CRAFTED BY EXPERTS

Pet Care Advice

Worried about your pet? Get vet-written advice on dog, cat and small animal symptoms, poisonings and emergencies, plus when to seek urgent care.

Dogs

Everything you need to keep your dog happy and healthy.

Explore category

Cats

Everything you need to keep your cat happy and healthy.

Explore category

Small pets

Everything you need to keep your small pets happy and healthy.

Explore category

General

Everything you need to keep your pets happy and healthy.

Explore category

Latest articles

Dogs

Seizures in dogs: causes, symptoms and what to do

Key takeaways Seizures in dogs are caused by abnormal brain activity and can range from dramatic (collapsing, jerking) to subtle signs like…

Small pets

Can rabbits eat carrots? Essential diet tips for rabbit owners

Key takeaways Carrots are not a dietary staple for rabbits despite common belief, they should only be an occasional treat. 80% of a…

Dogs

Can dogs eat seaweed? What to do if your dog ate seaweed on the beach

Key takeaways Seaweed washed up on beaches can be very dangerous for dogs. Watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and loss of appetite…

Cats

Why is my kitten being sick? Causes and when to see a vet

Key takeaways Vomiting and diarrhoea are common in kittens, especially after rehoming, and many cases can be managed at home. Contact a vet…

General

Finding lost pets: What to do if your pet goes missing

Key takeaways If your pet goes missing, check their favourite hiding spots first, then report them to your microchip company. Ask…

Dogs

Is palm oil bad for dogs? What to do if your dog eats palm oil

Key takeaways Palm oil isn't toxic to dogs but can cause sickness, diarrhoea, and in rare cases pancreatitis or gut blockages. It's not…

Dogs

My dog ate sand: Sand impaction in dogs, symptoms and treatment

Key takeaways Sand impaction happens when swallowed sand builds up and blocks the intestines, it's rare but can be fatal if untreated.…

Dogs

Can dogs eat corn on the cob?

Key takeaways Corn cobs cannot be digested and can cause life-threatening blockages, this is a veterinary emergency, not something to wait…

Cats

Old and elderly cats: 7 common health concerns and how to help

Key takeaways Unexplained weight loss in older cats can be an early sign of disease, so it's worth monitoring even small changes. Older…

General

Are slug pellets harmful to dogs and cats?

Key takeaways Metaldehyde slug pellets have been illegal to sell or use outdoors in the UK since 2022, but old stock left in sheds or…

Cats

What can cats not eat? 8 common human foods that are poisonous to cats

Key takeaways Common human foods poisonous to cats include chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, onions/garlic, and raw meat, eggs or fish. Signs…

Dogs

BBQ Safety for Dogs

Key takeaways Cooked bones, corn on the cob, and skewers are common choking and internal injury risks at BBQs. Onions, garlic, xylitol, and…

Dogs

Is my dog the right weight? Use our dog weight chart

Knowing your dog's ideal weight is one of the most useful things you can have to hand as a pet owner. It helps your vet assess whether your…

Dogs

Hot pavements and artificial grass: The hidden risk to your dog's paws

Key takeaways Pavements, tarmac and artificial grass can reach dangerous temperatures on warm days. Use the seven-second rule to test any…

vets-now-cat-drinking-water-dehydration-1270x714

Cats

14 tips on how to keep a cat cool in hot weather and how to cool a cat down

Key takeaways Cats are at real risk of dehydration and heatstroke in hot weather, always ensure fresh water and shade are available. Rapid…

Dogs

Battery Risks for Dogs

Key takeaways If your dog eats a battery, contact a vet immediately – do not wait for symptoms to appear. Batteries can cause serious…

Dogs

Can dogs eat white chocolate? Is it bad for dogs?

Key takeaways White chocolate contains only negligible amounts of theobromine, so it isn’t toxic in the same way as dark or milk chocolate.…

Dogs

Alabama Rot in Dogs

Key takeaways If your dog has unexplained skin sores or ulcers, especially after a muddy or wooded walk, contact your vet as soon as…

Dogs

15 hazards to avoid for a dog-friendly garden

Key takeaways Compost, mouldy bird food, and food waste bins can all contain mycotoxins, a highly dangerous and easily overlooked garden…

Cats

How to cat-proof your house: 9 safety tips for cat owners

Key takeaways Washing machines, tumble dryers, and antifreeze are among the most dangerous hazards for cats, and both can be fatal even in…

General

House fire safety for pets: prevention, preparation and response

Our pets rely on us to keep them safe, especially in an emergency. This guide covers simple steps you can take to reduce fire risks at…

Dogs

Summer hazards for dogs: What every dog owner needs to know

Key takeaways Summer brings many hazards like heatstroke, toxic substances, and parasites, which can cause serious illness or be…

Dogs

Travelling with your dog: Safe and happy car journeys

Key takeaways Secure car travel for dogs is vital for their safety, prevents driver distraction, and is a legal requirement for every…

fluffy-tabby-cat-exploring-garden_banner

Cats

Summer hazards for cats: What every cat owner needs to know

Key takeaways Summer brings serious hazards like heatstroke, poisons, and accidents that need urgent vet care to keep your cat safe. Watch…

Dogs

My dog is choking, what should I do?

Key takeaways Choking is a life-threatening emergency often caused by something stuck in the throat, making your dog distressed and…

Dogs

Pancreatitis in dogs: causes, symptoms and treatment

Key takeaways Pancreatitis is inflammation of your dog’s pancreas, a small organ vital for digestion, which can be serious and needs urgent…

Cats

How long do cats live and what affects their lifespan?

Key takeaways A cat's lifespan averages 14 years but varies by breed, indoor/outdoor lifestyle, and health, with some living over 20. Road…

Small pets

What is rabbit gut stasis and how can you treat it?

Key takeaways Rabbit gut stasis is a serious, life-threatening condition in which a rabbit's gut movements slow or stop, leading to…

General

Keeping pets safe around Christmas decorations and wrapping

The festive season brings twinkling lights, beautiful decorations and plenty of excitement, but it can also introduce hidden dangers for…

Dogs

Rawhide for dogs: Is rawhide bad for dogs?

Key takeaways Rawhide is produced by cleaning and processing animal hides, often treated with chemicals and preservatives that may harm…

General

How to keep your pets calm during Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night can be a fun celebration for us, but for our pets, it's often a very different story. The loud bangs, bright lights, and…

Cats

Top 9 autumn hazards for cats

Autumn is a wonderful time of year that brings crisp leaves, golden walks and cosy evenings. But as the seasons change, it's important to…

Dogs

Top 9 Autumn Hazards for Dogs Every Owner Should Know

Autumn is a wonderful time of year that brings crisp leaves, golden walks and cosy evenings. But as we get to enjoy the seasonal changes,…

Dogs

A guide to pet euthanasia

Euthanasia is one of the most difficult decisions any pet owner will face. It is a deeply emotional choice, often accompanied by feelings…

Dogs

A guide to worms in dogs

Find out how to spot worms in dogs, and the health risks they pose Are worms dangerous to dogs? Worms can harm dogs in various ways.…

Dogs

Dog poop colour and consistency: What's normal and when to worry

As pet owners, we all want to keep our dogs happy and healthy, and one of the best ways to monitor your dog's health is by paying attention…

Dogs

Worms in dog poop: Signs, treatment, and prevention for dog owners

As a pet owner, discovering worms in your dog's stool can be unsettling. Intestinal parasites such as roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and…

Dogs

What are the signs of heatstroke in dogs and how can you prevent it?

Key takeaways Heatstroke happens when a dog's body temperature rises dangerously high and they can no longer cool themselves down, it's a…

Cats

Top tips for socialising your kitten | Cat advice

What is kitten socialisation? Socialisation is a vital point in a cat's early life when they begin to learn what's safe in their…

Small pets

Rabbit enrichment tips – how to keep your rabbit happy

When we think about keeping our rabbits healthy, most of us jump straight to diet, housing, and regular check-ups. But there's another…

vet-nurse-greeting-dog-and-owner-waiting-room

General

What to expect when you visit one of our Vets Now pet emergency clinics

What to expect at Vets Now At Vets Now, we provide dedicated out-of-hours emergency veterinary care with a team of vets and vet nurses who…

Dogs

What to do when your dog is stung by a bee or a wasp

Key takeaways Dog bee or wasp stings can range from mild irritation to serious, life-threatening allergic reactions, especially with…

General

The hidden dangers of hot cross buns for pets

In This Article Why hot cross buns can be dangerous for dogs, particularly due to raisins, currants and sultanas. The symptoms to watch for…

Cats

11 popular plants and flowers poisonous to cats

Key takeaways Many common plants and flowers found in UK homes and gardens are toxic to cats, including lilies, daffodils, tulips, and…

Cats

How cold is too cold for cats?

What temperature is too cold for cats? While cats can tolerate cold temperatures, there is a limit to how cold they can get before it…

Dogs

How cold is too cold for dogs?

Understanding cold weather risks for dogs Preparing your dog for colder temperatures during the winter months is essential. This…

Dogs

What food and drinks are poisonous to dogs?

What we consider tasty and nutritious can be extremely dangerous or even poisonous for our dogs. Many dogs are eager to eat the same foods…

Dogs

How to tell if a dog is in pain: Nine warning signs

Key takeaways Dogs often hide pain from injuries or underlying problems, so owners must know how to spot the subtle warning signs to help…

Dogs

Can dogs eat mince pies?

Can dogs eat mince pies? Mince pies contain raisins, which are poisonous to dogs. Many festive foods, including traditional mince pies, can…

General

Christmas plants toxic to pets: Five popular festive plants that could poison your pets

Don't make Christmas a mistletoe misery Many common Christmas plants, such as poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly, are toxic to pets.…

Festive Christmas Tree with Lights and Decorations

Dogs

Santa is coming to town, so is your dog's Christmas dinner on the naughty or nice list?

Christmas is fast approaching, and you may be wondering whether you'll wind up on Santa's naughty or nice list. But how does your dog's…

Vets Now Emergency Clinic caring for a dog

Dogs

Mucus in dog poop: 7 possible causes

Most dog owners at some point in time will have reached down to pick up their dog's poop and spotted mucus running through it. This slimy,…

Dogs

Preventing canine brucellosis | A guide for dog owners

What is canine brucellosis? Brucellosis in dogs is an infectious bacterial disease caused by the organism Brucella canis. Until very…

Dogs

My dog has eaten nuts | Which nuts are safe for dogs to eat

Even in a best-case scenario, nuts tend not to be the best snack for a dog. They have a high fat content, which can lead to stomach upset…

Cats

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism in cats

Thyroid problems in cats, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, are common hormonal disorders that can significantly impact their…

Dogs

Tetanus in dogs | What are the signs and treatment?

Learning about the effects of Tetanus in dogs helps you recognise the early warning signs and ensures your dog receives prompt veterinary…

Dogs

What is ivermectin toxicity for dogs?

What is ivermectin toxicity in dogs? Ivermectin is a medication used to treat parasite infections in animals. It works by interfering with…

Dogs

Ear infection in dogs | Symptoms and Treatment

Ear infections can be a very common problem for dogs, with some breeds being more prone to them than others. Your daytime vet can routinely…

General

How to care for your pet after a seizure or other neurological episodes

As neurological issues in pets can be especially unsettling for pet owners, this article aims to provide advice on how to care for your pet…

General

Changing pet bandages and dressings | How to clean pet wounds with 5 simple steps

Proper wound care is essential for your pet's recovery, whether they have experienced an injury or undergone surgery, knowing how to change…