South Downs Emergency Vets

16/09/2025

While summer may be behind us, fly strike is still a real risk — especially with the warm, damp conditions we often get in early autumn here.

Fly strike happens when flies lay eggs on soiled or damp fur, usually around the bottom or tail. Within hours, those eggs hatch into maggots, which can burrow into your rabbit’s skin — a life-threatening condition that needs urgent treatment.

Signs to look out for:
- Lethargy or hiding
- Patches of wet or matted fur
- A strong, unpleasant smell
- Visible maggots or raw skin
- Loss of appetite or collapse in severe cases

Even house rabbits can be at risk if flies get indoors. So please continue daily checks, especially for elderly, overweight, or long-haired rabbits who may struggle to clean themselves.

Preventative tips:
- Keep bedding clean and dry
- Check your rabbit’s back end every day
- Speak to your vet about fly repellents
- Ensure they’re on a suitable high-fibre diet

If you ever suspect fly strike, treat it as an emergency. With Pet Emergency+, our members get FREE emergency consultations and 24/7 advice — because time matters in cases like this.

🔗 https://southdownsemergencyvets.co.uk/

04/09/2025

Have you checked your pet for ticks lately? 🕷️

Ticks are tiny blood-sucking parasites that can carry nasty diseases like Lyme disease — affecting both pets and people. They're most active from spring to autumn, especially in long grass, woods, and areas with wildlife or livestock.

They can go unnoticed for days and often hide in warm spots like ears, armpits, groin, and between toes.

✅ Found one? Use a proper tick remover (never burn or squeeze) and clean the area after.
⚠️ Keep an eye on your pet — call us if you notice signs like tiredness, limping, or a loss of appetite.

Prevention is key! Tick treatments need to be regular to work — so don’t skip a dose. Ask us which one suits your pet best.

If you’re worried or unsure, give us a call.

02/09/2025

This is Dotty, a 4 year old Bengal cat enjoying a spot of cuddles with breakfast, Sunday morning before she headed home 🥰

26/08/2025

This is the lovely Bertie. He was admitted to us a couple of weekends ago after getting into his owner’s handbag and eating four triple chocolate brownies while her back was turned!

Safe to say he wasn’t feeling his best when he arrived, but after being given an emetic to bring it all back up, he was soon on the mend. He looked a little sorry for himself afterwards, but he was in the best hands and made a full recovery.

Chocolate is incredibly dangerous for dogs. It contains theobromine – a stimulant they can’t process properly – and even small amounts can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors or an increased heart rate. In more serious cases, it can cause seizures or worse. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic it becomes.

If your dog ever gets hold of chocolate, call your vet straight away – don’t wait for symptoms to show. And if you can, bring the packaging with you. It really helps us assess how serious the situation is.

We’re so glad Bertie bounced back, but let this be a gentle reminder to keep those sweet treats safely out of reach of curious paws.

19/08/2025

Meet Lubo, a 10 year old Labrador, who was rushed in for an emergency consult after his owner noticed something wasn’t right — his gums were extremely pale.

Further investigation by our night team revealed a bleeding mass on his spleen, causing life-threatening anaemia. For reference, a healthy dog’s PCV (packed cell volume) sits between 37–55%. Lubo’s was just 8% 😰

Fortunately, he wasn’t actively bleeding when he arrived, so we were able to stabilise him overnight with a life-saving blood transfusion, sourced thanks to the brilliant work of Pet Blood Bank UK. By morning, his PCV had risen to 17%, and our day team Arun Veterinary Group safely performed a splenectomy (removal of the spleen) 🙌

We’re happy to report that Lubo recovered well and was back home with his family just a few days later 🤗

A huge thank you to the dogs who donate blood and the amazing team at Pet Blood Bank UK— you really do help us save lives like Lubo’s.

Moments like this highlight the importance of quick action and expert emergency care. If you're ever unsure whether something is serious — always call. With Pet Emergency+, you can reach us 24/7 for free telephone advice and unlimited emergency consults 👇

https://southdownsemergencyvets.co.uk/petemergencyplus/

05/08/2025

We're recruiting for a Night Veterinary Surgeon at our busy Storrington hospital! This vacancy has 2 openings.

For more information or to apply, please follow this link to our website: http://arunvetgroup.co.uk/jobs/nightvetstorrington/

31/07/2025

Did you know that the adder (Vipera Berus) is the UK’s only venomous snake? 🐍

Adders are usually found in heathlands, woodland edges, and grassy areas during the warmer months. They are generally very shy and not aggressive, but sometimes we do get pet's come in with suspected bites.

What to look for:
- A distinctive zigzag pattern along its back
- Usually around 60-80 cm long
- Often basks in the sun on warm days

If you come across one:
- Stay calm and give it space — they’ll usually slither away
- Don’t try to handle or disturb the snake
- Keep dogs on a lead
- If your pet is bitten, seek emergency veterinary care immediately

Adders play an important role in the ecosystem, helping control rodent populations. Adders only bite if provoked, but the effects can be serious — rapid treatment gives your pet the best chance of a smooth recovery.

At South Downs Emergency Vets, we’re open when your daytime vet is closed — and Pet Emergency+ members benefit from free emergency consultations and phone advice, so you’re never left worrying about the next step 🙌

28/07/2025

Grass seeds are not your animal's friend, especially in the summer months!

The barbed shape of foxtail grass seeds is perfect for embedding them into your animals skin, fur, ears, nostrils and paws! This can cause intense irritation and often they do not come out easily. As a result an infection can form, requiring a visit to the vets.

What symptoms should you look out for?
- Licking and chewing paws
- Persistent head shaking
- Scratching ears
- Discharge from ears
- Eye discharge and irritation
- Swelling my be noted at the site of a potential grass seed site, especially between the toes

Risks:
- Infection if not removed
- Severe pain, discomfort and potential trauma to the area the grass seed has entered

To prevent your dog picking up grass seeds, avoid walking in long grass, especially when the weather is warm or the fields have been freshly cut. Make sure to check your animal thoroughly after your walk, this includes eyes, ears, paws and looking through your animals fur! For those long haired breeds, regular grooming can ensure the grass seeds are removed before they become stuck.

If you suspect your animal has a grass seed, call your veterinary practice or out of hours provider if your vets are closed, seek advice and book a consultation. All animals can present differently if experiencing a grass seed, its really important to obtain professional adivce from your veterinary practice. If your animal is exhibiting signs of pain or distress, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Chichester: 01243 978 800
Storrington: 01903 746 028

With Pet Emergency+, you’ll have access to our out of hours emergency team — including free unlimited consults and emergency phone advice at our hospitals in Chichester and Storrington: https://southdownsemergencyvets.co.uk/petemergencyplus/

25/07/2025

At South Downs Emergency Vets, our team is here when others aren’t — caring for your pets through the night, dealing with everything from the weird to the truly urgent. But working nights has its challenges, and looking after our team is just as important as the care we give.

Recently, our night shift crew enjoyed a well-deserved evening of rest and reset with a sound bath session led by our very own emergency vet, Rachel 🧘‍♀️✨ It was a peaceful chance to pause, recharge and support one another outside the busy hospital.

We wrapped up the evening with great food and drinks from the amazing local vineyard, Tinwood Estate. It’s all part of how we invest in our people — because a supported team is a stronger team, especially when it comes to emergency care 💚

24/07/2025

We're recruiting for a Night Veterinary Surgeon at our busy Storrington hospital!

For more information or to apply, please follow this link to our website: http://arunvetgroup.co.uk/jobs/nightvetstorrington/

14/07/2025

A Green Woodpecker was brought in for assessment at our out of hours vets in Chichester after being found stunned.

Thankfully, after a thorough check-up, the bird was healthy and ready to be released back into the wild! Woodpeckers have strong skulls and beaks designed for their drumming, but sometimes they can get temporarily stunned from collisions or falls.

If you ever come across a wild bird that seems off balance, not flying properly or has visible wounds, it’s best to give Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital or your local vet a ring. Quick care really can make all the difference. We’re here 24/7 at South Downs Emergency Vets — and we care for all creatures, great and small.

✨ Woodpecker facts you might not know:
• They can peck up to 20 times a second!
• Their strong skulls help protect their brains from injury
• They play a big part in natural pest control (they love bugs hiding under bark!)
• Old woodpecker nests are often reused by owls, bats and other wildlife

Want to help them out? Leave deadwood in your garden or install a wildlife friendly nesting spot.🤗

11/07/2025

It’s forecasted to be another hot weekend, so here is everyone’s reminder to walk your dog either first thing in the morning or later in the evening. Be aware of the warning signs of heatstroke, and contact your vet if you suspect heatstroke. We hope everyone has a lovely weekend 🌞

☀With a hot weekend ahead and yellow heat warnings across parts of the UK, it’s vital to remember how quickly dogs can overheat. In fact, around 75% of heatstroke cases in dogs happen simply from being exercised on a hot day 🥵. Flat-faced or overweight dogs (like the chunky Labrador in the picture!) are particularly at risk.

❌Please avoid walking your dog during the hottest parts of the day. Instead, plan walks for early morning or late evening when it’s cooler. And never leave your dog in a parked car — even for a short time ❌

If you suspect heatstroke, act immediately — it can be life-threatening:

- Move your dog to a shaded, cool area as soon as possible.
- Gently start cooling them with water — use a hose, shower or sponge, focusing on their paws, belly and underarms. Avoid using iced water as this can cause shock. If they are small enough you can immerse them in water but you must be able to hold them with their heads well above the water to prevent inhalation.
- Create airflow with a fan or open windows to help lower their temperature.
- Offer small amounts of cool drinking water — never force water into their mouth.
- Call your vet straight away. Even if your dog seems to improve, heatstroke can cause serious internal complications, so veterinary care is essential.
- While travelling to your vet, keep your dog wet and cool and ensure good airflow in the car.
- You can use a damp towel underneath your dog for them to lie on but don't cover them with it as this actually traps heat and makes it harder for them to pant.

Taking quick action and knowing what to do can save lives. Keep your pets safe this weekend and throughout the summer 🙏

For any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.