News

We believe that pet insurance is an important part of responsible pet ownership in Hawick. Owning a pet is hugely rewarding, but it can also be expensive if they are to suffer an illness or injury.

On 1st September 2023 our regulatory body, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) introduced new guidance on prescribing prescription-only medicines. There was a grace period until 1st January 2024 for some classes of medication including parasiticides (flea, tick and worming treatments). The new guidance requires that a clinical assessment, which usually entails a physical examination of your pet, be performed every time antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals and parasiticides are prescribed.

The guidance is an important step towards ensuring responsible antimicrobial use and reduces the veterinary impact on the wider issues of global antibiotic resistance and decline in insect populations.

Your pet will need to have seen a Veterinary Surgeon for an in-person consultation to make an appropriate parasiticide treatment plan personalised to their lifestyle and risk. We will aim to do this at regular, routine vaccination and health check appointments to reduce the need for additional appointments. However, a separate 'parasiticide check up' consultation may be required. 

We will enter a prescription 'authorisation' of our recommendations onto your pet's clinical notes, which can then be used to issue medication for the following 12-months. Once this authorisation is in place you can order parasiticide treatment as you previously have done so. 

We are offering a reduced consultation fee of £45.00 for a 'parasiticide check up' consultation. This is free for members of our Pet Health for Life (PH4L) plan. 

For long term prescription medication which is not an antimicrobial/antiparasitic, our usual policy of requiring a regular examination usually every 3-6 months continues to apply. The medication review consultations will be charged at our usual fees. 

You can read the full guidance from the RCVS on their website

Here at Hawick Vets, we are committed to providing the best quality healthcare for your pet.

Essential research

There are many things to consider before you commit to bringing a new pet into your home in Hawick and research is one of the best ways to prepare yourself. If you already have pets, then understanding how introducing a new pet could impact or affect your current animals is one important consideration. When choosing a pet, your decisions should be based on what best suits your lifestyle and living situation. Doing research on the different species and breeds will help you find a pet that matches your preferences and will teach you about their specific needs.

Over the last year, we have seen our costs increase significantly and we have absorbed the majority of these additional costs to try and support our customers during difficult times. However, with costs continuing to escalate, our prices need to increase to offset at least some of these higher costs.

Caring for your senior pet in Hawick

A dog or cat is considered senior after around 7 years of age, depending on the breed. Their needs may change as they get older, and you may need to care for them in different ways and make things more accessible. A senior pet may need more rest and comfort. They may also need easier access to their bed, food and water, especially if they develop arthritis or hip dysplasia. As every pet is unique, they show signs of ageing differently so it’s important to make some considerations where you can.

What does antibiotic resistance mean?

Antibiotics can be effective at treating bacterial infections. However, over time bacteria can evolve to become resistant to some antibiotics, making them less effective. The more we use antibiotics then the more quickly bacteria may adapt.

Alabama Rot, also known as Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV), is a rare but serious and potentially life-threatening disease that affects dogs. While it’s relatively rare, it’s crucial for dog owners to be aware of this condition, understand what it is, and learn how to protect their furry companions from it. In this blog, we’ll delve into what Alabama Rot is, its symptoms, and most importantly, how you can take preventive measures to keep your beloved dog safe.

Navigating autumn’s hidden hazards: Can dogs eat conkers?

As the vibrant autumn leaves begin to fall, our canine companions eagerly join us in exploring the wonders of autumn. Amidst this picturesque backdrop, one common autumn sight is the iconic conker - the intriguing, shiny chestnut-like seed from horse chestnut trees.

Our Guide to Knowing The Dangers of Corn and When You Should Visit Your Local Vet

We all love to share a delicious BBQ with our furry friends, but is it really safe to share some of our favourites, such as corn on the cob, with them? Here we explore the potential risk factors of sharing our classic summertime favourite with our dogs. Ensuring your pup’s health is our priority, so explore more to understand the dangers that corn on the cob poses to them, and when you should seek advice from Hawick Vets.

Many dog owners enjoy spending time at the beach, allowing their furry friends to frolic in the waves and enjoy the sun. While the beach can be a fun and refreshing experience, it's important to be aware of the potential dangers, including saltwater poisoning. If your dog ingests saltwater, it can lead to significant health issues if not addressed promptly. At Hawick Veterinary Practice, we explore the symptoms of saltwater poisoning in dogs to help you recognize the signs and take appropriate action to protect your canine companion's well-being.