- Ticks and fleas can cause a variety of diseases in your pet. The deadliest of these is tick paralysis, which is common in Mackay.
- A paralysis tick attaches to your pet’s skin and injects a potent toxin that causes muscle paralysis – this can cause death if the muscles that help your pet breathe become paralysed.
- Tick antiserum is used to treat affected dogs and cat but prevention is much better than cure. We recommend routine prevention (all year round).
- Bravecto Quantum is the new, once per-year injection which prevents ticks and fleas in dogs. This product is geiven by a simple injection under the skin, much the same as the annual heartworm preventative Proheart SR12.
- Bravecto Quantum gives peace of mind in knowing your dog is covered all year-round with only one injection. No more remembering to give tablets or having to force those tablets 'down the hatch' or hiding in food. We'll arrange your reminders to make sure it's not forgotten next time either!
- Nexgard Spectra is a new parasite-preventative for cats. Nexgard Spectra is the first ever product to cover all worms (hookworm, tapeworm, round worms), ticks, fleas and heartworm - the first ever all in one!
- Nexgard Spectra is administered as an easy-to-use liquid on the back of the neck each month, this will save any of those arguments you have with your feline friend to get tablets in or use multiple spot-on products.
- We recommend routine prevention (all year round). There are options for palatable chews and also topical spot-ons (applied to the skin). Coverage can be for 1, 3 or 6 months at a time. Our staff are trained and familiar with the latest products and can guide you as to what is best for your pet and lifestyle.
Vaccinations
Vaccinating your pet is one of the most important things you can do to ensure they lead a healthy life.
There are three very important reasons for vaccinating your pet:
- Vaccinations protect against preventable diseases
- Vaccinations are substantially less expensive than the cost of vet treatment for the diseases they protect against
- Vaccinations protect your pet from transmissible diseases in boarding facilities, at parks and even when they visit the vet. If your pet has to be hospitalised for any illness, their immune system may already be compromised so you want to make sure they are protected.
Your pet’s health, lifestyle and exactly where you live in the Mackay region may affect which vaccinations are necessary, so our expert vets will work with you to develop a simple and effective vaccination program for your pet.
Vaccinating your Dog
A puppy’s first vaccinations are at 6-8 weeks, then 12-14 weeks, 16-18 weeks, and annually after that. Only one week after the final puppy vaccination should your puppy be allowed to go outside and socialise with other dogs.
Canine vaccinations are known by the codes C3, C5 and C7, and the diseases that are commonly vaccinated against in Mackay are:
- Parvovirus: causes potentially fatal diarrhoea, especially in pups and dogs under 2 years
- Distemper: coughing, diarrhoea and sometimes twitching, seizures, loss of balance and blindness
- Hepatitis: vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and possibly liver failure
- Canine Cough, Parainfluenza & Bordatella bronchiseptica: sometimes known as as Kennel Cough, but NOT only a risk if your dog is boarding
- Leptospirosis (australis and copenhagi): a disease that causes serious illness in dogs and people in Mackay. Fever, lethargy and lack of appetite in your dog can develop into more severe, life-threatening illness that affects the kidneys, liver, brain, lungs, and heart.
To book your dog in for a vaccination with one of our expert veterinarians, please contact your nearest Stabler & Howlett Veterinary Surgeons clinic today.
Vaccinating your Cat
A kitten’s first vaccinations are at 8-10 weeks, then 12-14 weeks, and annually after that. Only one week after the final kitten vaccination should your kitten be allowed to go outside and socialise with other cats.
The main feline vaccinations are known by the codes F3 and F4, and common cat vaccinations in Mackay are:
- Enteritis (Feline Panleukopenia) can be very severe especially in unvaccinated kittens less than 12 months of age. It causes fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, liver failure and sudden death.
- Feline Calicivirus is part of the cat flu
- Feline Rhinotracheitis (Feline Herpes Virus) is another part of cat flu and can lead to permanent nasal and sinus infection
- Chlamydia is a bacterial disease causing conjunctivitis, respiratory disease, infections arthritis and even abortion
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV or Feline AIDS) is a potentially fatal disease attacking the immune system. Vaccination against FIV is not a core vaccination but is available at Stabler & Howlett Veterinary Surgeons if requested.
To book your cat in for a vaccination with one of our expert veterinarians, please contact your nearest Stabler & Howlett Veterinary Surgeons clinic today.
Parasite Control
Heartworm
- Heartworm is an extremely important issue for pets in Mackay. Mackay is considered a hotspot for heartworm and has the highest incidence of heartworm in Australia.
- Effective heartworm prevention revolves around testing and treatment.
- In-house tests are available at Stabler & Howlett on a routine basis and are as simple as a simple blood sample taken from your pet during consult.
- Proheart SR12 is an annual injection and is our preferred method for heartworm prevention. As an annual injection, we can ensure your pet is continuously protected and avoid any missed doses at home.
- Dr Al Grant was involved in the 2019 launch of Proheart SR12 in the USA and was invited on a 3-week roadshow to present our experience in treating heartworm to American veterinarians.
- Our reminder system will alert you when your pet is due each year.
- In the unfortunate event that your pet contracts heartworm, we have extensive experience in managing and treating your pet to give the best chance of a full recovery.
To book your pet in for a heartworm treat with one of our expert veterinarians, please contact your nearest Stabler & Howlett Veterinary Surgeons clinic today.
Parasite Control
Ticks and Fleas
To book your pet in for tick and flea treatment with one of our expert veterinarians, please contact your nearest Stabler & Howlett Veterinary Surgeons clinic today.
Parasite Control
Intestinal Worms
- In our tropical environment, intestinal worms are a big problem and some worms can be fatal.
- Routine deworming should be performed:
- Every 2 weeks between the age of 2-12 weeks
- Every month between the age of 3-6 months
- Every 3 months for animals older than 6 months
- There are a variety of deworming products available that can be tailored to your pet's needs. Our staff are trained and familiar with the latest worming products and can recommend the right product for your pet.
To book your pet in for intestinal worm treatment with one of our expert veterinarians, please contact your nearest Stabler & Howlett Veterinary Surgeons clinic today.