Services/Surgical Information/Fasting

Cats and Dogs

Patients are required to be fasted the night before they receive a sedation or general anaesthetic. Unless stated otherwise by our Veterinary Surgeons or Veterinary Nurses.

As a general rule, we advise that our feline and canine patients’ food is removed by 10pm on the night before their procedure. However, they can have water overnight. If your pet is normally fed in the morning, please give them a small meal/snack the night before their procedure.

Small mammals

Rabbits don’t require any fasting prior anaesthesia as it may cause complications to their health. With this, we would appreciate if you brought in your rabbits’ normal food and favourite treats to encourage normal appetite before and after their procedure.

We advise the same protocol for pet rats, mice, gerbils and hamsters. However, guinea pigs, chinchillas and ferrets should have their food removed first thing, on the morning of their procedure.