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Nobody expects their pet to go missing. A gate is left open, a lead slips, fireworks go off. A dog follows an interesting scent a little too far, or a cat disappears after being frightened by noise, traffic or a storm. For any owner, it is a deeply upsetting experience and for the animal, it can be frightening and dangerous. At East Limerick Vets, we believe microchipping is one of the simplest and most important steps you can take to protect your pet. It is quick, permanent,

Warm weather can be lovely for people, but it can quickly become dangerous for animals. Dogs, cats, rabbits, horses and small pets can all struggle in high temperatures, especially if they cannot get away from the heat, access fresh water or cool themselves properly. At East Limerick Vets, we want to help owners recognise the risks early and keep their animals safe during warmer weather. Understanding heatstroke Heatstroke is a serious veterinary emergency. It happens when an

Planning a holiday is exciting, but if your dog or cat is staying in a boarding kennel or cattery, a little preparation can help ensure everything goes smoothly. Boarding facilities have health and welfare requirements to protect the animals in their care. While admission policies vary between kennels and catteries, there are some common health checks and preventative measures that owners should consider well before their pet's stay. Here's what you need to know. 1. Check you

Regular worming is an important part of routine healthcare for dogs and cats, but it is also one of the easiest things for owners to lose track of. Unlike fleas or ticks, worms are not always obvious. A dog or cat can look well, eat normally and still be carrying parasites or shedding eggs into the environment. That is why worming should not only happen when an owner sees worms. It should be part of a planned approach based on the pet’s age, lifestyle, diet and risk. Worms ar

Most of us would notice if our dog or cat suddenly stopped eating, but dental problems are sneaky. Pets can have sore gums, painful teeth or early dental disease and still carry on eating, playing and acting fairly normal. That is why regular dental checks do matter. Dental disease is one of the most common health issues seen in dogs and cats. Research from the Royal Veterinary College found that periodontal disease affects around one in eight dogs seen in first-opinion veter

Fleas are often thought of as a minor nuisance, but they can cause much more than a few itchy bites. In dogs, fleas can lead to irritation, allergic skin disease, secondary skin infection, tapeworm infection and, in heavy infestations, even anaemia. They can also establish themselves in the home, which is one of the main reasons flea problems can become so difficult to fully clear once they take hold. One of the most common signs of fleas in dogs is itching. Dogs might scratc

Most dog owners know chocolate is something to avoid, but many are still left with the same question in the moment: how serious is it if my dog has eaten some? The answer depends on the type of chocolate, the amount involved and the size of the dog. Chocolate contains methylxanthines, mainly theobromine and caffeine , and dogs break these down much more slowly than people do. That is what makes chocolate potentially dangerous for them. What chocolate is most harmful to dogs?

What Is Tick Prophylaxis — and Why Your Pet Needs It Tick prophylaxis means using regular, vet-approved treatments to prevent ticks from attaching or to kill them quickly if they do. These include spot-on drops, chewable tablets, or tick collars that provide continuous protection. Many pet owners stop using preventatives after summer, but that leaves a gap in protection just when ticks are still active. The European Scientific Counsel on Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP)