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Advice on choosing a vet and caring for your pet

Lungworm in Dogs in the UK: How Dogs Catch It, Signs and Prevention

Lungworm in Dogs in the UK: How Dogs Catch It, Signs and Prevention

Lungworm is a serious parasite that dogs can catch by swallowing infected slugs, snails or frogs, often by accident outdoors. It is found across much of the UK and can cause coughing, breathing problems, tiredness, weight loss, bruising, bleeding, seizures or collapse. Contact a vet promptly if your dog shows any of these signs, and get urgent help for breathing trouble, major bleeding, collapse, seizures or sudden blindness. Reduce risk by stopping your dog from eating slugs, snails and frogs, bringing toys and chews indoors, and asking your vet about prescription lungworm protection. If your dog eats a slug or snail, call your vet for advice and watch for signs of illness over the next few weeks.

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  • Emergency Vet Costs in the UK: What Affects the Bill and What to Ask

    Emergency Vet Costs in the UK: What Affects the Bill and What to Ask

    Emergency vet fees in the UK vary by practice, time and the care a pet needs. Call a vet straight away if your pet is unwell, then ask about the first charge, likely treatment costs and payment options. Vets should explain choices and costs, and you can agree a spending limit where time allows. Insurance, finance and some charities may help with costs, but urgent care should not wait while you check these.

  • Flat-Faced Dogs and Heatstroke: Keeping Your Frenchie, Pug or Bulldog Safe in Summer

    Flat-Faced Dogs and Heatstroke: Keeping Your Frenchie, Pug or Bulldog Safe in Summer

    Flat-faced dogs, such as French Bulldogs, Pugs and English Bulldogs, can overheat quickly because their narrow airways make panting and breathing harder. Watch for heavy or noisy panting, red gums, drooling, restlessness, weakness or collapse. If your dog shows signs of overheating, stop activity, move them somewhere cool, wet their coat with cool water, use a fan or air conditioning and contact a vet straight away. Prevent problems by avoiding exercise in warm weather, providing water and shade, and never leaving your dog in a parked car. Dogs with BOAS need extra care because they have more trouble breathing.

    By Adriana Silva

  • Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs: Signs, Risks and What to Do

    Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs: Signs, Risks and What to Do

    Chocolate can poison dogs, especially dark chocolate, cooking chocolate and cocoa powder. If your dog eats any chocolate, call your vet straight away, even if they seem well. Keep the wrapper or packaging and be ready to share your dog’s weight, what they ate, how much and when. Do not make your dog sick or give treatment at home unless a vet tells you to. Watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, tremors, fast breathing, seizures or collapse. Store chocolate and wrappers safely away from dogs, and take extra care with foods that may also contain raisins, sultanas or xylitol.

  • How to Get a Second Opinion or Specialist Referral for Your Pet

    How to Get a Second Opinion or Specialist Referral for Your Pet

    UK pet owners can ask for a second opinion or referral at any time, and their usual vet should help with this. A second opinion gives another vet’s view, while a referral sends a pet to a suitable service for tests or treatment. Ask about the vet’s qualifications, likely costs, insurance cover and what records will be shared. Keep both practices updated and seek urgent help straight away if your pet is very unwell. If you are unhappy with the service, raise the issue with the practice first, then consider mediation if needed.

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