As part of our measures to encourage responsible pet ownership, this page sets out some simple animal health measures and gives access to further advice on animal health topics.

Fact: You probably see more of your pet than anyone else
Fact: Your pet is in large part dependent on you for his/her well-being
So: You are your pet’s best friend and best chance

You are in a unique position to notice when something is not quite right.

One of the major problems we face in the clinic is having to treat animals later than we would like to because owners don’t bring them in soon enough when they are ill. By the time we see them they can be suffering from illnesses which have moved from a minor complaint, able to be cured quickly and inexpensively, to a major problem involving time, cost and, in the worst cases, the life of the pet. This is complicated by many patients being unneutered, not regularly vaccinated, treated for parasites or being fed an inappropriate diet.

We strongly advise all our clients to check their pets frequently. You do not have to be a vet to notice:
Itching, scratching or over-grooming, Coughing or sneezing, Diarrhoea and vomiting, Loss of weight, Smelly breath

If in doubt contact us for advice. Whether it’s nothing to worry about or the start of a serious problem doesn’t matter - please ask and you may be saving time, money and suffering. Remember that our fees are much lower than those of local vets in private practice, due to the subsidies made possible by charitable donations and legacies. We also have funds to provide additional help with fees, e.g. for neutering, micro-chipping and vaccinations in certain circumstances.

Another concern we have is the number of puppies and kittens bought from dealers advertising in the Free-Ads or similar, often via mobile phone numbers. Despite assurances to the contrary these animals often come without having had the benefit of worming, vaccinations or similar essential health measures. Congenital defects, malnutrition and parasites are just examples of conditions we all too frequently find in such animals. Buying an animal from a re-homing charity, such as the RSPCA or the Dogs Trust, would help relieve the pressure on these organisations and reduce the income that keeps what is in effect a black market in pets going.

Remember also that prevention is better than cure. Make sure your pet is: Micro-chipped, Vaccinated, Wormed and flea treated regularly
Neutered, Dental checked

Please note it's a legal requirement for all dogs over 8 weeks to be microchipped. Please click on the link for the latest news regarding Micro-chipping laws. CLICK HERE

If you want practical tips on pet health and responsible pet ownership, try the following links:
Blue Cross - Information and leaflets
Cats Protection - Cat care leaflets
Dogs Trust – Factsheets and downloads
PDSA - Pet care leaflets and free Email advice newsletters

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