General Practice services

Vaccination recommendations

There are many different vaccine options available for your pet and it is important to remember that some dogs and cats are more susceptible to various diseases than others.

Make sure you talk with your vet at the General Practice about the best options for your pet.

Below is a general guide to the vaccinations recommended for puppy and kittens.

For adult dogs the General Practice strongly recommends 3 yearly vaccination for distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus and optional yearly vaccination for kennel cough.

For adult cats we recommend yearly vaccination against feline herpes, calici virus and feline enteritis.

The first vaccine is only temporary and it is important that a yearly booster is given to your pet to maintain protection. A three yearly vaccine is now available (for dogs only); however an annual kennel cough vaccine is still required.

Weight Loss Program

Did you know that obesity is the most common nutritional disease of dogs and cats?

Our General Practice provides individually designed programs to assist pets to lose weight effectively and safely. Obesity is caused by the consumption of more calories / kilojoules than required - too much food, too little exercise or both.

Obesity can be dangerous and can cause your pet to suffer physical ailments and have shorter life-spans than animals of average weight. Obesity can reduce your pet's quality of life and their performance.

It can cause, worsen or increase the chances of many conditions and diseases, including: Arthritis, Hip Dysplasia, Spinal/intervertebral disc problems, ligament ruptures, lung disease, heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, constipation, heat intolerance, skin disease, exercise intolerance, cancer and an increased risk associated with surgery and anaesthesia just to name a few.

Strict adherence to a Weight Control Program will improve your pet's appearance, health and enjoyment of life as well as your enjoyment of your pet, while reducing its health care costs.

If you would like information on Murdoch University General Practice's Weight Loss Program, feel free to contact the General Practice during normal office hours on (08) 9360 6454.

Intestinal Worming

To control worms for your pet, it’s necessary to have a regular worming routine. It is important that worming take place whenever there is evidence of worms, no matter when your pet was last wormed.

Heartworm Prevention

Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes and symptoms may not develop for years after infection. Dogs may be started on heartworm prevention from 6 weeks of age and it should be given as directed for life.

Dogs can receive an injection for heartworm which covers them for 12 months. Cats can also contract heartworm although the incidence is much lower and preventative treatments for cats are also available.

If a tablet is missed, your dog may need to be heartworm tested before resuming the medication. If this happens, please contact the General Practice to talk to your vet on (08) 9360 6454.

Flea Control

Fleas can cause your pet a lot of discomfort and in some cases quite severe skin conditions, and can be difficult and expensive to remove from your pets (not to mention your home)

Fleas are a common problem in Australia, and as the female flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day, it is a good idea to treat your pet before a flea infestation occurs. There is a wide variety of treatments available.

For more information, contact the General Practice to talk to your vet on (08) 9360 6454.