Vet appointments with your guide dog

Taking your guide dog to the vet is an essential part of looking after their health and wellbeing. Here, we'll help you understand what to expect from a visit to the vet and how to prepare yourself and your guide dog so that you can get the most from your appointment.

Who provides veterinary care to a guide dog?

When you are partnered with your guide dog, you’ll be assigned a Dog Health and Wellbeing Specialist (DHWS) who’ll be your first point of contact for non-emergency health and welfare advice for your guide dog.

Your Dog Health and Wellbeing Specialist works closely with multiple veterinary practices across your region and is responsible for monitoring the veterinary care provided to our dogs. They not only make sure all our dogs get the best possible treatment and medical service but ensure our clients and volunteers are well supported, too. Your Dog Health and Wellbeing Specialist can advise you on registering with an approved local vet practice, as you will need to register your dog as soon as possible.

Common reasons for visiting the vet

Some common reasons you may need to visit the vet with your guide dog include:

• Routine check-ups: These routine examinations monitor your guide dog's overall health and help to catch any potential issues early.
• Vaccinations: Keeping vaccinations up to date helps protect your guide dog from common infectious diseases.
• Parasite control: Routine veterinary-prescribed preventative treatment for fleas, ticks, and worms is essential to keep your guide dog, and other dogs and people they encounter, safe and healthy.
• Dental care: Regular teeth cleaning and dental check-ups are important for your guide dog's oral health.
• Eye and ear care: Your guide dog relies heavily on their senses, so regular check-ups for eyes and ears are important to address any issues.
• Gastrointestinal issues: If your guide dog experiences diarrhoea or vomiting, you should seek veterinary advice promptly.
• Nail clipping: Regular nail maintenance is essential for your guide dog's comfort and mobility. This may be done by a vet nurse, but can also be done by your Dog Health and Wellbeing Specialist.
• Nutrition and weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight and ensuring a balanced diet are crucial for your guide dog's overall wellbeing, particularly as your dog ages and their needs change. Your vet can advise on your dog's weight and nutritional needs, but you can visit your vet without an appointment if you just want to check your guide dog’s weight.
• Injuries or accidents: In the case of an injury, accident, or any sudden changes in behaviour that cannot be easily explained, it's essential to seek immediate help from your vet.
• Age-related health issues: As your dog gets older, they may be prone to conditions such as arthritis or other age-related health problems that require monitoring and management.

How to prepare for a vet appointment

Preparing for your vet appointment will help you and your guide dog to have a smooth experience. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make the most of your vet visit:

1. Choose a quieter appointment time: If your dog finds the veterinary environment distracting or stressful, opt for an appointment during the quieter times at the veterinary clinic. 
2. Plan your journey in advance: Plan your route to the clinic, whether walking, on public transport or with a friend or relative.  Remember, if your dog is unwell and in need of urgent medical attention, they should not be worked to or from a veterinary appointment.  Make sure you have a plan for getting your dog to and from a veterinary appointment in an urgent or emergency situation.
3. Be mindful of the clinic layout: Familiarise yourself with the clinic's layout in advance. If your clinic is local to you, it can help to pop in before the day of your appointment, so your dog becomes familiar with the sights, sounds and smells, including the location of exits and key areas.
4. Know what to bring: Bring your guide dog's medical records, including vaccination history and any relevant treatment information. Make sure you know the last date of your dog's flea and worming treatment, as you may need to obtain more during the visit.
5. Speak to the vet team about clinic accessibility: You can call the clinic ahead of time to enquire about accessibility. If needed, you can request assistance or a sighted guide upon arrival. By flagging any concerns or needs ahead of your appointment with clinic staff, you can ensure they're as prepared as you are for your visit.

Getting to and from the vet appointment

When choosing how to get to and from your vet appointment, think about the comfort of your guide dog. Ensure that however you decide to travel will keep your dog calm and relaxed, particularly afterwards when they might be feeling strange or anxious. If your clinic is nearby, consider walking with your guide dog, unless they're unwell. Public transport is another option if the route is familiar, although a lift from a friend or family member can provide a more stress-free journey. Guide dogs are allowed in all taxis, but it’s worth informing the driver when booking.

You should always have a plan for transporting your dog to a vet in an emergency. If necessary, ask family or friends if they would be willing to help, or find out from your vet if they can recommend any 24-hour emergency taxi services.

What to expect during an appointment

Most veterinary clinics have a waiting room, reception area, and examination rooms. When you arrive at the clinic, the staff will take you through the check-in process, helping you with any necessary paperwork. If possible, sit in the waiting area away from other animals, and monitor your dog’s behaviour for any signs they’re uncomfortable.

Depending on your dog's needs, you may see the nurse first, who will gather initial information or carry out minor procedures. The vet may join from the start or conduct the appointment without the nurse. The vet will perform a physical examination. Smaller dog breeds are sometimes examined on a table; however, our guide dog breeds are typically examined on the floor. Expect the vet to assess your guide dog's overall health, including weight, coat condition, eyes, ears, teeth, and paws. The vet will discuss any health issues, observations, or recommendations for further care. This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions and ensure you understand any proposed treatment.

If due, the vet will administer any necessary vaccinations and discuss care, including updates on flea and worming treatments, dental care, and nutrition. If your guide dog requires medication, make sure you ask about the dosage and how to administer the treatment. You can ask for a demonstration if necessary to ensure you feel confident providing the required care at home. Confirm any potential side-effects you should monitor for, and if a follow-up visit is needed. 

What happens if your dog needs further specialist investigation or treatment?

In some cases, your dog will need to be referred to a veterinary specialist. Approval for this is required from Guide Dogs, especially for treatments which might affect your guide dog's ability to carry out their daily tasks. If the vet advises that your dog needs non-routine procedures or requires specialist investigations, you should contact your Dog Health and Wellbeing Specialist. They’ll discuss with the vet if and where non-routine procedures should be carried out. Examples of non-routine procedures can include blood tests, X-rays, or surgical procedures.

Who pays for your guide dog’s veterinary treatment?

Guide dog owners don't pay for veterinary care. This is provided by Guide Dogs and covers all aspects of your dog’s routine care, including check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive treatments. Some owners opt to contribute financially towards veterinary fees, but this is a personal choice and isn’t expected.

In cases of specialised or non-routine treatments, Guide Dogs cover the expenses, but the process can vary, so check with your Dog Health and Wellbeing Specialist if you’re not sure.

Helping your dog feel comfortable and happy during their vet appointment

You should monitor your dog’s behaviour throughout their vet appointment. Patience and positive reinforcement go a long way to making your guide dog feel secure and relaxed during vet visits. If your guide dog shows signs of being uncomfortable, stressed, or anxious, there are things you can do to help make vet visits a positive experience for them.

What to do if your dog needs emergency care

In an emergency, always contact your vet immediately. If your guide dog needs emergency treatment outside of normal working hours, you should contact your out-of-hours provider. You can find out who your emergency provider is by contacting your vet clinic. It’s worth always keeping this information to hand in case of an emergency. Once your dog has been admitted to a veterinary clinic, you should speak to your Dog Health and Wellbeing Specialist as soon as possible. 

If you have any questions or concerns, you can always contact your vet clinic, your Dog Health and Wellbeing Specialist or the Guide Dogs emergency out-of-hours service on 0345 143 0217. All staff on the Guide Dogs out-of-hours service have access to your dog's medical history and can authorise and discuss appropriate treatment with you and your vet where necessary. Any information we note on calls will be passed on to your Dog Health and Wellbeing Specialist when regular working hours resume.