What is microchipping and how can it help my pet?
Microchipping offers pets a safe and permanent method of identification and increases the chances of
a lost pet being safely reunited with its owner. It is the most effective way of identifying a lost animal
(chips don't come off like collars can). Each microchip has a unique number which is stored on a
national database.

A scan of the chip reveals the owner's name and address from the database's records. Microchips are
slightly smaller than a grain of rice and are inserted under your pet's skin between the shoulder blades.
The procedure is very simple and is no more painful than an injection. Once inserted, your pet will not
be aware of the microchip's presence. You must have your animal microchipped if you are taking it
abroad or bringing it back into the UK.

How often should I give my pet worming treatment?
Unfortunately, there is no way of preventing worm infection but to avoid worms reaching maturity and
affecting your pet's health you should worm your pet regularly. Worming every three months will
reduce this risk, but we would recommend that you bring your pet to one of our regular parasite
prevention clinics where we will be able to evaluate your pet's health and your family's requirements
and advise you on a specific worming routine suitable for your pet.

What’s the best way to maintain my pet’s health?
It is wise to take an interest in your pet’s health, but always think about your information source.
Remember, there are lots of myths surrounding pet health! If in doubt, give us a call.

A healthy diet and plenty of exercise are paramount. Never give human medicines to pets. Simple
measures, such as checking your pet’s ears for discharge, checking their teeth for plaque/tartar
buildup or for decay/breakages and feeling for external lumps, are an important part of routine
healthcare. We recommend that you bring your pet in for an annual health check. We consider this
check extremely important for the long-term well being of your pet.

During the health check, they will be examined by your vet who will want to know if you have noticed
any changes in your pet over the last 12 months. We are particularly looking for early warning signs of
disease. The earlier something is diagnosed, the greater the likelihood of successful treatment. For
elderly pets with age related illnesses, there is much that can be done to slow down or limit the disease
if it is diagnosed in the early stages.

At the health check, vaccinations can be administered depending on your pet's individual requirements.
Vaccinations are still the only way to prevent many serious infectious diseases and are important in
ensuring good health.

Where can I find information on taking my pet abroad?
We suggest you take a look at the DEFRA website. It has a large amount of very useful
information on taking your pet abroad. There are specific procedures and paperwork that are essential
when taking your pet abroad and, at the practice we are happy to help you through these. We can also
assist you in fulfilling those requirements for animals entering countries not covered by the Pet Travel
Scheme. In addition, we can provide advice regarding safe travel abroad and any health issues you
may encounter in specific countries. Give us a call on 01256 764771.

What is the best food for my pet?
With so many pet foods on the market, all making claims for health benefits, it can be hard to know
which diet to choose. We recommend that you discuss with your vet or veterinary nurse which diets
would be appropriate for your pet and his or her lifestyle. Our vets or veterinary nurses have a good
deal of knowledge and experience and we can offer scientific and clinical nutritional advice on what is
suitable for you pet. Come into the surgery or book an appointment to discuss further.

I think that my pet is overweight. Should I just cut down on their food?
Pets are at greater risk of heart disease, respiratory problems, arthritis and joint problems, heat and
exercise intolerance, diabetes, spinal problems and anaesthetic and surgical complications if they are
overweight.

We run daily weight clinics held by one of our nursing team, all of whom are qualified in animal nutrition.
As well as providing advice on appropriate exercise for your pet we recommend diets that are
scientifically and clinically proven to effect safe weight loss while providing a complete, balanced diet.

What does RCVS accredited practice mean?
RCVS accreditation offers peace of mind to clients of accredited practices and more informed choice to
the animal-owning public. To become accredited, practices volunteer for rigorous inspection every four
years and will have met a range of minimum standards including hygiene, 24-hour emergency cover,
staff training, certain types of equipment and cost estimation procedures. They may also be subject to
spot-checks between inspections.

What advice can you give about training my new puppy/dog?
For puppies we hold regular Puppy Parties where they have a chance to learn how to interact
appropriately with other people and dogs. Parties are held in a controlled environment and are great
fun, very entertaining and often a degree of controlled chaos occurs! A qualified nurse gives an
informative talk about general training, microchipping, fleas, worms and neutering and answers any
questions you may have.

For dogs, all of our vets or veterinary nurses can help with training advice or problems. Give us a call
on 01256 764771 for more information.

When are your opening hours?
HOOK PRACTICE 
Mon to Fri - 8.15am to 7pm  
Sat - 8.15am to 1pm
ODIHAM PRACTICE
Mon to Fri - 8.30am to 12.30pm (Consultations from 9am to 10am only) 
Sat - closed
See our Appointments page.

What if my pet needs emergency treatment?
We have arranged for a specialised emergency out-of-hours service to be available. Similar to a
hospital A&E, they are specially trained and equipped for handling emergency cases. Details are on
our Appointments page.

Do you accept credit?
We expect you to pay your veterinary fee at the time of your appointment or on collection of your pet
after an operation. We accept cash, cheques (with a valid banker's card), Switch, and most major credit
cards. We believe our charges are as reasonable and as affordable as possible and set them at a level
that allows us to maintain a high quality of staff and of medical and surgical facilities.

If you have any queries, please speak to our staff before making an appointment. Estimates are always
available for any proposed treatment. If your vet has not already provided you with an estimate of
likely costs, please ask.

Should I take out pet insurance?
We recommend that all pet owners take our medical insurance for their pets. Advances in the medical
and veterinary professions open up a vast increase in available diagnostic and first class treatments.
These can be very expensive and, if insured, your pet need never be denied the best level of care
and the chance of a full recovery. As with all insurance policies, it is important to read the small print
and to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting for your money. Call in or ring the practice on
01256 764771 for more information.

When should I have my pet neutered?
We recommend that cats (both males and females) should be neutered from the age of five months.
Male dogs can be neutered from seven months of age, and bitches after their first season but discuss
with your vet the pros and cons of these procedures as each pet is very much an individual. Neutering
prevents unwanted litters and avoids other health problems.

Should my female pet be allowed to have a litter first before being neutered?
There is absolutely no reason for your pet to have kittens or puppies before it is spayed.

Can I get prescriptions filled for my pet at your practice?
Prescriptions are available from this practice. You may obtain relevant veterinary medicinal products
from your veterinary surgeon or ask for a prescription and obtain these medicines from another
veterinary surgeon or a pharmacy.

Your veterinary surgeon may prescribe relevant medicinal products only following a clinical assessment
of an animal under their care. A prescription may not be appropriate if your animal is an in-patient or
immediate treatment is necessary. You will be informed, on request, of the price of any medicine that
may be prescribed for your animal.

The general policy of this practice is to re-assess an animal requiring repeat prescriptions for supplies
of relevant veterinary medicinal products every six months, but this may vary with individual
circumstances. The standard charge for a re-examination is £20.64 plus VAT. Information on the prices of medicines is available on request.