The demand for mobile vets is increasing rapidly, and this is true all over the UK, including in Sussex. Owners are often seeking out a lower stress consultation and many find it hard to transport their pet to a clinic.
What can a mobile vet do and is it possible that all vet hospital consults could be replaced by travelling vets? Read on to learn about everything a vet can do for your beloved pet, from the comfort of your own home.
Is there a home visit vet in Sussex?
There are certainly vets who will perform home visits all around Sussex. This includes both mobile veterinary services and ‘regular’ vet clinics who routinely perform house calls.
A vet who comes to your home can provide a wide range of services without you having to wrestle your cat into a carrier or cope with a nervous passenger in the car.
Home visits are especially useful if you are disabled, you do not have access to transportation, you have several pets, or if your pet is at the end of their life or immobile.
Health Examinations
The bread and butter of most veterinarians is the ‘health check’. Your vet can check your pet from nose to tail, assessing for any problems that can be difficult for the untrained eye to spot.
Many common health problems are best detected by an experienced vet, including dental disease, heart murmurs, blocked anal glands, and abdominal masses.
Vaccinations
Most cats, dogs and rabbits in the UK will receive annual vaccines. These injections protect them against potentially deadly diseases including Parvovirus and Leptospirosis for dogs, Feline Leukaemia virus for the cats and Myxomatosis for the bunnies.
On top of this, Kennel cough vaccinations are sometimes needed, particularly if a dog will be attending dog shows, doggy daycare or kennels. If your pet will be travelling overseas, they would also require a Rabies vaccination.
Microchipping
Another common service performed by mobile vets is microchipping. It is now law in England that all pet cats and dogs are microchipped. This is a quick and relatively painless procedure that is carried out within a matter of seconds.
Medication Reviews
For pets on long-term medication, they typically need to be seen every few months for a check up and to ensure they are on the correct medicine and the appropriate dose. Reviews may include some basic diagnostic tests, including a blood and urine analysis.
A mobile vet is able to perform these medication reviews and to issue more medicine or written prescriptions, if required.
Skin, Ear and Mobility Assessments
Frequently, pets are seen by mobile vets for issues including itchy or sore skin, ongoing ear infections or joint pain. These are the sort of consults that a vet deals with on a daily basis.
Mobile vets are well-equipped to diagnose and treat animals with these ongoing medical conditions, ensuring they get the treatment that they need promptly.
Senior-pet Care
Even more so than dogs at other life stages, seniors need regular check ups. For those with no known medical issues, it is widely agreed that they should be seen at least every six months. These ‘old age’ health checks often include a chat about how they have been coping, a full physical exam and perhaps also some basic diagnostic tests, such as bloodwork and a blood pressure check.
Many seniors have one or more underlying medical issues, with arthritis, kidney disease, dementia, hormonal disorders, and heart disease being diagnosed regularly. These pets may need medication to help manage their conditions and improve their quality of life.
For older pets, their condition can change rapidly in a short space of time. For some, this can mean they are suddenly not able to walk well or they have become very confused. This is a good example of when requesting a visit at home can be easier all round.
End-of-life Care
More so than for anything else, home visits are requested when it is time to put an animal to sleep. At home euthanasia has the potential to be very calm and peaceful, and allows the pet to pass away in a familiar setting, without having to be transported to the clinic before the procedure is undertaken.
Where it is needed, many mobile vets would be able to take the body of the deceased pet away, to allow for cremation to take place.
Is there anything a mobile vet cannot do?
There are occasions when it may be more appropriate to see a vet in a hospital setting. This is true, for example, if the animal is critically unwell and will need hospitalization- for example, a patient who is in respiratory distress or who has just been hit by a car.
Keep in mind, mobile vets will generally not have access to things like oxygen, blood machines and X-rays. If your pet needs urgent diagnostics or surgery, it is better to have them seen in a veterinary clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request a mobile vet in East Sussex?
Yes, Buzz Mobile Vet offers numerous veterinary services and covers a range of areas in and around East and West Sussex. You may view our Areas Covered and contact us or book an visit online.
What can I do if my pet is very anxious but needs to see a vet?
For nervous pets, requesting a home visit may be the best option. This eliminates the stressful journey and you might find that your pet is more settled at home. Otherwise, if you need to be seen in the clinic, ask your vet about some calming medicine to give beforehand.
Is a mobile vet more expensive?
As the fee charged includes the vet’s travel time and travel expenses, you will usually find that it costs more than a standard veterinary consultation. However, many would agree that the convenience and reduced stress (felt by owner and pet!) makes it worthwhile.