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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.

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Cats

Everything you need to keep your cat happy and healthy.

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Small pets

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

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General

Everything you need to keep your pets happy and healthy.

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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…

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…

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…

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

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.…

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…

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

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…

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…

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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

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…

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…

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

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

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

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…

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

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…

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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

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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

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…

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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…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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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…

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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

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…

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…

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

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…

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…

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

How to: care for your pet after eye or ear treatment

It can be stressful if your pet has had to undergo emergency care, especially for organs as delicate as the eyes and the ears. As always,…

General

Pet dental surgery: how to care for your pet after dental treatment

Pet's teeth can sometimes be an afterthought for owners, particularly as most dogs and cats don't particularly like having their mouths…

General

How to: care for your pet after limb surgery

Surgery on one of your pet's limbs can present extra challenges for aftercare if the injury restricts your pet's movements. It is important…

General

How to: look after your pet's surgical wound

Whether your pet's surgery was pre-scheduled or the result of an unexpected visit to the emergency vet, their wounds will need some looking…

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…

General

How to: care for your pet after gastrointestinal treatment

Gastrointestinal issues are one of the most common complaints that we see in our patients. Diarrhoea , vomiting , and other digestive…

General

How to: look after your pet after abdominal surgery. 5 tips to help recovery

After any abdominal surgery, your pet is likely to be feeling unsettled and not themselves, due to both their initial condition and the…

Dogs

Is my dog OK after her spay?

My dog seems sleepy after spaying - is this normal? Your pet will have received one or more different types of painkillers and potentially…

Dogs

My dog has diabetes – what do I do?

Receiving a diabetes mellitus diagnosis for your dog can be overwhelming. However, with proper care and management, many diabetic dogs lead…

Dogs

How to: give a dog insulin injections

How much insulin does my dog need? When you saw your daytime vet for your dog's initial diabetes consultations, they will have determined…

Dogs

Hypoglycaemia in dogs

What is the difference between hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia? Both low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia)…

General

How to: first aid for breathing problems in pets

This advice is not intended to replace veterinary care and attention. If your pet has suffered from breathing issues, then, having carried…

General

How to: first aid for pet burns

This advice is not intended to replace veterinary care and attention. If your pet has suffered from burns or scalds, then, having carried…

General

How to: first aid for pet wounds

This advice is not intended to replace veterinary care and attention. If your pet has suffered from serious cuts or wounds then, having…

General

How to: first aid for heat stroke in pets

Is heat stroke serious for dogs and cats? Heatstroke can be extremely serious. This advice on first aid for heat stroke in pets is not…

Dogs

What do I do if my dog eats cannabis?

Is weed toxic to dogs? Dogs are notorious for eating things that they shouldn't, whether it's something that they pick up from a walk or…

Dogs

Do pets need probiotics? What about prebiotics?

As a pet owner, you may have heard about prebiotics and probiotics and their potential benefits for your cat or dog 's health. These two…

Dogs

Which fruits can dogs eat? Safe and unsafe fruits explained

Is it safe for dogs to eat fruit? For humans, fruit can be a relatively healthy way to get indulge in a bit of a sugar hit while still…

Dogs

Which plants are safe for dogs to eat?

Dog owners may worry about which plants can harm their dogs, and there are some common toxic garden plants that dogs should steer clear of.…

Dogs

Accidental mating in dogs – what to do next

When female dogs go into season, they will usually attract a lot of attention from male dogs. If you do not want your female dog to become…

Dogs

Can dogs get hay fever?

Can dogs get hay fever? While many humans suffer from the misery of hay fever as the weather improves it might surprise you to learn that…

Dogs

Why is my dog drooling?

The facts about dogs drooling In this article, we'll examine why dogs drool, whether your dog's drool is normal, how you can help them, and…

Cats

Can cats eat dog food? What should I feed my cat?

Is dog food bad for cats? Technically, cats can eat a small amount of dog food as a one-off, so don't worry if your cat swipes a mouthful…

Cats

Can cats eat cheese, milk and dairy products?

Is cheese good for cats? Cheese and dairy are not good for cats. They aren't toxic to cats, but eating too much cheese can upset their…

Cats

Blood in Cat's Poo

Finding blood in your cat's poop can be a frightening sight and it's normal to think it always indicates something serious. But there are…

General

Caring for your pet after a Caesarean section

Caesarean section aftercare advice If you have just brought your pet home after she has had a caesarean section your head is probably…

Dogs

Why is my dog sneezing?

Why do dogs sneeze? Your dog could be sneezing for lots of different reasons but one of the most common reasons a dog sneezes is to get rid…

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Dogs

Why is my dog constantly licking, biting, itching and scratching?

If your dog is constantly scratching and biting himself, which could indicate they are suffering from severe itching of the skin, known…

Cats

Cat conjunctivitis: causes, symptoms and treatment

What is cat conjunctivitis? Cat conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva – the lining of your cat's eyelid – becomes inflamed. The…

Dogs

Blood in Dog Poop

Should I worry if my dog has blood in their poo? Yes – blood in your dog's stool can be a sign of something serious. While there are…

Dogs

Dogs and fireworks: Preparing your dog in advance

How to get dogs used to fireworks before they start There are fewer things worse for dog owners than seeing their pet in distress. That's…

Dogs

A guide to dog skin conditions

What is wrong with my dog’s skin? Skin problems are one of the most common reasons owners take their dog to the vet. Abnormalities such as…

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Dogs

Dog eye infections: Causes, symptoms and treatment

Eye infections can be as uncomfortable for dogs as they are for us humans. There are a whole host of possible causes of eye infections in…

Dogs

Dog's normal body temperature: What to do if your dog has a fever

What should a dog's temperature be? A dog's temperature should be between 38 to 39.2° Celcius (101° and 102.5°F). Your dog's body…

General

How to: Treat worms

Step-by-step: Treating your pet for worms No owner wants to discover that their pet has intestinal worms. If left untreated, worms can…

General

How to: Get rid of fleas

Step-by-step: Getting rid of fleas from your pet and home If you find fleas on your pet, don't panic, it's rarely a reason to seek…

General

How to: Treat ingestion of low-toxicity substances

Step-by-step: helping pets when they've eaten something they shouldn't have It can be worrying when your pet eats something they shouldn't…

General

How to: Help a cat or dog with diarrhoea

Step-by-step: Caring for a pet with diarrhoea at home Diarrhoea can be uncomfortable for pets and it's normal for owners to be worried.…

Dogs

How to: Help a sick pet

Step-by-step: Caring for a sick pet at home Vomiting is common in both cats and dogs and often resolves itself without veterinary treatment…

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General

How to: Remove ticks

Step-by-step: Removing ticks from pets Ticks are parasites that latch onto the skin of animals and humans and feed off their blood. They…

General

How to: Help a scratching pet

Step-by-step: Find out what's causing your pet to scratch Just like humans, it's normal for cats and dogs to scratch occasionally. But when…

Dogs

Dog coughing causes

Why is my dog coughing? Just like us, dogs cough to get rid of things they have breathed in (such as dust and germs), but dogs explore the…

Dogs

Why do dogs eat grass? Everything you need to know

The facts about dogs eating grass Many dog owners worry that their "dog eating grass" is a sign that they're sick. But dogs eating grass is…

Cats

Nine signs of kidney disease in cats. A guide to kidney failure

A guide to kidney failure in cats Your cat's kidneys work extremely hard to keep them healthy and if they become damaged and are unable to…

Dogs

Gastroenteritis in dogs causes, symptoms and treatment

What is gastroenteritis in dogs? Gastroenteritis in dogs refers to the inflammation of a dog's stomach and intestines, typically resulting…

Dogs

My dog ate rat poison. What should I do? A guide to rat poisoning in dogs

Is rat poison harmful to dogs? Rat poisons and mouse poisons, also known as rodenticides, are products formulated to kill rodents. The…

Dogs

Can dogs eat mushrooms? The facts about dogs and mushrooms

It's not uncommon for dogs to come across mushrooms while out walking, particularly during autumn, and some dogs might see them as an…

Dogs

Fire hazard warning for dog Halloween costumes

Our video reveals the shocking results of our dog Halloween costume flammability experiment Our emergency vets see lots of difficult cases…

Dogs

Are acorns poisonous to dogs? My dog ate an acorn, what do I do?

Should I be worried if my dog eats acorns? Acorns are nuts of the oak tree and are a common sight on the ground during the autumn and…