When to Call the Vet

The beauty of Companion Care surgeries is that they are open 7 days a week and have long opening hours, into the evenings.

 

This means that, for most of the time, you will be able to reach the practice direct. At night however, your call may be put through to an experienced out-of-hours emergency vet (details can be found on the surgery websites) who will be able to advise you what to do. The emergency service will be able to assess whether your pet is capable of travelling. It is possible to transport sick and injured animals in the majority of cases.

 

Sometimes it is difficult to decide whether urgent attention is needed. If you are in doubt, at any time, as to whether to call the vet, here are some ‘rules-of-thumb’ and guidelines to follow:

 

SOME BASIC RULES

 

We recommend that you call the vet promptly if your pet:

 

1. has a gaping wound, or wound which is bleeding continuously

 

2. has had an accident or fall where you suspect bones may be broken or tails injured

 

3. is vomiting repeatedly (particularly if he/she is very young or elderly)

 

4. has severe or bloody diarrhoea. Diarrhoea is generally less serious than vomiting, except in kittens.

 

5. has swallowed a foreign object or eaten something you suspect is poisonous.

 

6. has been stung or bitten.

 

7. has been badly burnt.

 

8. is having difficulty breathing or breathing rapidly, particularly if they are breathing with an open mouth or coughing continuously.

 

9. appears to be in severe pain or discomfort. The most common symptoms of these in a pet are: weakness, panting or dribbling.

 

10. suddenly has difficulty with balance or appears weak, or is reluctant to get up.

 

11. is trying to urinate or defecate but is unable to do so.

 

ALWAYS

 

• Have your vet's number to hand in the case of an emergency and make sure you give these to others looking after your animals while you are away.
• Call if you are in any doubt.