Frequently asked questions

A single bout of vomiting or soft stool often passes on its own with a light diet and access to water. But if it lasts longer than a day, there is blood, the pet is lethargic and refuses water — or it is a puppy, kitten or senior pet — see a vet: dehydration develops fast.

Urgent: laboured breathing, seizures, blood, a hard bloated belly, repeated vomiting, refusal to drink, pale gums, injury, inability to urinate. You can watch and wait (but it is better to call the clinic): a single bout of vomiting, mild lethargy with appetite preserved.

Refusing food for more than a day together with lethargy is a reason for an examination. In cats this is especially dangerous: fasting quickly damages the liver. Don't wait for it to «pass on its own».

Normal temperature in cats and dogs is roughly 37.5–39.0 °C (measured rectally). Signs of pain: hiding, not letting you touch them, whimpering, a changed posture, not jumping up, sudden aggression. An accurate assessment comes from a vet.

The most common causes are fleas and ticks, allergy (to food or environment) or a skin infection. Check for parasites and treat them; if the itching is severe, there are bald patches or sores — see a vet for a diagnosis.

Vaccination usually starts at 8–9 weeks, with a booster after 3–4 weeks; the rabies shot is given around 12 weeks. It protects against deadly infections, so it matters even for indoor pets. The exact schedule is set by a vet.

Yes. Viruses get into the home on shoes and clothing, and rabies and a number of infections are dangerous even for strictly indoor pets. Besides, vaccinations are needed for travel, boarding and breeding.

Over time immunity weakens and protection drops. After a long gap a vet may resume the course or start it over — check with the clinic without delay.

For worms — usually once every 3 months (more often for the young and for pets that go outdoors/hunt); for fleas and ticks — by season, often monthly in warm weather. The specific schedule is chosen based on the pet's lifestyle.

For the first 1–2 weeks after a vaccination it is better to avoid bathing, stress and contact with unvaccinated animals while immunity is forming. A vet will give exact recommendations.

Quality commercial food is balanced and convenient. A home-prepared diet requires careful calculation with a vet, otherwise deficiencies are easy to get. What matters most is a complete and consistent diet, not how «natural» it is.

Avoid: chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, xylitol (a sweetener), alcohol, coffee, macadamia nuts. They are toxic and can cause poisoning, up to kidney or liver failure. Keep them out of reach.

Cooked and tubular bones are dangerous because of splinters and blockages. Raw fish and an excess of milk often cause digestive upset. It is better to avoid them or give them only on a vet's advice.

It depends on the species, age, weight and activity. Follow the norm on the food package and monitor weight (ribs should be palpable, the waist visible). The young are fed more often, adults 1–2 times a day.

Signs: itching, redness, hair loss, chronic ear or digestive problems. It is confirmed with an elimination diet under a vet's supervision, not by guessing «by eye».

Most often it is separation anxiety or boredom. Gradual habituation to being alone, physical and mental exercise before you leave, and puzzle toys all help. In severe cases — an animal behaviourist or a vet.

First rule out illness — especially cystitis, which is urgent. Then the causes are practical: a dirty or uncomfortable box, stress, too few boxes. The rule: one more box than there are cats in the home.

In puppies it is teething and exploring the world; in adults it is boredom or stress. Provide approved toys, put valuables away, and add activity and attention.

Take it out after sleep, food and play, praise it for doing its «business» in the right spot, and don't scold it for puddles — punishment only frightens. Consistency and reward work best.

Sudden aggression is often linked to pain or fear. First rule out a medical cause with a vet, don't punish (it increases fear), and if needed bring in an animal behaviourist.

Remove what's left, note what and how much was eaten, keep the packaging and contact a vet right away. Swallowed objects risk causing a blockage, so don't wait for symptoms to appear.

Many human medicines are deadly for animals (for example, painkillers with paracetamol or ibuprofen). Never give medicines «the way you would to people» without a vet's prescription.

Stay calm, remove the source, write down what was eaten and when, call the clinic and follow their instructions. Don't give anything «on your own».

No, you must not induce vomiting yourself — with some substances it only makes the harm worse. Do it solely on a vet's direct instruction.

Find the nearest 24-hour veterinary clinic in advance and keep its phone number handy. If there are threatening signs, take your pet there immediately.

You usually need a pet passport with up-to-date vaccinations (above all rabies), a microchip and a veterinary health certificate. The exact list depends on the carrier and the destination country.

The rabies vaccination is often required in advance (frequently no later than 21 days before), and the certificate is issued a few days before departure. Plan 1–2 months ahead, and earlier for going abroad.

You'll need a carrier of the right size, documents, and sometimes a reservation of a spot for the animal. Each carrier has its own rules, so check them in advance.

Requirements vary greatly by country: a chip, a rabies vaccination, sometimes an antibody test, treatments and waiting periods. Start preparing 1–4 months ahead and check the rules of the country of entry.

A microchip is a permanent identifier for the pet: it helps return a lost animal and is often mandatory for travel. Unlike a collar, a chip can't be lost.

Expenses add up from food, vaccinations, treatments, grooming and unexpected veterinary care. The first year is usually more expensive — because of spaying/neutering, basic vaccinations and buying everything you need.

Prices depend on the region and the clinic. Ask for the price list in advance. Planned procedures (vaccinations, spaying/neutering) are cheaper and more predictable than emergency care.

Prevention is cheaper than treatment: timely vaccinations, treatments, and weight and dental control lower the risk of costly illnesses. Don't economise on vaccination deadlines or on reacting to worrying symptoms.

Insurance covers part of the costs of illness and injury (after the deductible) and protects against large sudden bills. Read carefully what is included and what is excluded.

Emergency care and surgery cost many times more than a planned visit. That's why it is useful to keep a financial «cushion» or insurance and to reduce risks through prevention.

Most cats groom themselves perfectly and hardly need bathing at all. Dogs are bathed as they get dirty (often once every 1–3 months) with a special shampoo. Frequent washing dries out the skin.

With a clipper, cut only the clear tip, without touching the pink part with blood vessels (the quick). If you're not sure — ask a vet or groomer to show you the technique.

Yes: plaque turns into tartar and causes inflammation. Brushing with a special paste, special treats and a vet check-up all help. Human toothpaste must not be used.

Long-haired pets and a number of breeds need a groomer regularly (once every 1–2 months) for detangling and trimming; short-haired ones can manage with home care. A groomer also cleans the ears and trims the claws.

Regular brushing (especially during shedding season) and quality nutrition noticeably reduce the amount of hair. Sudden heavy shedding or bald patches is a reason to show the pet to a vet.

Spaying/neutering prevents unwanted offspring and a number of illnesses (tumours, inflammation). The optimal age depends on the species, breed and size — discuss it with a vet.

The basic temperament doesn't change. Usually hormonal restlessness, marking and the urge to run away decrease. A tendency to gain weight is easily managed with diet and activity.

Usually not before 8–12 weeks: by this age the young one is weaned from its mother, socialised and has had its first vaccinations. Moving it too early harms its health and psyche.

More frequent check-ups are needed, along with control of weight, joints and teeth and an «age-appropriate» diet. Many illnesses of senior animals respond better to treatment if caught early.

Age is estimated from the condition of the teeth, coat and eyes — a vet does this. The accuracy is approximate, but it is enough to set up the right care.

Act fast: walk around the area, ask neighbours, post notices with a photo, notify the chipping database, shelters, vet clinics and social media. A chip and up-to-date contacts sharply increase the chance of getting the pet back.

The chip holds a number linked to your contacts in a database. Any clinic or shelter reads it with a scanner and finds the owner. The key is to keep the data in the database up to date.

Remove wires, household chemicals, dangerous plants and small objects; fit sturdy «cat-proof» nets on windows and the balcony. A fall from a window is a common and very dangerous injury.

The main risks are parasites and certain infections; they are reduced by vaccinations, treatments and hygiene. New animals are introduced into the home gradually and after a veterinary examination.

Buy bowls, food, a bed, a carrier, a litter box or pads, and toys in advance; remove everything dangerous; choose a clinic and book an initial examination. Calm preparation makes the first days easier.