VETERINARY CLINICHow to care for your dog
Dogs need routine, exercise and interaction to feel balanced and happy. Daily walks, play and time with their family all contribute to their wellbeing.
Helpful tips
- Follow the vaccination and parasite prevention schedule.
- Provide exercise suited to your dog’s age and energy level.
- Brush their coat regularly and check their skin after walks.
- Pay attention to dental hygiene.
- Avoid foods that are dangerous for dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic.
When to arrange a consultation
Contact your vet to determine how soon your pet needs to be assessed. Do not wait for a routine check-up if new symptoms appear or your pet’s condition changes.
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat — seek veterinary advice rather than automatically waiting 24 hours, especially for puppies or dogs with existing medical conditions.
- Vomiting or diarrhoea that persists or recurs.
- Limping, itching, discomfort or changes in behaviour.
When you need immediate help
Contact a vet or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately if you notice:
- Difficulty breathing or, in cats, breathing with the mouth open.
- Collapse, loss of consciousness, prolonged or repeated seizures.
- Suspected poisoning, swallowing a foreign object or an accident.
- A suddenly swollen or painful abdomen, especially with unproductive retching.
- Inability to urinate, heavy bleeding or severe pain.
- Severe vomiting or diarrhoea accompanied by marked weakness or blood.
Outside opening hours
Sparky Vet is not a 24-hour clinic. For an emergency outside our opening hours, contact an emergency veterinary clinic that is open. Do not wait for a WhatsApp reply or for our clinic to reopen.
This list is not exhaustive. If your pet’s condition worsens or you are unsure how urgent the situation is, seek veterinary guidance immediately.
Recommended check-ups
- Puppies need regular visits for vaccinations and to monitor their development.
- Adult dogs should have a check-up at least once a year.
- Senior dogs benefit from check-ups every six months.