Learn some of the ways in which we can help care for your pet both in good health and poorer health.
My pet is brand new ..... what do I do?
There is a whole range of subjects on which we can give advice. Feel free to call for an appointment to discuss your pet and its requirements. As a basic checklist, we suggest
- Vaccination
- Worming
- Proper diet
- Microchipping
- Neutering
- Behavioural issues
My pet needs an appointment ..... but the office is shut!
We operate a 24 hour emergency service, 365 days a year. The same numbers will get you through to someone who can help you out.
My pet needs a house call .....
It is always possible to do house calls. However, it is far better for most animals to be seen at the surgery. The staff at the surgery will have access to the full range of equipment and products that we can use to help make your pet better. House call bags only carry basic equipment and medicines.
My pet needs treatment .....
Most of the time we use medication to get your pet better, but sometimes we do need to carry out surgical procedures. Before operating, our clinical staff will discuss the procedures with you and keep you informed once surgery has been completed.
My pet is having an operation ..... what preparations do I make?
Generally the following rules apply:
- Starve from 6 o'clock the night before.
- Give water as normal
- Allow your pet to empty their bladder and bowel before coming in.
- Take your pet into the surgery for 9am
Certain types of operation will call for other pre-operative procedures to be carried out. Just phone us if you are not sure what to do.
My pet is being kept in .......how do I get a progress report?
You will be told when to phone to get a progress report on your pet. If you are worried, just phone the surgery number for a quick update. We will then tell you when to expect more news.
My puppy needs its vaccinations .....
All puppies should be vaccinated from 8 weeks of age. The primary course consists of 2 injections given 2 weeks apart. Regular annual boosters are needed to ensure continued protection. This primary course will protect your growing pup against the common contagious diseases. All pups get a full health check before their vaccine is given.
My kitten needs its vaccinations .....
All kittens should be vaccinated from 9 weeks of age. The primary course consists of 2 injections given 3 weeks apart. The primary course will protect your growing kitten against the common contagious diseases for the first year. Regular annual boosters are needed to ensure continued protection. All kittens get a full health check before their first vaccine.
My pet had its vaccinations a year ago.....
All pet vaccines currently need boosted every year (although not all components of the dog vaccine are given each year). This is a great opportunity for you to bring to our attention any other worries that you may have. Together, we can decide on the best course of action to ensure you that your pet stays fit and healthy for as long as possible. This may also be a good time to think about micro-chipping and worming your pet.
My pet needs a microchip.....
Although not yet a legal requirement, it is a good idea to get cats and dogs microchipped. For a small fee, they can have a lifelong transponder inserted under the skin which will be a permanent form of identification. That means if your pet gets lost, there will be a much better chance of him being found and taken back to you.
My pet may have worms or fleas .....
Advice and medication for all common parasites is available at both our surgeries, our staff will help you to find the right product for the right parasite. You can get lots of interesting facts and figures about parasites on the Its a Jungle website. Be prepared for some excellent (if gross) high magnification photos.
My pet may be on the wrong food .....
Just as with us humans, our pets don't always prefer to eat what's best for them. The most common problem we see is simply when they eat too much. If you have any worries please ask one of the vets or nurses and they will advise you on the best diet for your pet. Please remember if weight is an issue you can always use the weigh scales in the practice any time during office hours.
My pet needs to be neutered .....
There are lots of different reasons for pets being neutered. If you are unsure about neutering, all our staff are able to discuss this with you. Neutering is a surgical procedure, carried out under general anaesthetic. When you book an appointment to have an operation, our staff will give you instructions on how to get your pet ready for the day of the operation. Most animals are dropped off in the morning and are then ready for home later that same afternoon, but you will be advised to call the surgery before this.
My pet needs further tests .....
To help us diagnose your pet's problems we have a range of equipment and external services that we can use. We routinely use blood tests, xray, ultrasound and ECG to help us diagnose your animal's problems.
What if my dog is having behavioural issues .....
If your pet is displaying behavioural problems, we offer a service with our animal behaviourist Caz. A qualified and experienced vet nurse, she has also worked as a police dog trainer.
She holds a certificate in companion animal behaviour and has recently completed an advanced diploma in canine behaviour management to keep up to date on the latest principles in this field, as many older or traditional methods are now out of favour and may even be detrimental.
You can arrange a consultation directly with Caz or you may be advised to see her after a discussion with a vet. Behavioural problems take time to consider; a consultation takes an hour or more and can be undertaken at the clinic or at home.
Similarly, with regard to canine and feline behaviour therapy there is often no quick fix, but Caz will be there to support you as you put her advice in to practice over subsequent weeks and months.
Inadequate or inappropriate socialisation of puppies can lead to ongoing behavioural issues. Caz is keen on prevention in preference to cure and has puppy resources she will happily provide free to those who ask, as well as providing guidance on appropriate modern methods of dog training.
When that time comes .....
Sadly, there will always come a time when we have to say goodbye to our beloved pets. See the attached document that outlines the options that are available when that time comes ...