Pets

Dogs

At Abbey Veterinary Centre we feel that one of the most important things we do is to promote preventative care. This will begin during your puppy's very first visit.

In fact, in an ideal situation we would like to talk to you before you get your puppy to help you choose a breed which fits your lifestyle. Since this rarely happens in "real life", we feel our guidance can be a crucial part of your puppy's first few months, while he or she is rapidly becoming a cherished part of your family. In most cases, you will be visiting us several times during your puppy's first few months so we would like you to feel comfortable asking questions - just remember, that's why we're here! You'll soon learn there is a lot for us to talk about during your puppy visits.
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Cats

For the first few days keep your kitten in one room with her carrier (for her to retreat into!- if she needs to), her bed, food bowls, litter tray and toys. Cats thrive on routine so feed her at the same time and in the same place each day. Gradually introduce her to other rooms, after ‘kitten proofing' them. Always supervise her when she is exploring, and if she is in danger of getting into mischief distract her by calling her or offering a toy.
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Rabbits

Dental disease is a very common problem with rabbits. Rabbit teeth are unlike dog, cat and our own teeth as they grow constantly. They are kept healthy by the constant chewing action which causes the upper and lower teeth to rub together as the rabbit chews. This keeps the teeth rubbed down to the correct level. Problems occur when this natural grinding system fails.

This may be as a result of a rabbit with a slightly deformed jaw which means that the upper and lower teeth do not meet completely. This common problem cannot be avoided by the pet owner as the rabbit is born with this condition. In the wild these rabbits would not survive.
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Guinea Pig

The guinea pig we know and love today was domesticated between 3,000 and 5,000 years ago from highland colonies in South America. They have become popular as a show and pet animal, particularly for children.

Despite looking quite different from their wild cousins, domestic guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) still behave in much the same way. Like lots of pet animal species however, they are much more docile, friendly and inquisitive towards people. They also come in a huge variety of colours and coat types and live for between 5 and 7 years.
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Hamsters

Hamsters are the best known and one of the most popular of all the small rodents kept as pets. They live on average for two to three years.

The most common and largest type of hamster is the Syrian hamster, also known as the golden hamster. These are naturally solitary and will fight if you try to keep them in pairs or groups – breeders have to be careful to introduce mating pairs only when the female is in season. If you want a Syrian hamster, keep one only!
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Gerbils

Gerbils are fascinating pets and will fit in well with most families. They are inquisitive, rarely bite and are found in many colours, from the usual brown and grey with a light belly – called agouti – to golden, cream, black and blue. There are about 90 species, but the Mongolian gerbil is the one kept as a pet. They are sometimes mistaken for mice or rats, but there are physical and behavioural differences. Gerbils have long, hairy tails and, as you will find out, are serious diggers!
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Reptiles

Husbandry and environment are the most important factors in reptile health. Most common clinical diseases in reptiles are bacterial infections secondary to poor husbandry.
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