As we continue in our third Covid-19 lockdown, we thought it would be helpful to discuss some of the current guidelines for vet appointments. Whilst we are all now, unfortunately, more familiar with restrictions and lockdowns, we do appreciate that some pet owners may still feel unsure about what they can and cannot do during the lockdown period.

As with all things during the pandemic, we must balance two main risks:

1. The health and welfare of your pet if they do not attend the clinic for their health concern

2. The risk to you, as their owner, for leaving home to travel to us; especially if you are in a high risk or shielding group.

The first key assurance for you as an owner is: - we are here for you and your pet. We are always available at the end of the phone or via email. As a practice, we would much prefer that you call us sooner rather than later to discuss any queries or concerns you might have.

Here are some of the most asked questions and topics that we are seeing at this time, including our advice, which we hope you will find helpful:

1) Can I have my pet vaccinated?

The easiest way to cover this is to break this topic into groups:

a) Unvaccinated pets including puppies and kittens

Absolutely! It is important that we vaccinate any naive and unvaccinated animals. When we vaccinate, we are protecting our pets against serious life-threatening infectious diseases, the only other way to mitigate this risk is to keep them indoors; which is not practical for many!

b) Rabbits

Again, we are vaccinating against serious life-threatening infectious diseases - Haemorrhagic Viral disease and Myxomatosis. Rabbits are at risk of these diseases even if they are kept indoors. Our vaccinations are effective, but do not generate long lasting immunity so it’s essential we carry out annual vaccinations.

c) First annual booster for Cats and Dogs

It is very important that we carry out the first annual booster on time to ensure we continue to build on immunity generated from the primary course.

d) Booster for Cats and Dogs

For pets who are coming up to their second annual booster or who are older, we are able to extend the vaccination interval a small amount. We do not want their vaccinations to lapse, so we will carry out annual vaccinations; but we are currently advising, where possible, to go as a maximum 15-months between vaccinations.

2) Can I have my pet neutered?

We are currently advising that all female pets can be neutered in order to prevent serious life-threatening conditions for the individual, as well as unwanted pregnancies. For all male pets, at the moment we are carrying out neutering on a case by case basis after this has been discussed with one of our vets.

3) Non- emergency conditions

This is a very broad area but includes ear infections and lameness to vomiting and diarrhoea, and so much more. All of these can have an impact on our pets’ welfare and health, so again, we advise you to call us. In most instances, you will be offered an appointment in order for your pet to be examined allowing us to prescribe the best treatment for them.

If you have been asked to attend the clinic, we request that only one adult attends the appointment with their pet and is wearing a face covering. Please arrive as close to your appointment time as possible. We are very lucky to have a large reception area, so you are allowed into the building. However, please maintain your social distance from any other clients already in the building, and only come forward to the reception desk when called.

Unfortunately, in the current pandemic situation, you are not allowed into the consult room with your pet, as there is not enough room. Watch the short video below to find out what to expect if you need to visit the veterinary practice with your pet during lockdown:

We hope that this information is useful. As always, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01665 0252 250 or email us at info@coquetvets.co.uk