Your puppy's first year, month by month
Vaccines, food, teething and training, in the order they really happen.
Guide library
Pet care guides written for Lagos life
Short, practical reads from our vets and nurses. Filter by topic or search, then bring your questions to your next visit. Nothing here replaces a check up, but it will help you know when one is needed.
This month
Keeping cats cool through the dry season
Harmattan days can still climb past 33 degrees by afternoon, and cats hide heat stress well. Our nurse lead explains the early signs and how to cool a room when the power is off.
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Keeping cats cool through the dry season
Spot heat stress early and keep a room cool during power cuts.
Ticks after the rains
Ticks spread tick fever, and they love long grass after the first rains. Check ears, between toes and under the collar every evening from April to October. Pull ticks straight out with a tick hook, never burn them, and see us if your dog becomes tired, pale or goes off food within three weeks of a bite.
Travelling with pets out of Lagos
For road trips, feed a light meal four hours before leaving, stop every two hours for water in the shade and never leave a pet in a parked car, even with the windows open. For flights, airlines often want a health certificate issued within ten days of travel and a rabies vaccine at least 21 days old. Start the paperwork a month ahead.
Caring for an older pet
From around eight, pets slow down in quiet ways: stiffer mornings, more water drinking, a little weight loss. Twice yearly checks catch kidney, thyroid and joint problems early, when they are easiest to manage. Ramps, non slip mats and raised bowls make a real difference at home.
Choosing pet food on a budget
A complete, balanced commercial food is the simplest choice. If you cook for your pet, rice, boiled chicken or fish and vegetables can work, but they need added calcium and vitamins. Avoid onions, garlic, grapes, chocolate and cooked bones, and keep pepper soup for the humans.
Fireworks, thunder and generator noise
Loud noise is a real fear for many dogs. Make a den in an inner room, play steady background sound, and stay calm and near rather than fussing. For December fireworks, start gentle sound training in October, and ask us about calming options if your dog panics.
Settling a new cat in a busy home
Give a new cat one quiet room with food, water, litter and a hiding box for the first week. Let them come to you. Introduce other pets by swapping blankets before they meet, and keep doors and windows closed for at least three weeks.
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Seasons
What to watch for through the year
Dec to Feb
Harmattan
Dry skin, dusty eyes and hot afternoons. Brush more, offer extra water.
Mar to Apr
Hottest weeks
Heat stress risk is highest. Walk early, keep cats in cool rooms.
May to Oct
Rains
Ticks, leptospirosis and wet paws. Keep boosters in date, check for ticks.
Nov to Dec
Festive season
Fireworks, guests and rich food. Plan boarding and noise care early.
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