FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS

(FAQs)

I AM PLANNING ON BREEDING FROM MY PET, HOW LONG WILL THEY BE PREGNANT FOR?

 

This all depends on what pet you have. The average gestation period for dogs and cats is 63 days, for rabbits is 31 and for guinea pigs is 68 days. If you wish to discuss breeding with your pet in more detail then contact us for an appointment.

WHAT IS A MICROCHIP AND WHY IS IT RECOMMENDED?

A microchip is something that is placed under the skin of your pet, usually between their shoulder blades. It contains information that will allow your pet to be reunited with you in the event they go missing. If they are found and taken to a vet, or similar, they can be scanned and identified.

It is highly recommended that you get your pet microchipped; and in fact you can microchip almost any pet. Please be aware though, that as of 2016 it will become UK law to have all dogs microchipped.

WHY SHOULD I VACCINATE MY ANIMAL AND WHAT DOES IT CONTAIN?

This is another area of Veterinary Medicine that is species specific and will require an appointment with one of our vets.

A vaccine is something that helps prime the immune system to protect your pet in the event they are exposed to the real infection. We offer vaccinations for Dogs, Cats, Rabbits and Ferrets. However, if you have a small animal that you wish to be vaccinated that we have not mentioned then please contact us.

HOW DO I GIVE A TABLET TO MY PET?

This can be quite tricky but there are ways to help you. You could try wrapping it in some food; e.g. a nice peice of cheese or ham, there a special 'pill poppers' that allow you to put it near the back of your pets mouth.

 

However, if you are still struggling you can speak to one of our clinical team for further advice.

HOW DO I TAKE A URINE SAMPLE?

This all depends on species and gender. Generally it is much easier to take samples from dogs rather than other species; and especially males. Please see a helpful video on our ‘How To’ section of the site .

Cats can be difficult due to their lifestyle and behaviours; so for this we have a special collection pack to go inside their litter tray (please speak to practice for more details). There are a selection of tools to aid you so speak to one of our clinical team for more advice.

HOW DO I CLIP MY PET’S CLAWS?

 

We do offer this service at the practice; usually with a Nurse. However, if you wish to try it at home we first recommend speaking to us about what clippers to use as this can change depending on what pet you have and the size of their claws.

WHAT PARASITES ARE MY PETS AT RISK FROM?

 

This subject is quite vast and patient/species dependent. Our best recommendation is to speak directly to one of our clinical team while having your regular health check.

 

For a general overview of parasite risks we recommend you have a look here:

WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF NEUTERING?

This all depends on your reasons for wanting it done. For example changes in behaviour can occur post neutering, but this may be a pro or con, depending. A small table with the basics included is shown below. However, we do advise discussion with one of our clinical team to ensure you make the right decisions.

PROS

No chance to reproduce

Lowers libido

Alterations in behaviour

Reduces the risk of prostatic cancer

Eliminates chance of testicular cancer

CONS

Risk of surgery

Can gain weight more readily

Alterations in behaviour

I AM PLANNING ON TRAVELLING WITH MY PET BUT UNSURE WHAT I NEED TO DO?

 

This all depends on where you are travelling to and how you are getting there. We advise you to book an appointment with us to go through the health implications and paperwork. There are some basic requirements though, as set down by the government. https://www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad

WHAT PARASITES ARE MY PETS AT RISK FROM?

 

This subject is quite vast and patient/species dependent. Our best recommendation is to speak directly to one of our clinical team while having your regular health check.

 

For a general overview of parasite risks we recommend you have a look here:

MY PET IS DUE TO HAVE AN X-RAY, WHAT WILL THAT ENTAIL? ALSO IS IT DANGEROUS?

X-rays are a very useful tool to allow us to see inside your pet’s body. It is a misconception that x-rays are only used to assess bones; other organs can be assessed. The reason for taking one will be explained by our Vets; and also the procedures your pet will go through.

Much like taking a photo on your camera we need our patients to stay as still as possible. With humans you just ask them but this is not so simple in Veterinary Medicine. Your pet may need a sedation or general anaesthetic to ensure they are still enough for a diagnostic image. Again, if this is required it will be discussed with you. Once the image is taken it is analysed by one of our vets and a full report written and hopefully a diagnosis made. If any follow-up diagnostics are needed then they will be identified.

X-rays are a form of radiation; however, they are safe in small doses. Our clinicians will wear protective clothing as they deal with them regularly; but risk is a minimum to your pet.

MY PET IS BOOKED IN TO HAVE AND ULTRASOUND, WHAT WILL THAT ENTAIL?

 

Ultrasounds allow us to see many different things in the body from soft tissues, blood flow, free fluid, to pregnancy diagnosis. It works like a sonar system, sending out sound waves and waiting for them to be bounced back to a sensor. An image is then formed.

Most of the time your pet will happily stand or sit for this procedure with the aid of a nurse to steady them. For some techniques sedation is needed to allow us to position them in a certain way. Once still pictures or videos are taken to aid diagnostics a full report is given. A vet will then talk through the images with you and advise accordingly.

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY PET IF I HAVE HIM/HER EUTHANIZED?

We understand this is a very difficult decision to make and will be here to support you throughout. A vet will discuss your options with you at the appropriate time. However, the process includes a humane injection which is basically an overdose of anaesthetic.

After this you have the option to take your pet home with you or send them off to be cremated; either communal or having the ashes returned. The company we deal with is called Lawnhill Pet Cremetorium and you can get more details from us over the phone.

WHY DO I NEED REGULAR CHECKS IF MY PET IS ON LONG TERM MEDICATION?

 

When any animal is on long term medication; including humans, they need a regular check to ensure everything is ok. This may be something as basic as a full health check, but may include taking blood samples. This is for your pet’s safety, allowing us to manage their drug regime better. Your pet’s checks will depend on the drug or condition; but usually it is a minimum of every 6 months.

HOW MUCH NOTICE DO I NEED TO GIVE IF I WANT ANOTHER PRESCRIPTION?

 

 

We request that you give at least 24 hours notice for a prescription to be completed. However, if you have any queries regarding your prescription then please contact us

DO YOU OFFER AN EMERGENCY SERVICE?

 

We provide 24 hours of clinical care for your pet. Between the hours of 7pm-8am Monday to Friday, and 4pm Saturday to 8am Monday; including all bank holidays a KeyVets service is provided. Please see here for more details

CAN YOU DO HOME VISITS?

 

This will be case dependent but yes we can. A home appointment or euthanasia needs to be book in advance so we urge you to call us as soon as possible.

 

This way we can incorporate you into our appointment schedule to ensure the Vet can reach you appropriately. Please call us on 01536 485543 if needed.