When your pet is ill
Emergencies
If you have an emergency, please take the short time required to contact us before you set off with your pet – the reasons for this are not only that it is always as well for us to be prepared, knowing that an emergency is on the way but also because we may be able to give you some advice regarding first-aid measures you can take before you set off to the surgery.
It is always advisable to bring your pet to the surgery for treatment, rather than requesting a home or roadside visit, as we have all the facilities required for resuscitation and stabilisation of patients in the practice.
In the event that an emergency occurs outside normal opening hours you should listen carefully to the answerphone message and follow the instructions you are given.
Non-emergencies
Unfortunately almost all pets, just like humans, will become ill at some time in their lives. It is important to realise that, particularly because your pet cannot talk to you, any change in behaviour such as eating, drinking, exercising etc, or change in appearance e.g. swellings, hair loss, change in weight etc, or development of signs such as coughing, sneezing, itchiness, vomiting, diarrhoea etc, can all signal that there is something wrong which warrants assessment by your vet. The problem may be straightforward, but even subtle changes such as an increase in thirst can signal more serious problems like diabetes or kidney problems, and the sooner these are detected and dealt with, the better.
Frequent exercise, a good well balanced diet, regular dental care, regular worming/parasite control, vaccination and health checks by your vet will all help to keep your pet as healthy as possible, but of course cannot entirely prevent illness or stop accidents happening. For peace of mind in anticipation of such an eventuality it is well worth having your pet insured to cover the costs of veterinary treatment.
It is important to remain observant of your pet's general behaviour and appearance at all times and to take action if you feel there is any deviation from what you know to be normal for your pet – regular walks as well as play, grooming and dental care sessions all give opportunities for you to check that all is well with your pet's health.
If you have any concerns about your pet's wellbeing, then please do not hesitate to contact us to make an appointment with one of our general practice vets
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