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FAQs about pet care

FAQs about pet care

Looking for trusted veterinary care in Penrith, Blaxland, St Clair or Greater Western Sydney? Our friendly and experienced team at WellPet Vets is here to help! Whether it’s your pet’s first check-up, an emergency, or ongoing preventive care — here are some of the questions we hear most often from local pet owners:

Emergency Care

Q: What should I do if my pet has an emergency after hours?

A: If your pet is facing a medical emergency outside of regular clinic hours, it's important to contact your nearest emergency veterinary hospital right away. Every second counts — don’t delay. For those in the Western Sydney or Lower Blue Mountains areas, WellPet Vets' Nepean Animal Hospital in Regentville is open 24/7 to provide immediate care.

Q: How do I know if my pet's situation is an emergency?

A: If your pet is experiencing breathing difficulties, seizures, severe bleeding, trauma, poisoning, or is unresponsive — treat it as an emergency and contact us or an emergency vet straight away.

Q: Do I need to call ahead in an emergency?

A: If possible, yes. A quick call allows our team to prepare for your arrival and provide guidance for safe transport.

Q: Does WellPet Vets offer payment plans for emergencies?

A: We understand that unexpected veterinary expenses can be challenging. While our clinic doesn’t offer traditional accounts, we do provide flexible payment options through VetPay, ZipPay, and Afterpay to help ease the financial strain and ensure your pet receives timely care. Please note that approval for these services is arranged directly with the provider and is subject to their terms and conditions. All accounts must be paid in full prior to discharge.

Routine Care

Q: How often should my pet have a health check?

A: We recommend a health check at least once a year for adult pets and twice a year for senior pets. Regular check-ups help us catch issues early and keep your pet healthy.

Q: What vaccinations does my pet need?

A: Vaccination requirements depend on your pet’s species, age, and lifestyle — but we recommend:

  • For dogs: The C7 vaccination, which covers Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Bordetella (kennel cough), Leptospirosis, and Coronavirus.
  • For cats: The F5 vaccination, which protects against Feline Panleukopenia, Feline Herpesvirus, Feline Calicivirus, Feline Chlamydia, and Feline Leukaemia Virus.

Our vets will tailor a vaccination schedule to ensure your pet stays protected against these common and often serious diseases.

Q: When should I desex my pet?

A: Typically, pets can be desexed around 5-6 months of age, but this can vary depending on breed and size. Our vets will recommend the best timing for your pet.

Q: What is the cost of a vet check-up?

A: Our standard 30 minute consult is $126.50, many other clinics offer 15 or 20 minute consults, so please be aware of this when comparing costs. 

A veterinary consultation is much more than just a quick check-up! During your pet’s consult, our experienced vets will:

  • Take a full medical history, including any changes in behaviour, appetite, activity or toileting habits.
  • Perform a thorough nose-to-tail physical examination — checking your pet’s eyes, ears, teeth, skin, coat, heart, lungs, abdomen, joints, and body condition.
  • Discuss any concerns or questions you may have about your pet’s health, diet, behaviour or lifestyle.
  •  Recommend any necessary diagnostic tests (such as blood tests, urine tests, or X-rays) if further investigation is needed.
  • Provide advice on preventive care like vaccinations, parasite control, dental care, nutrition, and weight management.
  • Develop a treatment or management plan tailored specifically to your pet’s needs, if an issue is detected.

Whether it’s for a routine health check or if your pet is feeling unwell, consultations help us spot health concerns early and ensure your pet lives a happy, healthy life. We encourage pet owners to ask questions — no concern is too small!

Note: there is surcharges for after hours, walk in emergencies, and public holidays. 

Dental Care

Q: How do I know if my pet needs dental care?

A: Signs of dental disease include bad breath, drooling, difficulty eating, red or bleeding gums, and visible tartar. Regular dental checks help prevent serious health problems.

Q: Do you offer dental cleaning for pets?

A: Yes! We provide professional dental cleaning under anaesthesia to remove plaque, tartar, and address any dental issues safely and thoroughly.

Q: Can I brush my pet’s teeth at home?

A: Absolutely — regular brushing at home is one of the best ways to prevent dental disease. Our team can show you how to do this safely and recommend pet-safe products.

Q: Why is dental care important for pets?

A: Dental health is closely linked to your pet’s overall wellbeing. Untreated dental issues can lead to pain, infection, and even organ damage.

Q: My pet is still eating fine — isn’t it normal for them to have bad breath, do they really need a dental?

A: Bad breath is often a sign of dental disease, even if your pet is still eating normally. Animals are very good at hiding discomfort, and many will continue to eat despite having sore gums, infected teeth, or other oral health issues. Regular dental checks can help catch problems early — before your pet shows obvious signs of pain or illness.

Additional Services

Q: Do you offer puppy and kitten health checks?

A: Yes, we offer comprehensive health checks for puppies and kittens, including vaccinations, microchipping, parasite prevention, and tailored advice for new pet parents.

Q: Can you help with behavioural concerns?

A: Yes, we can offer advice on common behavioural issues and, if needed, refer you to a qualified trainer or veterinary behaviourist.

Q: Do you provide parasite prevention?

A: Absolutely — we stock a range of parasite preventatives for fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal worms. Our team can help you choose the right protection for your pet.

Q: Do you offer senior pet care?

A: Yes, older pets benefit from regular health checks, joint care, weight management, and early screening for age-related conditions. We’re here to help them stay comfortable and happy.

Puppy Preschool

Q: What is Puppy Preschool and why is it important?

A: Puppy Preschool is a fun and positive early learning program designed to help your puppy develop essential social skills, build confidence, and learn basic obedience. Early socialisation sets the foundation for a well-mannered, happy dog and helps prevent behavioural issues later in life.

Q: Who runs the Puppy Preschool at WellPet?

A: Our Puppy Preschool is run by Kayla, one of our experienced and passionate veterinary nurses. Kayla is dedicated to helping puppies (and their humans!) build strong, positive bonds through reward-based training and practical advice.

Q: What does the Puppy Preschool program include?

A: Our program covers:

  • Basic obedience skills such as sit, stay, recall, and walking on a lead.
  • Socialisation with other puppies in a safe, controlled environment. 
  • Education on common puppy behaviours like mouthing, jumping, and toilet training.
  • Confidence-building exercises and exposure to new experiences.
  • Expert advice on health care, nutrition, parasite prevention, and general puppy wellbeing.
Q: At what age can my puppy start Puppy Preschool?

A: Puppies can join our classes from around 8 to 16 weeks of age, as this is a key period for social development. Your puppy should have started their vaccination schedule before attending. We also offer specialised classes for older dogs too!

Q: How do I enrol my puppy in Puppy Preschool?

A: Simply give our friendly team a call or ask during your next vet visit! Spaces are limited to ensure a safe and supportive environment, so early booking is recommended.

Still have questions?
Our friendly team at WellPet Vets is always happy to help.

Contact us today to book an appointment or to speak with a nurse or vet!