Questions are part of good care.
From vaccines and nutrition to dental care, grooming and everyday pet health, find straightforward answers to the questions pet parents ask most.
Before You Act
Answers to the things pet parents ask most.
From vaccinations and nutrition to everyday care, here are some of the questions we hear most often at Gentle Ben's.
My puppy has one shot. Can he or she go outside to the savannah or beach?
Puppies are not considered fully protected until they have completed their vaccination programme.
Can I give my pets human medication?
Human medications are not automatically safe for pets. Always speak with your veterinarian before giving medication.
How often should my pet visit the vet?
How many litter boxes does my cat need?
Can I brush my pet's teeth?
Your Questions.
Answered.
Browse our most common pet-care questions and get practical guidance on nutrition, vaccinations, preventive care, dental health and everyday life with your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
11Hay is the most important part of a rabbit's diet. High-quality hays like timothy should make up the majority of the daily diet, followed by a small number of fresh vegetables and fruits and a limited number of pellets.
Ideally, barring any illness, dogs and cats should be seen every 3 months by your veterinarian. Rabbits and other small exotics do well with 2 visits a year and with birds, once yearly visits are recommended.
The general recommendation is one box per cat plus one extra. So, if you have two cats, you should have three litter boxes.
Puppies usually begin vaccinations at 6 weeks. Most breeds get 4 shots, 3 weeks apart. Dobermans, rottweilers and mixes get one extra for a total of 5. All dogs should get an annual booster.
No. Puppies are not considered protected until they have completed their vaccination series. Wait at least 2 weeks after the last vaccine before taking them out. Ideally, flea and tick prevention should also be in place.
Spaying and neutering helps prevent unwanted litters, can reduce undesirable behaviours and can protect pets from serious health issues.
Pets can be spayed or neutered as early as 6 months. Shelters and stray animals may be sterilized earlier. Large and giant breed dogs may be recommended for surgery between 9–18 months due to considerations involving orthopedic disease.
Human-safe medications are not necessarily pet-safe. Differences in dosage, tolerance, side effects and applications can make medications dangerous for pets. They can cause problems ranging from gastrointestinal issues through liver and kidney problems to seizures, comas and death. You should NEVER give your pets any medicines unless prescribed by a veterinarian.
Feed a high-quality puppy food formulated specifically for growth. Adult food may not provide enough nutrients for a growing puppy. After weaning, puppies generally eat 3–4 meals per day, with meals decreasing as they get older. Maintaining a consistent feeding routine is important.
Every 3–4 weeks is ideal for most dogs. Use a pet-specific shampoo, and use a medicated shampoo when recommended for a skin condition. Wipes or waterless shampoo can be useful between baths while helping avoid stripping natural oils and drying the skin.
Yes. It is best to start when pets are puppies or kittens and make dental care part of their routine. Aim for a minimum of 3 times weekly using a pet toothbrush or finger brush and pet toothpaste or gels only. Some pets resist brushing, so water drops or gels can also help reduce plaque and tartar and freshen breath.
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Ask first. Always.
When it comes to your pet's health, something that seems harmless can sometimes have serious consequences. When in doubt, speak with your veterinarian before giving medication, changing treatment or waiting out worrying symptoms.
Don't guess when your pet's health is involved.
Professional veterinary advice is especially important in situations like these.
Don't give human medicine without veterinary advice.
Medication that is safe for people is not automatically safe for pets. Dosages, side effects and how medicines are processed can be very different.
01One vaccination does not mean full protection.
Young pets need their complete vaccination programme before they can be considered protected. Your veterinarian can advise you on the appropriate schedule.
02Don't wait and hope a worrying symptom disappears.
Changes in appetite, behaviour, breathing, energy, vomiting, diarrhoea, pain or other unusual symptoms may need professional assessment.
03The safest rule: if you're unsure whether something is safe for your pet, contact your veterinarian before taking action.