- Our services
Articles
Articles, questions and guides on pet care.
Why is chewing gum poisonous to dogs?
Chewing gum is one of the lesser-known everyday poisoning dangers to dogs. Read our article to learn what exactly is toxic in it and what to do if your dog ate some.
Vaccinating dogs - your questions answered
Vaccination is the quickest and best way to protect your dog from preventable diseases. Most of these diseases are caused by viruses, and unfortunately, there is no direct treatment for most viruses…
Vaccinating cats - your questions answered
Vaccination is the quickest and best way to protect your cat from preventable diseases. Most of these diseases are caused by viruses, and unfortunately, there is no direct treatment for most viruses…
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis in horses: What to look for and how to manage it
As the sun begins to shine, bees become busier, and flowers begin to blossom, one thing is becoming certain - Spring is upon us. Whilst most of us will welcome this change in season, embracing the…
How to clean your dog's ears
Does your dog have problems with its ears and have you been advised to clean them? Here are some tips and advice on how to do it safely and effectively!
Mastitis in dogs - what you can do to help, and when you should seek advice
Mastitis describes inflammation of the mammary tissue (breast tissue) that enables mothers to produce milk for new offspring. Mastitis is painful inflammation or infection of one or more of the…
Flystrike in rabbits and other small furries
Flystrike is commonly caused by blue bottle and green bottle flies. Flystrike can strike very fast! Flies are attracted to urine or faeces, either in the rabbit hutch, or on the rabbit. They are…
Heat stroke in cats - what signs should you look out for?
Many cats like the heat, but just like humans, they can suffer from heat stroke by staying in the sun for too long. Constant access to plentiful fresh water is essential. Cats do not pant like dogs…
Why is my dog scooting? Recognising anal gland problems in dogs
When dogs drag their bottom along the floor, we often call this commonly seen behaviour ‘scooting’. It is usually associated with irritation of their anal glands, which sit just inside the anus at…
Tips for buying a new cat or kitten
Is it almost time to bring home your new and long-awaited family member? How do you need to prepare? Here we share our best tips for planning for your new cat's arrival.
Summer dangers for dogs
Summer means that we can be more out in nature with our dogs, especially as Covid-19 lockdown restrictions are lifting. But with the heat, the great outdoors, swimming and barbecues come a number of…
Water tail syndrome in dogs
Dogs who like to swim or spend a long time in cold or wet weather can sometimes suffer from something called limber tail syndrome. There are many other names for this condition including: cold water…
Obesity in Cats
More and more cats are developing obesity. A cat is considered overweight if it weighs over 20% more than its ideal body weight. If it weighs more than 20% above its ideal weight, it is classified…
How to prepare your dog for fireworks with training
Many dogs are afraid of fireworks – and why wouldn’t they be! Unfortunately, firework displays aren’t limited to 5th November, so it’s best to be prepared at any time from October through New Year’s…
Help! My dog is eating poo
Coprophagia is the medical term for eating poo. Although an unpleasant behaviour, eating faeces is a problem behaviour we see in both puppies and adult dogs. It mostly occurs in puppies and young…
Hair loss (Alopecia) in cats
Cats commonly present to vets for hair loss, which is also known as alopecia. There are many reasons for hair loss. There are primary and secondary causes of alopecia. Here our vet shares their…
Breathing problems in cats
Breathing difficulties (dyspnoea) are a relatively common emergency in cats. There are several reasons why your cat may experience difficulty breathing and any age of cat can be affected. Breathing…
How to give your dog or cat a happy New Year
New Year's Eve, with its promise of celebration and new beginnings, is just around the corner. How about you include your pet too in this opportunity for joy and renewal? Read on for our best tips…
With FirstVet, the vet clinic and pet shop are only one tap away. Get fast advice, trusted care and the right pet supplies – every day, all year round.
FIRSTVET UK LTD
25 Horsell Road
London
N5 1XL
United Kingdom