15: What is castration?

A: Castration is the surgical removal of a male animal's reproductive organs (testes) so that it cannot reproduce. The removal of the testes prevents undesirable roaming and aggressive behavior.

Q16: What is spaying?

A: Spaying is the sugical removal of a female animal's reproductive organs (ovaries and uterus) so that she cannot reproduce. The removal of the ovaries prevents the undesirable oestrus behaviour.  It is this oestrus which causes male dogs to be attracted to the female and pre-disposes her to being injured in fights or getting lost when out searching for mates.

Q17: What do I do if I have an emergency after hours?

A: Call the clinic's regular number. A recorded message will give you the mobile number for the veterinarian currently on-call.

Please note that an after hours consultation fee is payable.