FAQ’s From An Emergency Vet: Answers To Some Of Your Most Common Questions!

Your Most Common Veterinary Questions—ANSWERED!

Being a pet parent comes with questions—big ones.

From diet and vet visits to sudden emergencies, there’s a lot to consider. And sometimes, what you don’t know can hurt your furry friend.

In this guide, we’re answering the 5 most common questions we hear from pet parents.

How Often Should My Pet See Their Veterinarian?

Your pet’s health changes as it grows, and routine vet visits help catch issues early. Even if they seem healthy, twice-yearly check-ups are ideal because a routine vet visit is always better than an emergency for a chronic health crisis.

Remember that dogs and cats mature at a much faster rate than we do – reaching adulthood in only one year! This means that – for some breeds – reaching only an age of 6 years old can land them in the category of ‘mature’ or ‘senior’!

So, whilst it’s not quite true that each year a dog ages by seven human years – it is true their health is changing much faster than you might have considered. Early detection of your pet’s changing health status means more versatile options are often available, and allows your pet to benefit from a longer, happier life.

What Should I Feed My Pet?

With so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Whilst there are many opinions out there regarding diet, for most cats and dogs we would recommend;

• Choosing a premium diet from trusted brands.
• Rotate between brands of pet food to cover nutritional gaps.
• Dry vs. wet food? Both have benefits, but a mix is often best to add hydration to the diet, as well as a feeling of ‘fullness’.
• Home-cooked meals are fantastic—if properly planned with a vet.
• Raw diets? Are there truly benefits? Whilst there’s still more that we need answers on, if feeding raw we would recommend getting your veterinarian on board that it can be fed properly and safely.

If your pet suffers with health conditions or gut sensitivities, seek specific nutritional advice from your veterinarian.

How Do I Know If My Pet Needs Emergency Care?

Sometimes waiting until a morning appointment is ok, and sometimes it just isn’t an option. Seek emergency care if your pet has:

• Trouble urinating (especially in males)—this could signal a life-threatening urethral blockage.
• Difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing, especially in cats.
• Eye injuries or severe discomfort.
• Panting, trembling, agitation, or unusual behaviour—these can signal pain, anxiety, or an underlying health issue.

When in doubt, call your vet. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Should My Pet Be Desexed?

This is a huge conversation that is beyond the scope of this article, and really boils down to what is best for the individual pet and their family. There are many benefits that come with desexing, but also many considerations that you need to be aware of in order to optimise your pet’s health after desexing.

The best approach? Talk to your vet. There is no one-size-fits all. They’ll help you weigh the pros and cons for your pet’s unique needs.

What Is Our Top Advice for Pet Parents?

Emergency vet visits can often be the result of a terrible accident, and completely unavoidable. But sadly, often they can happen as a chronic health condition seems to suddenly deteriorate and declare itself. We often reflect on these cases, and wonder how preventative care may have changed fate for these pets and their families.

Be proactive. Feed them well, keep them active, and schedule regular vet check-ups.

A healthier pet means more years together! Keep them thriving, not just surviving!