Ten-minute chat - using social media to offer online advice to pet owners

Having been selected by Petplan to join its social media panel, vet nurse Jenny Freeth has been busy offering online advice to pet owners.

What has being a member of Petplan’s social media panel involved so far?

I’ve recorded a series of videos providing helpful pet care tips for owners and I’ve hosted two Facebook live events.

Petplan runs a Facebook live question-and-answer event on the last Sunday of each month, which are hosted by a variety of experts. The first live event I did was watched by over 4500 people. My next appearance will be in April.

Some of the questions I received during Facebook live were:

• What can I do about my dog – he is obsessed with licking his paws?

• How can I get my dog allergy tested?

• How can I avoid my dog picking up ticks?

• My dog won’t let me brush his teeth, do you have any advice?

What topics have you covered in your vet nurse tips videos?

I’ve covered a number of animal health topics, such as:

• Getting your cat into a carrier.

• How to remove a tick.

• Entertaining your dog when it’s in a crate.

• Keeping your pet calm on the journey to the vet.

• How to give your dog ear drops.

• How to re-bandage a leg.

• How to give basic first aid.

These are available on Petplan’s Facebook page (Petplan UK)

How much involvement did you have in the video content/production?

I’ve been involved every step of the way; from discussing what subjects would be included to the final production of videos and Facebook uploads.

How did the recording go?

It went really well, I enjoyed the filming. I was nervous at first, but after a few moments I started to enjoy myself.

What have you learnt from the experience?

I have learnt to have more confidence in myself. When facing new challenges, they may seem scary to begin with, but you may well end up really enjoying it.

What does this role mean to you?

It’s been so exciting! I’ve had the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with a wide audience. It’s lovely to have received some wonderful feedback from Petplan’s social media followers and my confidence has grown over the past six months.

What's next?

I hope to work on some more videos to help more pet owners with questions or concerns they may have about their animals.