What to Expect During a Consultation at Paws in the City

At Paws in the City, we’re not just focused on your pet’s appearance but also on their health and well-being. Whether you’re bringing your pet in for a routine check-up, addressing a specific concern, or seeking advice on managing a particular health issue, our clinical consultations are designed to ensure your pet receives the best possible care. We understand that each pet and pet parent has different needs. That’s why we offer 15-minute and 30-minute consultations to accommodate various health concerns and time constraints. Both consultations are designed to provide thorough care, but they differ in the level of detail and depth depending on your pet's needs.

15-Minute Consultation

A 15-minute consultation is ideal for addressing minor health concerns or for a quick follow-up on ongoing treatments. During this brief appointment, we focus on providing immediate advice, addressing straightforward concerns, or giving you a quick health assessment of your pet.

30-Minute Consultation

A 30-minute consultation allows for a more comprehensive review of your pet’s health. It’s ideal for addressing more complex issues, conducting a thorough examination, or discussing multiple concerns in greater detail. This consultation gives us the time to perform a more detailed assessment and provide in-depth advice or a treatment plan.

Pre-Op Consultation (15 Minutes)

A Pre-Op Consultation is essential before any surgical procedure. This consultation allows us to assess your pet’s suitability for surgery and ensure they are in the best health possible prior to the operation. It’s a quick but important step to ensure your pet is fully prepared for their procedure.

Post-Op Consultation (15 Minutes)

After your pet undergoes surgery, a Post-Op Consultation is crucial for monitoring their recovery and ensuring that everything is healing properly. This 15-minute session allows us to check on your pet’s progress, address any concerns, and adjust care as needed.

Emergency Consultation (30 Minutes)

An Emergency Consultation is designed for urgent health issues that require immediate attention. If your pet is showing signs of distress, severe illness, or injury, an emergency consultation allows us to assess their condition and take quick action.

Here’s what you can expect during a consultation at our clinic:

Warm Welcome and Initial Assessment

When you arrive at Paws in the City, you’ll be greeted by our friendly staff who are dedicated to making both you and your pet feel comfortable. We understand that some pets may feel anxious about visiting the vet, so we take the time to create a calm, welcoming atmosphere.

• Getting to Know Your Pet: We’ll ask about your pet’s temperament, behaviour, and general health, as well as their medical history. This helps us understand their needs and ensure we provide the best care possible.
• Detailed Health History: We’ll gather important information about your pet’s diet, activity levels, any pre-existing conditions, and previous treatments to get a clear picture of their overall health.

Physical Examination

Our clinical consultations include a comprehensive physical examination to assess your pet’s overall health. This will involve:

• General Health Check: We will check your pet’s weight, temperature, heart rate, and respiration to ensure everything is within normal range.
• Skin and Coat Assessment: We’ll examine your pet’s coat and skin for signs of allergies, infections, parasites (like fleas or ticks), or other issues.
• Teeth and Oral Health: Dental health is crucial to your pet’s overall well-being, so we’ll assess the condition of your pet’s teeth and gums.
• Joint and Muscle Check: If your pet has any mobility issues or signs of arthritis, we’ll carefully check their joints and muscles for stiffness or discomfort.

Discussing Health Concerns and Symptoms

If you’re bringing your pet in because of specific concerns, we’ll take time to listen to your observations and any symptoms you’ve noticed. Whether it’s changes in behaviour, appetite, digestion, or signs of discomfort, we’ll investigate further.

• Behavioural Changes: If your pet is exhibiting new behaviours—such as lethargy, aggression, or excessive scratching—we’ll explore these changes to identify any underlying health issues.
• Specific Symptoms: Whether it’s vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing, or limping, we’ll work with you to pinpoint the root cause and suggest the most appropriate course of action.

Diagnostic Testing and Recommendations

Based on the physical examination and any symptoms your pet may be showing, we may recommend diagnostic tests to further investigate. This could include:

• Blood Tests: To check for infections, organ function, or underlying health conditions like diabetes or thyroid issues.
• Urine Tests: To assess kidney health, detect urinary tract infections, or monitor conditions like diabetes.
• X-rays and Ultrasounds: For conditions that may involve the internal organs or skeletal system, we may suggest imaging tests to get a clear view of what’s going on inside.
• Parasite Testing: If there are concerns about fleas, ticks, or intestinal parasites, we may take stool samples or blood tests to confirm the diagnosis.

We’ll fully explain why these tests are needed and ensure you’re comfortable with the proposed plan.

Tailored Treatment Plan

Once we have a clear picture of your pet’s health, we’ll discuss any treatments or interventions needed. Whether your pet needs medication, a specific diet plan, or further testing, we’ll create a customised treatment plan to support their recovery and well-being.

• Medications: If your pet requires prescription medication, we’ll explain how it works, how to administer it, and any potential side effects.
• Dietary Adjustments: Nutrition plays a huge role in your pet’s health, so we may recommend changes to their diet to address health issues like obesity, digestive problems, or food allergies.
• Follow-up Care: For ongoing conditions, we’ll outline follow-up visits, future tests, and any lifestyle changes that can help improve your pet’s quality of life.

Preventative Care and Wellness Advice

At Paws in the City, we believe in proactive care. During your consultation, we’ll discuss preventative measures to help keep your pet healthy long-term:

• Vaccinations: We’ll review your pet’s vaccination schedule and make sure they’re up to date with important shots to protect against diseases.
• Parasite Prevention: We’ll recommend preventative treatments for fleas, ticks, worms, and other common parasites, depending on your pet’s lifestyle and environment.
• Dental Health: Since oral hygiene is often overlooked, we’ll discuss ways to care for your pet’s teeth and gums, including professional cleaning, at-home brushing, and dental chews.

Clear Communication and Next Steps

Our goal is to ensure you understand every aspect of your pet’s care plan. We’ll make sure to:

• Answer Questions: We encourage you to ask questions about your pet’s health, treatment options, or any concerns you may have. We’re here to help!
• Outline Next Steps: We’ll provide you with clear instructions for follow-up appointments, medications, or lifestyle changes. If any tests were conducted, we’ll explain how and when to expect results.

Why a Consultation at Paws in the City Matters

A consultation at Paws in the City isn’t just about addressing immediate health concerns—it’s about taking a holistic approach to your pet’s well-being. From preventive care to expert treatment for health issues, we’re here to ensure your pet lives a long, healthy, and happy life. Our veterinary team is committed to providing personalised care that fits your pet’s unique needs. Book a Consultation in our Ealing or Greenford clinic today! Ready to ensure your pet’s health is in the best hands? Schedule a consultation with Paws in the City and let our experienced team provide the care and attention your pet deserves.