Frequently asked questions

What should a dog eat? Basic amounts and meal frequency

How many calories and how many meals a day, based on age and body weight. Adult dogs 2 meals, puppies 3-4 meals.

What should a cat eat? Cats need high protein

Cats are obligate carnivores — they need ≥30% protein and taurine, and cannot be vegetarian. Never let a cat go hungry: it causes fatty liver.

Treats and human food — what is fine, what is banned?

Treats are 10% of the daily ration. Chocolate, onion, grapes, xylitol, macadamia — ABSOLUTELY BANNED.

Puppy vaccine schedule, 6-16 weeks (WSAVA)

DHPP in 3 shots (6-8w, 10-12w, 14-16w) plus rabies from 12w. Booster after 1 year, then every 3 years.

Kitten vaccine schedule, 8-16 weeks

FVRCP in 3 shots from 8 weeks plus rabies from 12w. FeLV for outdoor cats.

Deworming schedule for dogs and cats

Puppies/kittens every 2 weeks until 12w, then monthly until 6 months. Adults every 3 months.

Flea and tick prevention

Vietnam is hot and humid — fleas and ticks are a year-round problem. Topical or oral monthly, with a weekly body check.

When should you spay or neuter?

The standard is 6-9 months. Benefits: less cancer, better behaviour, population control. For large breeds consider delaying to 12-18m.

My pet turned aggressive out of nowhere — why?

Sudden aggression is usually a sign of PAIN, not personality. See the vet before you start training.

Separation anxiety

Your pet destroys things, cries non-stop, or toilets indoors while you are out. It needs gradual training and sometimes mild medication.

Puppy training basics (the golden 8-16 weeks)

The socialization window is 8-16 weeks — meet 100+ people, pets and new situations. Positive reinforcement only.

Litter box training for cats

Cats use litter by instinct — going outside the box is a red flag (stress, urinary disease, or the wrong box).

Caring for a senior pet (>7 years)

Dogs over 7, cats over 10. Check-ups every 6 months instead of once a year. Adjust nutrition and exercise.

Caring for your pet after surgery (desexing, fractures, tumours)

E-collar for 10-14 days + restricted activity + watch the wound + the right medication. Stitches out in 7-10 days.

Dental care for your pet

Brush 2-3 times a week. 80% of dogs and cats over 3 have periodontal disease. Professional scaling every 1-2 years.

How to bathe your pet properly

Dogs: every 2-4 weeks. Cats: only when dirty (they groom themselves). Use pet shampoo, never human shampoo.