Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned companion, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of common queries to guide you on your journey.
It's abnormal for a young rabbit to die suddenly; contact the nearest veterinarian to rule out any infectious conditions.
In Uganda, our parents instilled cat phobia when we were young. The only good thing associated with cats is hunting and killing rats that eat our seasonal harvests kept in the stores.
The rest of the stories about cats were negative, i.e., cats cause abortion, purring causes pneumonia, cat hair causes asthma if inhaled, and hissing causes blindness, which is incorrect.
As kids, the disadvantages of owning a cat outweighed the benefits. This marked the genesis of cat phobia among most Ugandans.
Pasteurellosis, bloat, suffocation, accidents, aflatoxicosis, coccidiosis, and heat stroke are the most common causes of sudden death among rabbits
After 3-4 days
1-2inches
Hepatic coccidiosis, worms, stress, dental problems, overgrown teeth, and underfeeding commonly cause weight loss in rabbits.
Activated charcoal, dewormers, disinfectants, antibiotics, painkillers, bandages, etc. are home remedies a pet parent should have.
Cherry eye is not common among dogs in Uganda.
In seven years of practice as a small animal veterinarian in Kampala, I have seen only three cases of cherry eye.
Read about causes, treatment, and how long it takes to heal.
Cats express love and trust to humans in several ways, i.e., kneading, purring, bunting you with their head and tail base, allowing you to groom them, bringing you presents, etc.
Respond positively to your cat when he or she shows love and trust.
A cat’s day is occupied with many activities, i.e., grooming, sleeping, hunting, playing, feeding, roaming, scratching, observing, etc. Sleeping is the most enjoyable activity for cats. Healthy adult cats sleep 12–16 hours per day; kittens, senior cats, and sick cats sleep more than 16 hours.
Loss of fur among rabbits is commonly caused by diseases, e.g., mange, nutritional deficiencies, stress, pregnancy, inbreeding, hormonal imbalances, etc.
Clean the wound using a disinfectant.
Take broad-spectrum antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.
Go to the nearest health facility for post-exposure rabies shots and tetanus shots.
Post-exposure rabies shots are free in all government hospitals in Uganda.
For private hospitals, it ranges from 100,000 to 300,000 Ugandan shillings per shot.
Most rabbit diseases in Uganda are due to poor feeding, poor hygiene, poor ventilation, and stocking rabbits with hereditary conditions, i.e., snuffles, mange, coccidiosis, and bloat.
Get to know the best treatment for the common rabbit diseases in Uganda
Kiruddu National Referral Hospital and other government health facilities
Private hospitals, i.e., Nsambya, Mengo, Kibuli, etc.
Pet health certificates cost 100,000 Ugandan shillings ($27) – 250,000shs Ugandan shillings ($68)
Pets in Uganda are affected by ecto and endoparasites. i.e., endoparasites such as worms. Ectoparasites include ticks, fleas, mites, louse, and myiatic larvae
Read about the most common parasites in Uganda, how to prevent and treat them.
Many drugs are available on the Ugandan market. For the best results, follow the instructions provided by your vet.
Anti-parasitic chewable tablets last 3 weeks to 3 months, depending on the brand used. The most common tablets are Bravecto and Simparica.
Acaricides are effective against ticks and mites but are poisonous to dogs and cats if licked. Muzzle your pet when applying acaricides until their fur is completely dry.
Anti-parasitic pour-on oils are effective against ticks, fleas, and mites. Apply to the skin on the top of the neck and head, where pets cannot lick. Fipronil is the most common product on the market.
The anti-parasitic powder is highly effective against ticks, fleas, and mites. Apply it to your pet’s skin twice a week. Sevin dust is the most commonly used product.
It is a mixture of 3–5 vaccines in a single dose given to cats at 8 weeks and 12 weeks to protect against the following diseases: feline enteritis, feline leukemia, feline rhinotracheitis, feline chlamydia, and feline calicivirus.
Read about the importance and components of a cat cocktail vaccine
It’s a leaflet or booklet issued by a licensed veterinary doctor or clinic after vaccinating your dog.
It should have the stickers of the vaccine used, particulars of the veterinarian, particulars of the dog owners, and details of the vaccinated dog signed and stamped by a licensed veterinarian.
It is a mixture of 5–7 vaccines given to dogs at the age of 6 weeks or 12 weeks to protect against the following diseases: leptospirosis, canine distemper, parvovirosis, parainfluenza, canine infectious hepatitis, canine infectious laryngotracheitis, etc.
Read about the importance and components of dog cocktail vaccine
With more expatriates coming in, the variety of dogs in Uganda has recently widened.
As a veterinarian in Kampala, Uganda, I list the common types of dogs I see in Uganda at dog shows, with our clients, and in the canine sections of security organizations.
Dogs above 6 months deworm every after 3 months.
Dogs between 3-6 months deworm every after 1 month.
Dogs between 1-3 months deworm every after 14 days.
The above schedule might be changed based on other environmental factors resulting in low or high frequency of deworming.
| Brand of parvo kit used | Price of a parvo test per puppy in Uganda |
| USA and European parvo antigen rapid kits | 25,000shs ($7) – 65,000shs ($18) @ puppy |
| Asian parvo antigen rapid kits | 15,000shs ($4) – 45,000shs ($12) @ puppy |
By training them not to do so
Spraying scents which are unpleasant to dogs e.g. vinegar.
Yes salt can be put in dog’s food but in exact and right quantities only. If not sure of the quantity please do not put salt.
Excess salt predisposes to loss of hair, nerve disorders, muscle tremors, heart and kidney disease.
Dogs are carnivores. They are supposed to eat meat.
Maize flour and silver cyprinid, if poorly stored and processed, accumulate aflatoxins which cause liver damage.
Find the reasons HERE
It's usually advisable to wash the dog once in 3 weeks to one month.
However the number of bathes can increase or decrease based on the environment of the dog. Eg if the dog has access to a dirty place it's whenever needed.
Ticks are notorious ectoparasites that suck blood and transmit diseases to dogs.
They can be found on any body part of the dog but they mostly prefer to hide in : ears, between the toes, underneath the tail base, armpits and leg pits.
6-9 months depending on the breed. Smaller breeds it's done sooner than in large breeds.
Above 3 months of age the dog is vaccinated once a year
Spaying or giving anti puppy shots.
Avocado, chocolate, apple seeds, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, chewing gum, grapes, mushroom, potato leaves, salt, green tomato leaves, yeast dough, alcohol, corn on the cob, raisins, moldy foods etc.
First establish the source ( bad breath or septic wounds) of smell, manage accordingly. if its none of the above, do the following;
Regularly wash your dog using medicated shampoo recommended by your vet.
Desex (castrate/spay)
Regularly brush the dog’s teeth using a dog toothbrush and paste.( never use human paste, it contains xylitol which is poisonous to dogs)
Yes they do. Vets sacrifice ½ a decade studying to save and improve the health state of animals.
Basic obedience training can start between 2-3 months.
Giving him/her training( involves telling him/her to stop whenever he starts digging). ‘’ Clowie stop’’.
Making the favorite dig spot unpleasant by placing stones, rocks or applying unpleasant scents for dogs.
Ecto-parasites eg fleas, ticks, mites
Allergies
Skin fungal infection
No, the ingredients and concentrations of human shampoo are different. Using it predisposes the dog to skin infections and allergies.
Yes some human drugs can be used to treat dogs but it's only done under professional prescription.
Sign of playing, in nature they play with their mother and siblings by biting.
Biting on things aid to remove puppy teeth replaced by permanent teeth.
Hunger
Exhaustion
Stress ( from new; environment, person and pet)
Indicator of gastrointestinal disturbances due to ( worms, foreign body, ulcers, allergies, cancers, bacterial and viral infections)
Lethargy, isolation, abrupt change in behavior, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever.
Rabies, canine distemper, leptospirosis, parvovirosis, parainfluenza, infectious hepatitis, infectious laryngotracheitis.
Abrupt change of; diet, person who serves him/her food, feeding time, food bowel, position where the food bowel is put.
Giving the same food for a long period of time.
sickness.
No matter the source any dog can be a good pet depending on the treatment he/she receives.
Find the answers to FAQS about dog vacciantion by pet owners to vets in this article
ANSWERS ABOVE ACT AS A BASIC SOLUTION / GUIDANCE TO DOG OWNERS.
PLEASE SEEK EXTRA INFORMATION FROM PROFESSIONAL VET DOCTOR.
Welcome to Superior Animal Clinic, where passion for pets meets unparalleled expertise in veterinary care. We take pride in being a trusted partner in your pet’s health journey, providing top-notch veterinary services with a commitment to excellence.
Whether your pet needs a routine wellness exam, vaccinations, or treatment for a health issue, our team is here to provide compassionate and professional care.