We recommend that your cat or dog is vaccinated against infectious diseases annually, alongside a full annual health check. We also advise that rabbits are vaccinated annually against Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD).
Kennel Cough is a highly infectious disease that your dog can pick up in social situations, not just in kennels. We advise that any dog visiting kennels, dog shows, training classes or other places where dogs mix is vaccinated against this disease.
Your puppy can receive its first vaccination at 8 weeks old, with the second part given 2 to 4 weeks later. Kittens can start at 9 weeks old, with their second dose three weeks after. Your rabbit can have its first vaccination from 6 weeks old.
Bitches can be spayed from 6 months old. Dogs can be castrated from around 6 months, though for larger breeds we may recommend waiting until 9-12 months depending on their size. Cats of both sexes can be neutered from 6 months old, and rabbits can be neutered from 4 months old. Please speak to a member of our team for advice specific to your pet.
Fly-Strike is a serious and potentially fatal condition that occurs when a rabbit becomes dirty or damp around its rear end. Flies are attracted to this and lay eggs on the rabbit, which hatch into maggots that can quickly cause severe tissue damage. If immediate veterinary attention is not sought, this condition can often be fatal, so please contact us straight away if you are concerned.
We recommend that you treat your dog and cat for fleas every month, all year round, to keep them fully protected.
It is important to treat both your pet and your house immediately, and to continue with repeat treatments as fleas can persist in the home environment. Please contact us for advice on the most effective products for your pet.
Puppies and kittens should be wormed every 2 weeks until 16 weeks old, then every 4 weeks until 6 months of age. After this, cats and dogs need to be wormed every 3 months, and rabbits need to be wormed every 4 months.
A microchip is a tiny capsule, about the size of a grain of rice, inserted under the skin at the back of the animal's neck. The chip contains a unique number that can be read by a hand held scanner, helping to reunite you with your pet if they are ever lost. Since 6th April 2016, it has been a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped by 8 weeks old, with fines of up to £500 for non-compliance.
There are three main types of pet insurance policy. Maximum Benefit Cover provides cover up to a maximum amount per condition, with no time limit, until that amount is reached. Time Limited Policies cover a condition for a set period, typically 12 months, after which it is excluded. Lifetime Policies allow you to claim year after year for your pet's treatment, with the cover amount renewing annually. At Barnhouse, we are affiliated with Petplan Insurance, who offer a Lifetime (cover for life) policy.
Please ring us to place any food or medication orders. We ask that you allow at least 24 hours for your order to be prepared, and items ordered before 1pm are usually available for collection after 1pm the following day.
Please call us immediately on 01244 335550. If we are closed, our answerphone message will provide details of our out of hours emergency service, and telephone advice is always available.
We can arrange for the second vaccination to be given at Barnhouse. This appointment will also include a full health check and gives us the opportunity to answer any questions you may have about your new pet.
Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD) is spread via contact with other rabbits, through the air, or by insect bites. There are two strains, RVHD1 and RVHD2, both of which are covered by vaccination. Both strains are lethal and typically cause internal bleeding and sudden death, so annual vaccination is essential.
Myxomatosis is a highly contagious disease spread by fleas and wild rabbits, and is unfortunately usually fatal. The only way to protect your rabbit is with the annual Myxomatosis vaccination.
This is assessed on a case by case basis and will be determined by one of our vets, as your pet may need to be re-examined periodically to ensure their medication is still appropriate. Written prescriptions are also available at a cost of £16 including VAT per item.
Your pet will need to be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies, and must be at least 12 weeks old before vaccination. They cannot travel until 21 days after the rabies vaccination. You will also need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC), which is valid for 4 months from the date of issue and covers up to 5 pets travelling together. Dogs returning to the UK from certain countries also require tapeworm treatment before travel. Please contact us in good time before you plan to travel, as this process can take several weeks.
Yes, we can provide this service at Barnhouse. The cost for this service is £200 per certificate, which covers up to 5 pets travelling together.