FAQ1 What are your terms of business?

Accounts are due for settlement at the end of consultation, the discharge of your pet or upon collection of medicines, diets etc.

We accept payment by cash, cheque with valid banker’s card, Visa, Mastercard, Switch and Solo.

We will happily provide a written Estimate for the probable cost of treatment. Please bear in mind that any Estimate can only be approximate – a pet’s illness may not follow a conventional course.

Professional fees, medicines, diets and sundry items are subject to VAT at the current rate.

If you are unable to settle an account we ask you to please discuss the matter with us as soon as possible and before fees are incurred.

Any account not immediately settled will incur additional administrative and accounting fees. Please contact us for details.

FAQ 2 I want to take my pet aboard, what do I need to do?

  

  

  

 

 

 

Changes to the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)                                                                                    

On January 1 2012 the UK Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) was harmonised with the rest of the EU for cats, dogs and ferrets entering the UK from EU and certain listed countries. The new scheme is simpler and cheaper.

Animals travelling within the EU will still have to be:

• microchipped before being vaccinated against rabies
• vaccinated against rabies
• and only dogs have to be treated against tapeworms not less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours (1-5   days) before its scheduled arrival time in the UK and the treatment recorded in the PET passport

but will no longer:

• need a blod test for rabies after the rabies vaccination
• have to be quarantined for 6 months but can now travel to EU countries and return to the UK from EU countries 3 weeks after the rabies vaccination
• need treatment for ticks

 Animals from non-listed countries will now be able to enter the UK if they are vaccinated, have a blood test and wait three months before entry.  The rules for pets travelling to and from countries outside the EU are different and vary from country to country. The DEFRA Pet Travel Scheme helpline number is 0870 241 1710 or see www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/ or www.esccapuk.org.uk 

	EU and listed third countries	Non-approved countries
Microchip	Yes	Yes
Rabies vaccination	Yes	Yes
PET passport	Yes	Yes
Blood test	No	Yes. At least 30 days post vaccination
Waiting period before entry	21 days after rabies vaccination	3 months after date of blood sample
Tick treatment	No	No
Tapeworm treatment	Yes 1-5 days before entry	Yes 1-5 days before entry

At VETCall, our dedicated "PET passport champions"  Stephen and Scot offer travel clinic appointments and recommend clients visit us for advice before travel as parasite prevention products need to be applied before possible exposure to fatal vector-borne parasitic disease.

FAQ 3 Hot dogs are not cool in cars

On a warm day cars heat up like ovens so don’t take your dog along for the ride.

If it’s very warm outside and you’re going out in the car, think very carefully about what you are going to do with your dog. You should never leave a dog alone in a car.

It can get unbearably hot in a car on a sunny day, even when it’s not that warm. In fact, when it’s just 22°C/72°F outside, the temperature inside a car can soar to 47°C/117°F within 60 minutes.

Dogs have to pant to help keep cool. In a hot stuffy car, dogs can’t cool down – leaving a window open or a sunshield on your windscreen won’t keep your car cool enough. Dogs die in hot cars.
Under the Animal Welfare Act you now have a legal duty to care for your animal and if you put your animal at risk, you could face prosecution.
If you see a dog in a car on a warm day please call the Police on 999.

Heatstroke - early warning signs

Heatstroke can be fatal. Do everything you can to prevent it.
Some dogs are more prone to heatstroke like dogs with short snouts, fat or heavily muscled, long-haired breeds, very old or very young dogs. Dogs with certain diseases or on certain medication are more prone to heatstroke.

If dogs are unable to reduce their body temperature, they will develop heatstroke. Look for these signs:

• heavy panting  
• profuse salivation  
• a rapid pulse  
• very red gums and tongue  
• lethargy
• lack of coordination
• reluctance or inability to rise after collapsing
• vomiting  
• diarrhoea  
• loss of consciousness in extreme circumstances

Heatstroke - first aid

If your dog shows any symptoms of heatstroke, move it to a shaded, cool area and ring your vet for advice immediately. Heatstroke can be fatal and should always be treated as an emergency.
Dogs suffering from heatstroke urgently need to have their body temperature gradually lowered:

• Immediately douse your dog with cool (not cold) water, to avoid shock – you could put your dog in a shower and run cool water over it, or use a spray filled with cool water and place your dog in the breeze of a fan
• Let your dog drink small amounts of cool water
• Continue to douse your dog with cool water until it’s breathing starts to settle – never cool your dog so much that it begins to shiver
  Once you have cooled your dog down you should bring it straight to the veterinary surgery.

 Top tips for warm weather

• Your dog should always be able to move into a cooler, ventilated environment if it is feeling hot
• Never leave your dog alone in a car. If you want to take your dog with you on a car journey, make sure that your destination is dog-friendly – you won’t be able to leave your dog in the car and you don’t want your day out to be ruined!
• If you have to leave your dog outside, you must provide a cool shady spot where it can escape from the sun at all times of the day
• Make sure your dog always has a good supply of drinking water, in a weighted bowl that can’t be knocked over. Carry water with you on hot days and give your dog frequent small amounts
• Never leave your dog in a glass conservatory or a caravan. Even if it is cloudy when you leave, the sun may come out later in the day and make it unbearably hot
• Groom your dog regularly to get rid of excess hair. Give long-coated breeds a haircut at the start of the summer, and later in the season if necessary
• Dogs need exercise. Walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening. Never allow your dog to exercise excessively in hot weather
• Dogs can get sunburned too – particularly those with light-coloured noses or light-coloured fur on their ears. Ask us for advice on pet-safe sunscreen.

FAQ 4 Summer time

Summer’s on its way! Prepare your pet for the warmer weeks ahead.

 

Grooming to remove the build-up of winter undercoat using a Furminator, available from the surgery; you should be able to see nice, healthy clean skin with the hair tangle free.

Grass seeds of the meadow grasses become easily attached to dogs’ coats and can work their way into the pads causing abscesses or become trapped in dogs’ ears, usually causing severe head shaking.

Pets (especially cats) with white ear tips and noses are at risk of sunburn which can lead to cancerous changes. High factor sunblock applied to white areas of skin will help in minimising this risk.

Flies pose a huge risk for rabbits. Rabbit rear ends often become damp and this moist area attracts flies which lay their eggs there; these develop into flesh eating maggots. This is a very serious condition. Examine rabbit rear ends daily in the summer for eggs and maggots. Call us at once if worried.

On a warm day cars heat up like ovens so don’t take your dog along for the ride. If it’s very warm outside and you’re going out in the car, think very carefully about what you are going to do with your dog. You should never leave a dog alone in a car. It can get unbearably hot in a car on a sunny day, even when it’s not that warm. In fact, when it’s just 22°C/72°F outside, the temperature inside a car can soar to 47°C/117°F within 60 minutes. See FAQ

The risks of dogs swimming in natural water includes leptospirosis in water contaminated by the urine of affected rats, the dangers of blue-green algae toxicity generally in stagnant water, salt toxicity in sea water  and the risks of currents. By all means do swim your dog but be careful where you do so: a shallow slow-flowing river should be safest as flowing water is less likely to be contaminated or toxic than still water. Vaccination against leptospirosis or Weill’s Disease is available from the surgery.

 

Dogs and cats are by nature inquisitive and are likely to be stung by bees and wasps. Stings can swell alarmingly. Prompt veterinary attention may be required because some pets, like humans, are allergic to stings.

Kennels or catteries should be chosen and booked in advance and the catteries and kennels vaccination requirements, including that for Kennel Cough (KC) for dogs, must be checked. KC vaccination needs to be done at least two weeks before entering the kennels.

The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) is the system that allows pet dogs, cats and ferrets to holiday in EU countries and return with them to the UK without going into quarantine. It takes at least 7 months before everything can be organised. This is too late for a summer break now but consider a PETS passport for a break in the New Year with your pet. See FAQ

 

Anxiety, excitability and nervousness can contribute to travel and motion sickness in dogs and cats causing anxiety, distress, excessive salivation and vomiting. Our veterinary surgeon can prescribe very effective medications to control this.

Don’t forget to keep treating pets regularly against fleas, ticks and worms.

Finally, please telephone us or call in for any further help and advice.

FAQ 5 Fireworks

 

Dogs and cats

Make sure your pet is wearing some form of easily readable identification – at least a collar and tag but consider a microchip so that if it does run away it will have a better chance of being returned to you.

Check where and when displays are being held in your area. Ask neighbours to let you know if they’re planning anything

Create a quite sanctuary or ‘den’ in advance for your pet to retreat to: use a cardboard box, crate or improvise with a table or even a couple of chairs pushed together draped with a blanket or two, under a bed with some of your old clothes; put in bedding, toys, treats and meals.

Take for some vigorous exercise, play energetic games before dusk – if physically and mentally tired. it may be less responsive to noises.

As soon as it begins to go dark outside, shut all windows and draw all curtains to block out scary flashes of light and muffle sounds of fireworks; drape blankets over windows to increase sound-dampening effect; close dog or cat flap to prevent escapes; leave internal doors open so pet doesn’t feel trapped.

Feed your pet before you expect any disturbances as once fireworks start may be too anxious to eat. A stodgy high-carbohydrate meal (well-cooked brown rice, brown pasta, mashed potato; turkey) will help your pet feel more sleepy and calm. Calm Diet is a dry food for dogs and cats under 15kg and contains a milk protein that has calming properties and L-tryptophan, an amino acid that effects mood. It can be fed before, during and after a stressful event.

Make sure it goes out to toilet before it gets dark and the fireworks start.

Turn on lights inside house; turn on the TV, radio and sound system loud enough to drown out some of the fireworks, avoid rousing music with drum rolls or cymbals.; classical music tends to be particularly successful in keeping dogs calm.

Create distractions – treats such as a tasty bone, chews, Kong stuffed with goodies to tease out, kibbles in an activity ball. Develop an interest in toys during the weeks leading up to fireworks and on the evening bring out the really special ones to play with occasionally.

Invite a friend with a dog who gets on well with yours and isn’t bothered by fireworks round to help create a calm atmosphere. Sometimes dogs are more prepared to follow the lead of another canines.

Work on  behaviour modification program for your pet to follow o that next year it can cope even better.

Don’t:

•          Assume your garden is escape proof
•          Leave you dog on his own or in a separate room from you, he might panic
•          Try to force your dog to face his fears – he’ll just become more frightened
•          Change routines
•          Shout at your pet if its frightened as you will only make it more stressed

Hard as it might be to do, try your best not to comfort him, as you will encourage his fears. Ignore your dog as much as possible when he seems scared so that he learns to cope on his own. If you give him too much fuss, he’ll think this means that there really is something to be scared about. Of course, once he has cheered up a bit or relaxed, you must give him some love and attention so that he knows he’s acting in the right way.

Small animals

Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, ferrets and birds are also easily frightened.

Hutches, cages, enclosures should be brought into a quiet unheated room indoors, garage or shed. If you cannot bring your pet’s hutch inside, turn its enclosure around so that it faces a wall or fence instead of the open garden. If unable to move the hutch, place pet in mobile carrier and put it in a quiet unheated room

If a rabbit lives in a shed with lights, ensure these are kept on until very late. Cover the windows with thick carpet. Add lots of extra bedding to burrow down in and feel safer

Cover aviaries or hutches with thick blankets, tarpaulin, carpet or old duvet to block out the sight of fireworks and deaden the sound of the bangs but make sure there is enough ventilation.

Horses and ponies

Whenever possible tell neighbours and local display organisers that there are horses nearby so that they can ensure that they can ensure fireworks are set off in the opposite direction and away from them

It is sensible to keep your horse in its familiar environment, in its normal routine with any companions to make it feel secure

If your horse is usually stabled then keep it stabled. If it is normally out in the field, keep it there as long as it is safe, secure and not near the fireworks.

Ensure that you or someone experienced stays with your horse if you know that fireworks are being set off. This way you can observe its behaviour, ensure that it remains as safe and calm as possible and respond to its reactions appropriately. If it is absolutely necessary for you to leave your horse in the care of another person, ensure that you leave clear instructions and contact details for yourself and your vet should any problems arise.

Try to remain calm and positive as horses can sense unease in a person and this might make things worse if the horse is startled.

Be careful yourself; try not to get in the way if your horse becomes startled

Stay calm and act normally. Praise your horse when it is calm.

Contact The Galley Hill Equine Surgery in Waltham Abbey 01992 762 185 for further advice.

www.houserabbit.co.uk  www.bluecross.org.uk  www.dti.gov.uk/fireworks  www.rspca.org.uk

 

VISIT THE VETCALL VETERINARY SURGERY

Visit us in plenty of time to discuss your pet’s problem and have a health check for your pet before an appropriate medicine prescription is prescribed or other therapy is advised. Medication should be seen as an emergency first and not as a cure for the problem. Certain medical conditions may prohibit the use of some medicines.

ACP is a sedative and the duration of its sedative effect is dose-dependent. Behaviourists discourage the use of ACP in the management of sound phobias in dogs such as fireworks or thunder phobias.

For severe fears, we may prescribe valium/diazepam on the worst nights. This will not stop your dog from being scared on the night, but causes short-term memory loss so that he won’t remember being scared in the morning. This stops the cycle of fear becoming worse.

A combination therapy of anti-anxiety drugs and behavioural therapy may ne necessary for extreme cases of noise phobia.

Zylkene is a natural palatable and easy to to give with food and only needs to be given once daily. Zylkene contains a protein from cows milk which has relaxing properties. It can be used both for short-term stress eg fireworks, kennel or cattery, or long-term eg multi-cat households.

Zylkene should be started 1-2 days before fireworks are anticipated and can be continued throughout the fireworks period and then stopped.

CALMEX, a calming supplement for dogs, is a unique combination of two amino acids, a psychoactive plant extract and B-vitamins to help your dog in times of fear, anxiety and stress - this includes car travel, visits to the vet and going to the kennel. CALMEX is proving incredibly successful in such situations and is given 30-60 minutes before desired effect is required.

Nursing bitches produce substances called ‘appeasing’ pheromones that help reassure offspring. Adaptil (formerly known as DAP, Dog Appeasing Pheromone) is a synthetic compound that reproduces this effect. It comes in the form of a plug-in diffuser that we can’t smell and which is left running continuously in the room where your pet spends most time in or in its "safe" place; a spray applied to the pets den or bedding on stressing nights or a collar. DAP can also be used for other types of stress such as being kenneled, moving house or the arrival of a new pet or person in the home.

Sound desensitisation

Helping your dog overcome his fears by exposing to sound recordings of firework noises daily can be very successful but requires commitment – good quality recordings and sound systems are essential for maximum realism. Initially they are played at a low volume while the family goes about as usual; they can be played during enjoyable activities such as eating or playing. Very gradually the volume is increased and over a period of time your dog becomes less reactive to the sounds. It can be a slow progress and it may take months rather than weeks.

Firework CDs: www.fearoffireworks.com (T:01782 522100); www.soundsscary.com (T:01244 371473)

Essential oils

Essential oils like lavender, frankincense, valerian, sandalwood, rose otto and yarrow, can be a powerful and effective way of helping calm your pet. Allow your pet to self-select and never enforce them through diffusers or burners. Offer the bottle and allow your pet to sniff; if he doesn’t like it he will turn his head away or walk off. If he does like it, he’ll sniff, maybe lick his lips or wag his tail. Take your time, sometimes you’ll need to spend five minutes or so with each oil, re-offering it if you sense there’s even a hint of interest in it..

www.ingraham.co.uk   www.isaap.com

Herbal medicine 

Help your pet relax naturally. Herbal remedies are most effective for dogs  and cats if given in advance as well as on the nights of fireworks to relieve anxiety, nervousness and excitability; no side effects, non-drowsy and easy to give on food or into the mouth. Dorwest’s Scullcap & Valerian tablets and organic Valerian compound liquid drops that are effective in 30 minutes are licensed veterinary medicines, safe and effective first choice remedies.

Available from “Mammal”  53 Station Road North Chingford London E4 7BJ  T: 020 8524 3130

Flower power

Bach Flower remedies are very safe to use – Rescue Remedy is probably one of the best-known products and is a combination of five different remedies; it can be used in emergencies as well as during the run up and throughout fireworks night. See www.bachcentre.com

Earplugs

If your dog will tolerate earplugs, they’ll help block some of the noise. Make them by rolling two pieces of damp cotton wool into long cylinders one for each ear. Use a slight, gentle twisting movement as you push them into the outer ear canal, taking care not to push them into too deep or forcefully. Ask your veterinary nurse to show you how.

Location

A holiday with your pet in an isolated, remote location during the fireworks period could be restful. If you can’t manage to get away but you know that things tend to be really bad in your area you could book your pet into a reputable kennel or cattery in a quite area. It may be a little stressful for your pet, but on balance, much less distressing than staying at home.

Pet behaviourist     Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors  www.apbc.org.uk 

FAQ 6 A Winter Guide for Dogs and Cats

Winter can be particularly tough on cats and dogs. Cold and icy weather can not only be hazardous, it can also make conditions such as arthritis much worse.

With a few simple steps, you can make sure your pet is happy and comfortable this winter:

• Keep your pet inside as much as you can in cold weather
• Some breeds can tolerate cold better than others. During snowy weather, cats and small dogs have to walk deeper in the snow, becoming cold sooner than bigger animals
• Ensure that unwell, very young or very old pets aren’t exposed to the cold
• Avoid letting your pet loose near open water in icy weather. Animals can easily fall through ice and find it very difficult to get out of the water again
• Wipe your pet’s feet when they come inside. Pets can pick up salt, ice and chemicals on their feet. Wiping their feet can prevent stomach problems if they lick themselves clean
• Check your pet can’t get too close to heat sources
• Check before you start your car. Cats will curl up against anything to stay warm – including car engines. Before you start your car’s engine, if possible check beneath the car – or make a lot of noise, such as knocking on the bonnet
• Check your pet’s water bowl hasn’t frozen. Pets without access to clean, fresh water are more likely to drink out of puddles or drains, which can be polluted with oil, antifreeze, chemicals etc
• Be particularly gentle with your cat or dog during the winter. The cold can leave their joints extremely stiff and sore and they may become awkward. When they’re outside during icy weather, a bad slip can be painful and risks causing serious injury
• Make sure your pet is safe, warm and comfortable during the winter. A thick, soft bed in a warm room will help your pet stay comfortable on chilly nights.

If your pet suffers from stiff, tender arthritic joints, anti-inflammatory medicine, available from the surgery,  joint supplements, modified exercise routines, weight control, hydrotherapy, science diets, body coats and changes to the pet’s environment etc can also help. Please discuss such options with us.

FAQ 7 Spring guide for dogs and cats

Spring-time brings more pleasant weather, flowers and a number of other positive experiences. However, spring-time can also present dangers for pets which are not as prevalent in the winter months.

Toxic plants can be dangerous for dogs and cats

While many of the plants that we commonly keep in our gardens are beautiful to look at, these same plants can cause serious poisonings for our pets. In addition, many of us bring these same flowers indoors as bouquets as well, especially around Easter. Lilies are one the most common poisonous plants found in bouquets and in gardens, but there are many other types of plants that can be poisonous to our dogs and cats as well. Rhododendrons, azaleas, Japanese ewe, foxglove, tulips, oleanders, castor beans, chrysanthemums and many other types of plants can all be very toxic to unsuspecting curious pets.

Pets can be exposed to chemical toxins in the spring

With warmer temperatures, many of us begin using chemicals such as fertilizers and insecticides on our lawns and gardens. However, it is important to remember that these chemicals can be hazardous to pets that consume or are otherwise exposed to them. All pets should be kept away from areas treated with such chemicals. In many cases, safer non-toxic products may be preferable and equally effective.

Flea, tick and other parasite exposures

Sping is also the time of year when fleas, ticks and other parasites start to make their presence known. Though fleas and ticks can be present year-round, their populations tend to increase drastically in the spring-time. Both dogs and cats are targets for these parasites.

While fleas and ticks can cause your dog or cat to become uncomfortable, the diseases that these parasites carry are of even more concern to your pet\\\'s health. Fleas can transmit diseases such as tapeworms.

Allergies in dogs and cats

Just as in people, spring-time can bring on allergies for many dogs and cats as well. Pets may develop allergies to plants, pollens, fleas, and many other substances. Unlike people, spring-time allergies in pets most commonly show up as skin problems. Allergic dogs and cats generally become very itchy, may experience hair loss or inflamed skin and may even show a change in behaviour due to the irritation of the allergy. Less commonly, respiratory symptoms or runny eyes may occur as a result of allergies in pets.

 

FAQ 8  Summer time concerns

Summer is a time for picnics in the park, barbecues, or just fishing at your favourite stream with your dog at your side. Keep in mind a few concerns regarding your pets, parties and outdoor activities.

Table scraps

It may be tempting to give your pet all those leftovers to reduce the amount you have to carry home but try to resist his soulful begging. Instead of reducing garbage, you may cause gastrointestinal upset resulting in vomiting and diarrhoea. Pets are not used to high fat foods such as mayonnaise. Dogs and cats do not have the necessary enzymes to digest dairy products and spoilage can cause food poisoning.

 Gastrointestinal foreign bodies

At picnics and parties we use a variety of disposable items such as styrofoam and plastic utensils. Pets may ingest some of these items, leading to gastrointestinal obstruction. Barbecue bones are another concern, as is playing with small balls. Many dogs love to play fetch, but if the balls are too small, they can become lodged in the throat and obstruct the airway. Make sure the toys you use are too big to be swallowed or to get stuck in the throat.

 Heat stroke

The ideal weather for picnics and outdoor parties is a warm sunny day. Keep in mind that your pet may not be able to dissipate heat as well as you. Avoid exercise in the mid-afternoon heat and always have plenty of water available. Stop all play and exercise if your pet seems weak or disoriented.

 Ponds and pools

Usually water activities are fun, relaxing and entertaining but pets can drown in lakes and pools just like people. Older dogs weaken and tire quickly, even if they are excellent swimmers.

Be on the lookout for stagnant pools of water where algae can form along the edges. Blue-green algae is especially dangerous and ingestion can cause serious illness.

 Fireworks

Loud noises can easily frighten your pet, which can cause him to run away or may be hurt by impact injury and burns. Remnants of fireworks can contain hot ashes which can burn your dog\\'s feet and nose. Keep your dog on a leash and don\\'t let him investigate. If he becomes frantic, take him somewhere safe and quiet or even go home.

 Fishhooks

Bait you use to catch fish is also tempting to a pet. Many dogs and cats have eaten bait - along with the hook and line. Your pet might also step on a hook, which will result in embedding of the hook in the skin.

The most important thing to remember regarding swallowing a hook is NOT TO PULL THE LINE. This will result in setting of the hook and increasing the chance that your pet will require surgery to remove it. Tie the line to your pet\\'s collar to prevent him from swallowing more of the line and contact the VetCall Veterinary Surgery if you unable to remove the hook.

FAQ 9 Stressed cats at a veterinary visit

Stressed cats at a veterinary visit  

Ominous hissing, mournful meows, defensive scratching and biting, upset bowels – many cats get stressed when it’s time for a veterinary visit.

Travel and arrival at the veterinary surgery has been identified as a key friction area for cat owners.

Here’s what you can do to help your cat relax and enjoy the visit.....

     Cat carrier

Never travel with a cat loose in the car

Choose a robust carrier, either plastic covered metal wire or hard-plastic top opening carrier, and not so large that your cat falls about in it

Removable tops make getting cats into – and out of – the carrier easier. Simply undo the side latches or securing pin, lift off the top, wrap your cat in a thick towel (preferably one which smells familiar), set your cat (and the towel) in the bottom quickly and replace the top. This eliminates the need to force your cat inside

Make the carrier smell familiar and reassuring:

Leave the carrier out in your house so your cat can access it any time

Make the carrier inviting by putting a favourite blanket, toy or some clothing that smells of the cat’s favourite person

Every now and then, lay a few treats inside the carrier

Spray the basket and contents with Feliway (a synthetic feline pheromone which helps cats to feel secure) at least half an hour before you go

Wipe a soft cloth around your cat’s face to pick up his scent and wipe this in the corners of the carrier

     The journey

Cover the carrier with a cloth during the journey

Secure the carrier in the passenger footwell or on the passenger seat using the seat belt

Drive carefully so that your cat is not thrown about

Refrain from listening to loud music

Talk quietly and reassuringly and stay calm yourself. Cats are clever at picking up tension from their owners!

Some cats are sick and others may soil the carrier. Withhold the meal before the visit and take some spare bedding

Avoid bumping the carrier

Take you cat on a few stress-free trial runs around the block, increasing the amount of time spent in the car. Reward your pet with a treat for being a good passenger.  Arrange a free-of-charge “Happy Visit” with us to give your cat the chance to get used to the sounds and smells of the surgery, meet the staff, enjoy some treats and get some canoodling!

     In Reception

Keep the carrier covered

Choose the quietest possible location. Place the carrier high up, not on the floor (cats prefer to be up high). Avoid dogs

Don’t put your cat face to face with another cat as that can be stressful too

     In the Consulting room

The veterinary surgeon is ultimately responsible for everyone’s and your cat’s safety and welfare

     Going home

As much care needs to be taken of any cat on the way home. All the same factors apply to travelling home

Strange smells on a cat from the surgery can make other cats anxious and there can be aggression between them

Wiping your cat with its own scent can help mask hospital smells

 

10. Rugby World Cup

RUGBY WORLD CUP New Zealand 9 Sept – 23 Oct 2011

Extremely important advice and recommendations to wives, fiancées, girlfriends, mothers, sisters, daughters

 

 #1.  From 9 September 2011, you should read the sports section of the daily newspaper so that you are aware of what is going on regarding the World Cup and that way you will be able to join in the conversations. If you fail to do this, you will be looked at in a bad way or you will be totally ignored

#2.  During the World Cup, the TV, SKY+, VCR and DVD are all mine, at all times, without any exceptions. Do not even think of taking a glimpse at the remote control

#3.  If you have to pass by in front of the TV during a game, I don\\'t mind as long as you do it crawling on the floor and without distracting me. If you decide to stand nude in front of the TV, make sure you put clothes on right after because if you catch a cold, I won\\'t have time to take you to the doctor or look after you during the World Cup

#4.  During the games I will be blind, deaf and mute to everything but the rugby and the dogs or unless I require a refill of my drink or something to eat. Do not expect me to listen to you, open the door, answer the telephone, or pick up the baby that just fell....it won’t happen. I will take the dogs out for their walks as soon as a game is finished

#5.  It would be a good idea for you to keep at least 24 bottles of beer in the fridge at all times, as well as plenty of things for me and the dogs to nibble on. Do not make any funny faces to my friends when they come over to watch the games. In return, you will be allowed to use the TV between 12-3pm unless there is a replay of a good game that I might wish to view again

 #6.  If you see me upset because my team is losing, DO NOT say "get over it, it\\'s only a game", or "don\\'t worry, they\\'ll win next time". If you say these things, you will only make me angrier and I will love you less. Remember, you will never ever know more about rugby than me and your so called "words of encouragement" will only lead to a break up or divorce

#7.  You are welcome to sit with me and the pets to watch one game and you can talk to me during halftime but only when the commercials are on. Please note I am saying "one" game, so do not use the World Cup as a nice cheesy excuse to "spend time together". The dogs and cats are welcome, however, to share the couch with me all the time

#8.  The replays of the tries are very important. I don\\'t care if I have or haven\\'t seen them, I want to see them again many times and record them

#9. Tell your friends NOT to have any babies, children’s parties or gatherings that requires my attendance because I will not go

#10.  If a friend of mine invites us to his house to watch a game, we will be there in a flash. We’ll take the dogs with us

#11.  The daily World Cup highlights show on TV every night is just as important as the actual game. Do not even think about saying "but you have already seen this...why don\\'t you change the channel to something we can all watch??” See Rule #2

#12.  Save your expressions such as "Thank goodness the World Cup is only every 4 years". I am immune to these words because after this comes the 20 Twenty World  Cup

#13  If there are any concerns about the pets during the World Cup,  phone VetCall Veterinary Surgery immediately. I will not be available to help 

Thank you for your  cooperation

FAQ Index

• FAQ1 What are your terms of business?
• FAQ 2 I want to take my pet aboard, what do I need to do?
• FAQ 3 Hot dogs are not cool in cars
• FAQ 4 Summer time
• FAQ 5 Fireworks
• FAQ 6 A Winter Guide for Dogs and Cats
• FAQ 7 Spring guide for dogs and cats
• FAQ 9 Stressed cats at a veterinary visit
• 10. Rugby World Cup