There are a number of measures that can help prevent your pet developing diseases. You should discuss these options with your vet to work out the best plan for your pet.

Worming
All pets have worms at some stage in their life and many will be re-infected unless they are given regular, routine worming treatment. Except in rare cases, worms are unlikely to cause serious harm. Getting rid of worms is relatively simple and inexpensive so regular treatment with a wormer is strongly recommended, particularly as some types of worm can be passed onto humans. Make sure your pet is wormed every three months against roundworms and tapeworms. Some worms are transmitted by fleas so routine flea control all year round is important.

Flea control
Fleas are the most common parasite in dogs and cats - almost every pet is likely to be infected at some stage in its life. However, modern flea control products mean that it is possible to prevent fleas from becoming a problem in your household. Working closely with your vet, who will you give you advice on how to use these products effectively, you will be able to stop these nasty little insects making a meal of your pet and you!

Neutering
It is a sad truth that the number of puppies and kittens born every year is far greater than the number of good homes that can be found for them. As a result, thousands of healthy animals are destroyed and many unwanted animals are left to fend for themselves. Having your pet neutered will not only help to reduce these numbers, it is also one of the simplest, safest and most practical ways of safeguarding your pet's health and welfare.

Vaccinations
There are a number of highly infectious and potentially fatal diseases that can affect our pets. There is no treatment for many of these diseases and young animals who catch them often die. However, for many of these conditions there is a simple protection in the form of vaccination. Ensuring that your pet completes an initial course of vaccinations and then receives regular booster jabs is important if you want them to stay fit and healthy.

Dental care
Dental disease is very common in cats and some dogs. Surveys show that after the age of three years, about seven out of ten cats have some kind of tooth disorders. If left unattended these may cause irreversible damage to the animal's teeth, gums and jaw bones. Dental disease can be prevented by stopping the build up of plaque on the teeth.