What kind of situation do we class as an emergency?
Firstly,
have you tried?
Is it
an emergency?
If you have exhausted all other options, and your piggy is currently in one of the situations below then get in touch, and we will try our best to help!
Sows who are pregnant and are unhealthy. If a sow is struggling to give birth or becomes ill while pregnant you MUST GET THEM TO A VET IMMEDIATELY!
Pregnant
Any injury that is causing pain or distress, is bleeding or showing signs of infection or is around the face MUST be attended to IMMEDIATELY!
Injury
Unwell pigs must see a vet! Ringworm, lice etc need attention but aren't emergencies. Mild respiratory symptoms or small wounds need attention ASAP. Lethargy, lack of appetite, diarrhoea, neurological symptoms etc MUST BE SEEN IMMEDIATELY!
Illness
Babies whose mother has passed away who are under 2 weeks old or are not thriving are an emergency!
Orphaned
If you find or know of any stray piggies, dumped piggies, or piggies that someone has 'set free' or 'released' this is an EMERGENCY an they must be caught! They will not survive outside alone.
Stray pigs
A piggy with any disability such as paralysis of a limb, blindness or deafness, incontinence, severe arthritis or scurvy damage or another life limiting condition needs urgent attention and specialist care.
Disability
A guinea pig suffering from any kind of neglect needs urgent help, including untreated illness, lack of suitable environment etc
Neglect
Lethal white guinea pigs require specialist care - signs include true albinism, tooth problems, blindness, small eyes or no eyes, failure to thrive or grow, limb deformity etc
Lethals
Sows who are pregnant and are UNhealthy. If a sow is struggling to give birth or becomes ill while pregnant you MUST GET THEM TO A VET IMMEDIATELY!
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Sows who are pregnant and are UNhealthy. If a sow is struggling to give birth or becomes ill while pregnant you MUST GET THEM TO A VET IMMEDIATELY!
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Sows who are pregnant and are UNhealthy. If a sow is struggling to give birth or becomes ill while pregnant you MUST GET THEM TO A VET IMMEDIATELY!
Illness
Sows who are pregnant and are UNhealthy. If a sow is struggling to give birth or becomes ill while pregnant you MUST GET THEM TO A VET IMMEDIATELY!
Illness
Sows who are pregnant and are UNhealthy. If a sow is struggling to give birth or becomes ill while pregnant you MUST GET THEM TO A VET IMMEDIATELY!
Stray pigs
Sows who are pregnant and are UNhealthy. If a sow is struggling to give birth or becomes ill while pregnant you MUST GET THEM TO A VET IMMEDIATELY!
Service
A guinea pig suffering from any kind of neglect needs urgent help, including untreated illness, lack of suitable environment etc
Neglect
Sows who are pregnant and are UNhealthy. If a sow is struggling to give birth or becomes ill while pregnant you MUST GET THEM TO A VET IMMEDIATELY!
Service
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Can't afford a vet?
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First of all, contact your vet! Explain to them that your piggy is ill and needs help, but you are genuinely struggling to afford this. - they may be able to offer a payment plan or a delayed payment option.
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Try to find a rescue local to you to surrender you piggies to. Having to travel a long distance isn't great for the piggies and drains rescue resources.
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You can sign over ownership of your pets to the veterinary practice they are registered at - there, they can receive immediate medical assistance. It's a difficult thing to do, but if you cannot find rescue space and cannot get the poorly ones medical help then it is the best thing to do.
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Try the PDSA - if you are on certain benefits they can help with reduced cost or free treatment! Click for more information.
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Consider insurance - this means that, through more affordable monthly payments, you will be covered for urgent and expensive vet bills without having to find a big sum of money. Exotic Direct can provide an insurance quote.
Can't get to a vet?
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Ask friends, relatives or neighbours for help.
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Are you within walking distance of a vet?
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Use a taxi - rescues are not taxi services!! Check before ordering a taxi that the provider carries animals, or read the websites of local services for their policy on pets.
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Emergencies often happen after practice closing times, on Sundays or bank holidays. Taxis usually provide a 24hr service. Alternatively try a pet taxi service such as... Barking Mad pet taxi service - Pet Taxi UK - Paws Pet Travel are just some examples.
No time to get to a vet?
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You need to MAKE time. A lot of practices are now open until 6-6.30pm, and are open on Saturday mornings. Vets4Pets or Companion Care practices inside Pets At Home stores are usually open on Sundays.
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Vets must have an out of hours provision by law. Calling your practice's contact number, even when they are closed, will direct you to the contact details of their out of hours provider - or check the website.
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In an emergency, taking any pet to the vet must be the first priority! It MUST come before all other commitments - you are, by law, in charge of their life.
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You can save time by taking your poorly pigs to a vet as soon as you notice something is amiss. By getting an injury or illness treated sooner, it is less likely to develop into an emergency and treatment will be cheaper.
Leaving home for a while?
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For example, you might be looking after family for a few weeks, moving house or going on holiday. This is not a reason to abandon your pets. Surrendering animals to a rescue should really be a last resort!
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Consider pet boarding (search Google for your local providers)
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Ask colleagues, friends or relatives whether they would be willing to look after the pigs short term.
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Take them with you! You wouldn't leave a child behind when you move out, so why a pet?
