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The questions that arrive at the front desk.
Answers from the clinic. If yours is not here, call — that is what the phone is for.
Puppies and kittens
The first year.
How old should my puppy or kitten be for the first vaccine?
Kittens should start their vaccination course from 8 weeks of
age. Puppies should have their first vaccine between 4 and 6 weeks.
When can I start taking my puppy outside?
This depends on when the vaccination course starts. Contrary to what many people
think, going outside is not governed by the animal’s age but
by the vaccines.
We want puppies to start walking outside only once they are properly immunised
against the most dangerous and common infectious diseases — parvovirus among them.
So only one week after the last vaccination against the contagious
diseases can a puppy safely start going out. If he arrives at the clinic between 4
and 7 weeks of age, that works out at around 14 weeks.
Is a microchip compulsory? Until when can I have it done?
The microchip is compulsory for all dogs, cats and ferrets, registered on SIAC (Decree-Law 82/2019). For animals born after 25 October 2019 it must be fitted by 120 days of age — and, for dogs, always before walks outside begin: from the moment the animal is on a public street it must already be identified.
From what age can I have my pet neutered?
Both males and females can be neutered from 6 months. With
females we would rather operate before the first season: several
studies show that the likelihood of developing mammary tumours later is practically
0% if they never go through a first oestrous cycle.
Day to day
Food, parasites and teeth.
Should I give wet food in tins, or dry food?
In a healthy animal, dry food is always the better choice: it
promotes much better oral health — preventing gingivitis and bad breath, and making
it harder for tartar to build up —, it contains less fat, and it makes life easier
for the gut flora.
Tins of wet food should be thought of as a trip to a fast-food
restaurant. Ask us which brands of dry food suit your animal.
Can I stop treating for fleas and ticks in winter? The cold kills them anyway…
No. In Portugal the winter is not cold enough to see off fleas and ticks —
external parasite control runs all year round.
About the clinic
Bookings, emergencies and the rest.
Why take his blood pressure if he only came in for a vaccine?
Because hypertension is silent and under-diagnosed, and because the animal that
looks well is precisely the one where measuring is worth it. It is part of the
consultation, at every age — it is not an extra.
Is my appointment confirmed when I submit the form?
No. Bookings are only confirmed after our phone call. The request
comes in, we call to confirm the day, the time and the clinic.
Do you see exotic animals?
Yes, with a vet who specialises in exotic animals. Call first and ask about the booking conditions.
Do you do home visits?
Yes, for owners who live in Lisbon and cannot get to the clinic.
Yours is not here
Then ask us by phone.
At the desk we can answer things a website cannot: whether that lump is
for today, whether that cough can wait until Monday.
Corroios: 21 807 9455
11 questions · answers published by PetDoctors