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Vet Services Update in Lockdown 2.0

This year continues to bring uncertainty and worry to us all, and with a second national lockdown in place those of us with pets have the additional confusion about what vet services will be available during this period.

According to the guidance from the Royal College and British Veterinary Association, the restrictions on how vets can approach treatment are more flexible than last time, therefore vets should be able to provide more services for your precious pets. Here’s an update on what we think vet services will still be available and how we can help you through this unsettling and difficult time.

VACCINATIONS

Over the past few months, vets across the country have been busy getting all those pet vaccinations back on track, and it looks like those important first vaccines and overdue ones may still be able to take place. Please check with your surgery if your pet is due a vaccination.

BOOSTERS

Unless your pet’s vaccination is actually overdue it is unlikely that your surgery will offer boosters over Lockdown 2.0, please be reassured that your pet will be fine to wait a month. However, if your pet’s vaccination is already overdue give your surgery a call as they may recommend that it is in the best interests of your pet to give the vaccination.

PUPPIES AND KITTENS

During the first few months of your puppy or kitten’s life they would typically visit the vet surgery at least once a month for those very important health checks and vaccinations.

Your vet surgery may still offer those primary vaccination courses to puppies and kittens, some may even offer the first annual vaccination to ensure those younger more vulnerable pets remain protected from diseases. If in any doubt we would advise that you give your surgery a call.

How we can help
Our online Vets can answer all of your questions and offer reassurance and advice if you have concerns about your puppy or kitten. They will also be able to assess whether your pet can be treated remotely or if your puppy and kitten needs to attend a vet practice for an examination.

NEUTERING

If you can delay neutering your pet until December then please do so, but if there is an animal welfare need for example season related problems, behavioural issues or you have unneutered opposite sex pets in the household, please call your vet surgery as this may be considered a necessary procedure.

EMERGENCIES

Vet practices, as before, will remain open for emergencies and urgent cases so do call your surgery as they can advise you whether a visit at the surgery is necessary.  

How we can help

If you are worried about your pet but not sure if it is a emergency, consider booking a video or phone appointment with our experienced vets and they can assess your pet’s health and direct you to your nearest vet surgery.

SAFETY AT THE SURGERY

Nothing will have changed, your vet surgery will have been adhering to very strict cleaning protocols and social distancing measures, so if a visit to the practice is deemed necessary, the vets will continue to ask you wait outside.

How we can help

If you are self-isolating or have symptoms of COVID-19, we can bring the vet to you in the comfort of your home. Our experienced vets are available for video and phone consultations in which they will offer guidance on whether you need to visit a vet practice immediately or if you can wait safely for a more convenient time.

Preventative healthcare

Preventative care is especially important during this unsettling time. At Online Vetcare, our vets can answer all your questions, provide experienced guidance and create a plan about weight management, flea and worm treatment etc. tailored to your pet’s needs.

STRESS

Pets are highly attuned to changes in their environment and our emotions, which can lead to stress and anxiety.

How can we help?

So, what can we do to help reduce the anxiety of pets? Our vets have the experience to talk you through all the available calming options and make recommendations to help reduce your pets stress.

EXERCISE

Lockdown was a challenge for pets with arthritis, one long daily walk is not ideal for these patients. Thankfully, there is no limit on the amount of exercise you can take this time so dogs can be walked on their usual schedules. But if you do notice your dog struggling to get up or they already have an arthritis diagnosis, please do speak with your vet about their medication needs. You may also want to consider a joint supplement to help slow the progression of arthritis and reduce joint pain – our vets have years of experience with arthritic or senior pets, so if worried please speak with us and we will help you make a plan so they can have a long and happy life with you.

If you’re worried about any aspect of your pet’s health, please book an Online Vetcare video appointment and our vets will be on hand to offer reassurance and guide you on the right course of action for the care of your pet.

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