Practical pet health information
These guides provide general preventative-care information. For advice about an individual animal, contact the surgery.
Dog vaccinations
Vaccination helps protect dogs against important infectious disease. Puppy courses are followed by appropriate booster vaccination. Depending on circumstances this can include protection against parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, kennel cough and rabies.
Cat vaccinations
Kitten vaccination and boosters may provide protection against feline respiratory viruses, panleucopenia and feline leukaemia virus depending on the individual cat's risk.
Parasites, teeth and senior pets
Routine parasite control, dental assessment, weight management and regular checks for older pets can help identify problems earlier.
Preparing your puppy for their first visit
A first visit is an opportunity for your puppy to learn that the veterinary practice is a safe, friendly place. A little preparation can make the experience easier for both of you.
Before you come in
- Choose a calm time of day where possible, and allow plenty of time so you are not rushing.
- Bring your puppy on a secure lead or in a suitable carrier. Take a few small, high-value treats they already enjoy, unless we have told you otherwise.
- Let us know when booking if they are nervous, travel sick, not fully vaccinated, or have any special needs. We can help you plan the visit.
- Make a short note of anything you would like to ask about: food, toilet training, sleep, chewing, parasite prevention, vaccination or insurance. It is easy to forget once you are in the room.
On the day
Keep the journey and arrival as low-key as you can. Reward calm behaviour rather than asking your puppy to greet every person or dog they see. In the waiting room, give them space from other animals and follow any directions from the team. If the area feels busy, please tell reception; we may be able to suggest a quieter place to wait.
During the consultation, it is fine if your puppy needs a moment to look around and settle. Gentle handling, praise and treats can help create a positive association. We will explain what we are doing and can discuss a plan for vaccinations, parasite control, diet, microchipping, neutering and future nurse clinics that suits your puppy.
After the appointment
Give your puppy time to rest after a new experience. A quiet walk, a chew or a nap can be more helpful than a busy outing. Keep practising short, positive handling at home: touch paws, look at ears and lift the lip briefly, always pairing this with praise or a reward. These small exercises can make future checks less stressful.
When to call: If your puppy is unwell, has vomiting or diarrhoea, seems unusually quiet, is not eating, or you are worried for any reason, contact the practice for individual advice rather than waiting for their next routine appointment.
When should your cat see a vet?
Cats are very good at masking discomfort, so a change in their usual habits can be an important clue. You know your cat best: if something seems out of character, it is sensible to speak to us.
Book a check-up if you notice a change
- Eating, drinking, weight, grooming, activity or sleep patterns change noticeably.
- Your cat is hiding more, becoming unusually clingy, irritable or reluctant to be handled.
- They have vomiting or diarrhoea, a cough, runny eyes or nose, a new lump, skin problem, limp, or signs of dental discomfort such as dropping food.
- You notice a change in toileting, including using the tray more often, passing only small amounts, going outside the tray, straining or blood-tinged urine.
These signs do not tell us what the cause is, but they are useful reasons to arrange an assessment. If possible, note when the change began and how often it happens. A short video of an intermittent cough, limp or unusual behaviour can also be helpful.
Do not wait for these signs
Please contact a vet urgently if your cat has trouble breathing or is open-mouth breathing; collapses; has a seizure; has suffered a significant injury; seems in severe pain; has repeated vomiting; or is straining to pass urine, especially if little or no urine is produced. Urinary blockage can become life-threatening quickly, particularly in male cats.
Making a visit easier
Leave the carrier out at home with familiar bedding so it is not only associated with a trip. Place a blanket over the carrier during travel if this helps your cat feel secure, and keep it level. Avoid putting hands near a painful or frightened cat; use the carrier to move them safely and call us for guidance if you are struggling.
Routine examinations still matter even when your cat looks well. Regular checks give us a chance to monitor weight, teeth, heart, skin and preventative care, and to discuss any subtle changes you have noticed.
Keeping pets safe during hot weather
Warm weather can be uncomfortable and, in some situations, dangerous for pets. Prevention is the safest approach: make cool, shaded places and fresh water available before your pet becomes hot.
Plan ahead on warm days
- Never leave a pet in a parked car, conservatory, caravan, shed or tent on a warm day. These spaces can heat up very quickly.
- For dogs, choose cooler early-morning or late-evening walks. Shorten or skip exercise if it is hot or humid, especially for flat-faced breeds, older pets, overweight pets and those with health conditions.
- Provide several bowls of fresh water and access to shade. Bring water on suitable walks and allow rest breaks.
- Keep indoor areas cool by closing blinds or curtains on sunny windows and offering a well-ventilated resting area. Make sure your pet can move away from any cooling mat or wrapped cold pack if they wish.
- Rabbits, guinea pigs and other small pets are particularly sensitive to heat. Move their accommodation out of direct sun and check them frequently.
Know the warning signs
Heavy or persistent panting, excessive drooling, bright-red gums, weakness, wobbliness, confusion, vomiting, diarrhoea, collapse or seizures can be signs of heatstroke in dogs. Cats and small pets may become very quiet, weak, breathe rapidly, stop eating or collapse. Any pet can be affected.
Heatstroke is an emergency. Move your pet to a cool, shaded place, start cooling them with cool tap water while keeping water away from the nose and mouth, and create airflow with a fan or open windows. Offer water if they are awake and able to drink, but do not force it. Call us straight away and continue cooling during transport as advised.
A note on paws and sun
Hot pavements can burn paws, so choose grass or shade where possible and avoid the hottest part of the day. Pets with pale skin, thin coats or bare areas may also need protection from strong sun; ask us which pet-safe products and precautions are right for your animal. If you are unsure whether conditions are safe, it is kinder to keep them cool at home.