Category Archives: pet healthcare

Where to find emergency care?

Your Guide To Handling An Out-Of-Hours Dog Emergency

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Your Guide To Handling An Out-Of-Hours Dog Emergency

 

You never want anything bad to happen to your dog, but, sadly, sometimes these things do happen. It can be made worse if it is out of hours and you do not know where to turn for advice and guidance. As a dog owner you should always have the number of your veterinary practice with you, and make sure you know the number for an out of hours emergency vet (if you vet doesn’t already provide this – Thankfully we do). Here is our guide on what to do in the event of a dog emergency.

 

What constitutes an emergency?

The first step to handling an out of hours emergency is to remain calm and assess whether the situation is actually an emergency or not. Many people panic and rush around trying to find an emergency animal hospital, but this response can cause more harm than good.

Here is a list of different situations you may find yourself in that require an emergency vet:

 

  • Your dog is panting, can’t lie down comfortably and keeps trying to vomit
  • Your dog is extremely weak or collapses
  • Your dog can’t breath properly 
  • Your dog has bloody diarrhoea or vomit
  • Your dog can’t / won’t eat for over 24 hours – (particularly in younger puppies)
  • Your dog is unable to urinate
  • Your dog has a seizure (they can come in clusters and become more frequent over time)
  • Your dog has lost the use of its hind legs – this is more common in dogs with long backs and short legs and can be a sign of spinal damage. Rapid treatment can significantly improve their subsequent quality of life in such circumstance.
  • Your dog has eaten a poison – always try to bring us the packet or label of the substance they have eaten.
  • Your dog experiences a sudden trauma or he / she is in severe pain.

Under the Animal Welfare Act severe pain requires you to seek emergency medical assistance. 

 

Immediate treatment you can perform yourself.

To help offset the effects of an emergency, or to handle some minor injuries yourself, here are some steps you can take. Keep your dog warm at all times, unless of course they are suffering from hyperthermia (overheating).

Place a tightly wrapped towel or a bandage over any wounds or bleeding, or, if you cannot bandage the area, place a pad on the area and press down firmly until you are with the vet. However, it is important that you do not apply your own splint. Run cold water over any scalded or burned areas for five minutes.

Under no circumstances do we recommend that you make you make your dog vomit.

 

Your Guide To Handling An Out-Of-Hours Dog Emergency

 

Where to find emergency care for your dog.

 

Do you have a pet emergency? If so call us straight away on 0208 567 2724. 

This is our main Ealing surgery number and it will give you access to veterinary advice 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our team will attend out of hours emergencies from our Ealing surgery between the hours of 7am and 10pm everyday. Between the hours of 10pm and 7am urgent cases will be seen at the local 24 hour clinic in Richmond run by Medivet.

If you call us when the surgery is closed, our recorded message will provide you with the contact number for the veterinary surgeon on call.

It is always advisable to call in advance, so we can give you the best advice and prepare for your pets arrival.

 

What to expect when you arrive. 

 

Once you arrive, you will need to be clear and concise in providing our team with as much information as possible regarding the emergency. For example, if your dog has swallowed or eaten something they shouldn’t have, you need to tell the vet exactly what it was and ideally provide the labelling.

It can be helpful to take any medications your dog is currently receiving with you and any relevant notes you may have especially if you are not seeing your usual vet. If you are already a client of Young Veterinary Partnership our team will be able to access your pets records from any of our four other surgeries.

In many cases, while your dog is undergoing treatment, you will be unable to remain in the room with them. However, you may need to be present in some circumstances, and, during these times, it will be up to you to help them stay calm.

 

Where to find emergency care?

What constitutes an emergency?

 

Insurance, costs and payment.

Depending on what the problem is with your dog, the costs may run quite high. You need to be prepared for this and ensure you have necessary funds. Here at Young Veterinary Partnership the Out Of Hours charge is £132.00 for a consultation, (there is a surcharge of £63.66 for unregistered clients). After 10pm all emergencies are seen by Medivet 24 hour clinic, their consultation charge is £143.29.

Please note: If your pet requires hospitalisation, and / or further treatment, these charges will be in addition to the consultation fee. Emergency Out Of Hours fees will vary from patient to patient.

Such topics are never pleasant, which is why it’s always worth having full insurance for your dog. To make a veterinary fees claim, you will need to pay an excess or additional charges, but insurance will help make such unwanted situations much more affordable. Take your insurance certificate and claim form with you.

 

What you can have planned in advance to make the process easier?

 

Beyond sorting out suitable insurance, there are not many other steps you can take to prepare for any emergencies. If you are a registered client with us, our team will be able to access your pets record from any one of our four West London surgeries.

You can also prepare a dog-specific first aid kit in your house, in case you ever have an emergency. Beneficial items to include are things like large bandages, saline solution, a muzzle and an Elizabethan dog collar. Finally, always have the contact number of your veterinary surgeon with you as you can never predict when a dog emergency may arise.

 

Blog and images supplied from Zoetis

Written by Gemma Hopkins BVETMED, CERTVC, MRCVS

Stress And Your Cat.

Stress And Your Cat.

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Stress And Your Cat.

Stress And Your Cat.

 

  • Is my cat stressed?

  • What is causing my cat to feel stressed?

  • How can I help my cat?

 

Just like humans, cats can get stressed out. While stress in cats doesn’t always materialise in the ways you might expect, if you know what to look for, it’s not too difficult to spot an anxious mog. It is important to keep an eye out for signs of stress in your cat; a stressed cat is an unhappy cat, and recent studies have shown that chronic, ongoing stress can cause stress-related diseases in cats, including skin problems and UTIs.

Is my cat stressed?

Cats are notoriously good at hiding their emotions, but it isn’t impossible to spot signs of feline anxiety. If your cat is displaying any of the behaviours listed below, you may find that the culprit is stress:

  • Unusual toileting behaviour. Many stressed cats express their anxieties by urinating outside the litter box (or in the house, if your cat is an outdoor cat), or worst still in your shoes or handbag.
  • Over-grooming. Cats groom themselves to self-soothe, so a cat that’s over-grooming may be under stress. A sure sign of excessive grooming is bald or thin patches of fur, which can be anywhere they can reach, most typically on their belly’s, the inside of their legs or their sides.
  • Of course, some cats are just loud. You know your cat – if they’re meowing and calling to you much more than usual, they could be trying to tell you something.
  • Excessive scratching. Cats often scratch themselves more than usual when they’re feeling stressed. If your cat’s up to date with their flea treatments, doesn’t have an allergy and is still scratching like mad, this could be a sign of stress.
  • Cats aren’t always the most sociable creatures, but neither is it usual for them to be hiding themselves away all of the time.
  • Lack of appetite. Decreased appetite in cats can be indicative of many different issues, including stress. This is definitely not a sign to ignore.
  • Just like humans, cats can lash out when they are under stress, both at humans and other animals.

 

Stressed cat

 

What is causing my cat to feel stressed?

If you can tick off more than one of the symptoms above, you may find you have got a stressed moggy. While anxiety in cats is reasonably common, it’s not normal, and the first step is identifying any possible causes for your cat’s stress. The most common causes of stress in cats usually boil down to one thing: change. Think hard to see if you’ve made any recent changes to your home or routine which might have affected your cat more than you think.

A big change for cats is the presence of new animals in the home; if you’ve brought home a new cat or another pet, this can be a major cause of stress for other pets. New family members, such as a baby, can cause feline stress too. The key thing here is to make sure your cat knows he’s still your number one; lots of love, attention, and cuddles are in order here. Be sure to make sure your cat still has lots of space, too – if you’ve introduced a second cat, make sure their food bowls are kept apart, and try to keep a separate litter tray for each cat, the ideal rule of thumb being to have one litter tray per cat plus another in your home. Importantly ensure they all have plenty of water, ideally in different containers, my cat loves to drink from pint glasses and I have learned the hard way to be very careful where I put them!

Other changes in your life can equally affect your cats. Moving to a new home may be just as stressful for your puss as it is for you; by keeping blankets, toys and furniture around that your cat already knows well, you can help to ease this transition and make your new house feel like home again. Even changing jobs could be the cause of your cat’s stress; cats are creatures of habit, and anything which changes your daily routine can throw a cat off. Try to keep your day as consistent as possible, and find a routine that works for you both going forward.

 

 

How can I help my cat?

If you can pinpoint the cause of your cat’s stress, you’re already halfway to fixing the problem. There are some more general ways that you can help your cat to feel calm and to prevent your cat from getting stressed in the future, too.

A simple option is to try a synthetic pheromone diffuser or spray such as Feliway. When a cat marks its territory, it releases facial pheromones which make the cat feel happy, calm, and relaxed. Synthetic copies of these pheromones are available as plug-in diffusers and sprays that you can use around the house to help your cat feel calmer. These products might not work for cats who have a deeper cause of their anxiety, but for many it may just do the trick.

It is also worth ensuring that your cats have as much space as possible. Don’t overcrowd your home with pets, and make sure that your cat always has somewhere quiet to retreat to if they are feeling overwhelmed or stressed. If you have got the space and you live in a safe enough area, getting your cats outdoors can do wonders for their mental health. Cats are naturally active, outdoorsy animals, and getting out into the wild is really how they love to spend their time.

A happy cat is a healthy cat.

If your cat is getting stressed, try not to beat yourself up about it. It is impossible to avoid all stress triggers all of the time; as a pet owner, all you can do is your best to make your pet’s life as happy and healthy as you can. If you have tried all of the above suggestions and your cat is still displaying the symptoms of stress, we would advise it is important to take them for a veterinary check-up to rule out any medical causes of their symptoms and to make sure that your cat’s anxiety isn’t making them ill.

 

If you have any concerns about your cat, do not hesitate to contact your local Young Vets surgery to get help and bring calm back into your home.

 

Blog and images supplied by Zoetis.

Written by Gemma Hopkins BVETMED, CERTVC, MRCVS

 

 

We hope you enjoy reading our Summer Newsletter.

Heat Stroke And How To Prevent It In Your Pet

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Heat Stroke And How To Prevent It In Your Pet

Our Summer Newsletter has arrived, it includes a few tips to keep your pet fit and well at this time of year. Keeping Cool! Paddling pools may help keep dogs cool and they should have free access to water at all times. Heat stroke is a common, and serious problem, learn how to avoid it here.

 

Heat stroke

 

 

Insect alert!

Bees and wasps are tempting to play with for both cats and dogs but will deliver a nasty sting if provoked! These are painful and can cause sudden swellings on faces or paws. Most stings will benefit from prompt veterinary attention. Find out some of the other hazards to watch out for in our Summer News.

 

Picture credit: USDA Agricultural Research Service

Picture credit: USDA Agricultural Research Service

 

Guinea pigs can live in or outdoors

but it is important they have enough space to run and play. Our Summer Newsletter discusses some of the things you need to be aware of to keep your piggies happy and healthy. They are susceptible to mite infections, the signs to watch out for are included here.

 

It is important to check them at least once a day.

It is important to check your guinea pig at least once a day.

 

We hope you enjoy reading our Summer Newsletter, if you have any questions on the items mentioned contact our friendly team for further advice.

 

Don’t forget to find us on Facebook, Twitter and subscribe to our You Tube for more top pet care tips and videos.

Not all dogs can swim!

7 things to consider before taking your dog swimming this summer

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7 things to consider before taking your dog swimming this summer

 

Now that summer is here and the mercury is rising, it’s not just us humans who want to make the most of the warm weather. Dogs enjoy frolicking in the great outdoors, and what better way for them to cool down than with a splash around in the sea, a pool or a lake? Although this seems great fun for any pooch, it’s worth keeping the various risks such as blue green algae in mind, to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing.

 

1) Safety comes first

Is it safe for dogs to go swimming? If you’re a dog owner and have been pondering this question, consider a few things before letting your canine loose in the water.

 

2) Not all dogs can swim!

Despite ‘doggy paddle’ having a reference to our canine friends, it’s wrong to assume that all dogs can swim. Before you take your dog to the water’s edge, consider that certain breeds and sizes of dogs are better suited to swimming than others. Medium to large dogs, such as Labradors and golden retrievers, take to the water with ease, but top-heavy dogs with short legs and large chests, such as bulldogs, boxers and dachshunds, can struggle to stay afloat. Additionally, think twice about taking your dog swimming if it has special needs.

The fact is, not all dogs actually like to swim, so if your dog isn’t showing willing to get wet, don’t force the situation.

 

 

Safety comes first

Dogs enjoy frolicking in the great outdoors, and what better way for them to cool down than with a splash around in the sea, a pool or a lake?

 

3) Learning to swim

When introducing your dog to the water, do it gradually and slowly so they feel comfortable and won’t panic. Never toss them into the water. Dogs can tire easily, so don’t keep them in the water for too long, especially if they’re a puppy or older dog. They may be wearing a fur coat, but this won’t necessarily stop a dog from getting cold in the water, so keep swim sessions brief to prevent the risk of hypothermia.

Train your dog so that it learns to come out of the water on command, or if you’re using a pool, teach it to get to the edge easily and safely. Retrieving toys are useful to have during water safety and obedience training.

It’s worth investing in a flotation vest for your dog, especially if you go out on a boat. Buy a vest that has a handle on the back so that you can easily haul your dog out of the water.

 

4) Assess the dangers

Before you let your dog loose in the water, take a moment to assess how safe it looks. If you’re at the beach, consider whether currents, tides or strong waves could pose a danger. Are there any hidden obstacles lurking under the water, as well as on land, that may injure your dog? Broken shells, jellyfish, sharp objects and debris spring to mind. Does the water look clean? Scan the horizon to see if any boats nearby could cause dangerous undercurrents.

Crucially, don’t let your dog in the water unless you are completely certain he or she can easily get back on land. If you wouldn’t enter the water yourself, don’t put your dog at risk, either. Once your dog is in the water, supervise them at all times.

 

5) Blue green algae

 

You tend to find blue green algae at lakes, freshwater ponds or streams

You tend to find blue green algae at lakes, freshwater ponds or streams

 

Watch out for Blue green algae on lakes, ponds and streams.

 

Drowning is one of the biggest concerns you’ll have when taking your dog swimming, but exposure to blue green algae is of equal importance, particularly if contaminated water is ingested. You tend to find blue green algae at lakes, freshwater ponds or streams, and it typically presents as a blue-green, pea soup-like scum on the water’s surface, especially during hot, dry weather.

Also known as cyanobacteria – and not to be confused with the blue green algae powder you can find in health food shops – this type of bacteria found in stagnant water can produce toxins that are often fatal to dogs, even when exposed to small amounts.

If you suspect your dog has been exposed to blue green algae, wash it down immediately with fresh water and go straight to your vet. Blue green algae symptoms to look out for can include vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, drooling and breathing difficulties. Blue green algae is toxic for dogs and can cause liver failure. If your dog is showing these symptoms contact our experienced team immediately.

The problem with blue green algae is that it’s not always visible, and not all types are poisonous. To be on the safe side, keep your dog away from water where you suspect blue green algae may be present, and take heed of any warning signs.

 

6) Drinking water

It’s not just ingesting blue green algae bacteria in water that causes harm to dogs; if dogs drink too much salt water from the sea this can trigger diarrhoea, vomiting and even dehydration.

Dogs who ingest chlorinated water may also get a bit of an upset tummy, so ensure they’re thoroughly hydrated before entering chlorinated water, so they’re less tempted to take a sip. Over-exposure to chlorinated water may also give dogs itchy skin or red eyes, so limit their time in the water.

Always bring a supply of fresh water with you when your dog goes swimming, so it won’t be tempted to drink harmful water sources, and to ensure it stays hydrated. On hot days, be wary of signs of heatstroke in your dog, such as heavy panting, drooling and lack of balance.

 

7) Aftercare

Dogs who enjoy a paddle can be prone to ear infections, so clean and dry their ears after swimming to prevent infection. An ear rinse solution specifically for dogs may be beneficial, ask your vet for more information.

Sand from the beach can also get trapped in your dog’s fur, so give them a good hose down after a swim and use a soothing shampoo if your dog has sensitive skin. Check your dog’s paws for any injuries.

With the right care, attention and precautions, there’s every chance your dog will relish a swim in the great outdoors. Remember to seek advice and get the facts, from experts such as your vet before letting your dog loose in water.

 

Blog and images supplied from Zoetis.

Written by Gemma Hopkins BVETMED MRCVS RCVS

Spring alert!

Spring alert!

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Spring alert! 

Lilies are beautiful but very toxic to cats. Chewing the leaves or grooming pollen off their coats can lead to severe kidney failure. With Easter just around the corner, our Spring Newsletter discusses the common items in your home that are toxic to pets and the signs of poisoning to watch out for.

 

Spring alert!

 

 

 

Why is worming your pet so important?

 

Many puppies and kittens are born infected with roundworms because they cross the placenta and are also in the milk. Infected adult dogs can show few signs but younger animals can become very poorly. Our Spring Newsletter explains the different types of worms your pet can catch, and which worms can be transmitted to humans!

The good news is worm protection is automatically available in all of our Pet Healthcare Clubs, and becoming a member could save you up to £127 a year! Why not join today and spread the cost of your pets healthcare across affordable monthly payments on a date that suits you!

 

 

Worms are the worst!

 

 

Caring for your elderly cat.

 

Our Spring Newsletter offers some great advice on what to watch out for in your elderly feline friend.  Cats can become more vulnerable to illness in their twilight years, so we have to be super vigilant to ensure they don’t suffer in silence. Regular health checks are a good way of keeping your cat in top shape and picking up medical conditions early on, when they are easier to treat. Spot the signs of arthritis in your older cat.

 

Tabby cat in grass

 

 

We hope you enjoy reading our Spring Newsletter, if you a question on any of the articles mentioned don’t hesitate to contact our friendly for further advice.

Don’t forget to find us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with our latest news and pet advice.

 

Spring alert!

Spring alert!

 

 

In memory of Ruby.

In memory of Ruby.

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In memory of Ruby.

Xylitol and dogs – Do you know the risks? 

 

This months blog has been bravely written in memory of Ruby a beautiful Hungarian Vizsla, who has passed away due to xylitol poisoning. Her owner, Kate has kindly written this article to help spread the word – Xylitol kills and it is more common in food than you may think.

 

A week ago today our beautiful Hungarian Vizla Ruby died. She was just seven. Losing a beloved family dog is utterly terrible, but our grief is compounded by the fact we might have been able to save her had we known about xylitol.

 

A week ago today our beautiful Hungarian Vizla Ruby died. She was just seven. Losing a beloved family dog is utterly terrible, but our grief is compounded by the fact we might have been able to save her had we known about xylitol.

 

Ruby

 

Ruby died after eating xylitol, a great (for humans) sugar replacement that’s being used increasingly in foods. But it is lethal for dogs. One small piece of chewing gum sweetened with xylitol (most are – have a look) is enough to kill an 8 – 10 kg dog. One piece. There are quite a lot of different substances and foods within the family home that are poisonous to pets and this is one of many, dog owners need to be aware of. It can be found in yogurts, takeaways, cakes, biscuits, toothpaste and peanut butter … any food that manufacturers want to improve by replacing sugar with a healthier alternative. If you are feeding your dog a human food ALWAYS check the label and if you are not sure, don’t take the risk.

 

ruby..

 

Ruby stole two of my homemade brownies. Nothing new – she’s stolen them before from sealed boxes, with no adverse affects – but this time I’d cooked with Xylitol. I had no idea that she should be rushed immediately to the vet to begin intensive, invasive treatment which might – just might – have saved her.

Instead it took until she vomited terribly and collapsed 36 hours later for us to go to the vet. She was transferred to the amazing Royal Veterinary College this is where the xylitol poisoning was diagnosed.

After eight days of battling, critically ill in intensive care, Ruby died. We are heartbroken. What good can come of losing a pet who was the center of our family, loved beyond imagination? We are beside ourselves with sadness and guilt.

 

Only other dog lovers will understand the level of grief. And I would hate you to go through what we are at the moment. So, please, learn about xylitol and the other pet poisons that may be lurking in your home. Check labels, if its not made for a dog to eat, double, triple check it. If your dog is a scavenger, keep a close eye on them both in the home and out and about. Discarded chewing gum, peanut butter in your dogs Kong or Licki Mat, always check the labels. Do they enjoy your leftovers from a delicious takeaway? Some better quality restaurants now use xylitol in their cooking, with takeaways how often do they list every ingredient on their packaging?

 

animal poison line

 

If your pet has eaten something you are concerned about, do not delay, contact your local veterinary surgery or call the Animal Poison Line, at 01202 509000. And no, I didn’t know about this wonderful service either. For a flat fee of £30 they will assess what your pet has eaten and give you  advice on what to do and how urgent it needs to be done. It may save your pet’s life.

 

Spread the word. We need all dog owners to be aware, that this is another toxin that could be in your lurking in your home. We need those who drop gum to know they are leaving a trail lethal to man’s best friend. We need food manufacturers to clearly label foods with xylitol as ‘lethal to dogs’.

 

The Poison Line documents hundreds of deaths from xylitol each year. They think the true figure could be in the thousands. Please don’t let your dog become one of them.

 

ruby face

In memory of Ruby.

Blog and images supplied by Kate, Ruby’s mum.

hyperthyroid cat signs 1

How is your teenage cat behaving?

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Hyperthyroidism is a common disease in teenage cats, sadly sometimes, their symptoms are missed and referred to as just ‘old age’. Overactive thyroid gland (another name for the condition) is something we see quite regularly in older cats, the good news is diagnosis is fairly simple and there are different treatment options available to suit the individual patient.

 

hyperthyroid cat

 

 

Some signs to watch out for in your cat include :

Vomiting

Dull coat

Change in attitude

Increased thirst

Having ‘Accidents’ around the home

hyperthyroid cat signs 7

Thyroid glands are found in your cats neck, either side of the wind pipe. The glands produce a hormone which controls the body’s metabolism, which is why owners commonly report weight loss as one of the first symptom’s they notice.

Thyroid-Gland-in-Cats

If you cat is showing some or all of the above signs – Don’t panic. The first thing to do is book an appointment with your local vets, The vet will be able to give your cat an all over health and weight check. To diagnose an over active thyroid gland we recommend a blood test, results are prompt and usually back from the lab the next working day.

hyperthyroid cat signs 1

 

 

Results day : Once the diagnosis has been confirmed there are two types of treatment that we offer here at Young Vets :

  • A daily dose of medication given at home (usually tablets) to stop the overproduction of the hormone. If choosing the medication from home option, the owner will need to ensure that the cat is receiving the specified dose at regular intervals (the same time each day).
  • An operation to remove either one or both thyroid glands. We would often recommend 14 days of medication prior to surgery to help stabilize the hormones but following on from the surgery, medication would cease. A speedy recovery is usually followed and the patient can go home either the same or following day.

 

  • If left untreated it can lead to blindness, heart conditions and in extreme cases even death.

 

Following either treatment option, your cats progress will need to be monitored regularly by yourself and your veterinary surgeon but there is no reason your cat should not continue to live a happy, healthy life.

 

If you have concerns over your teenage cat do not hesitate to contact your local Young Vets surgery to discuss your cats case with one of our experienced veterinary surgeons.

 

 

 

Winter News 2017

Read our 2017 Winter Newsletter here

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We hope you enjoy reading our Winter Newsletter it’s packed full of advice to keep your pets happy and healthy this festive season!

 

Out and about:

Although the weather can be miserable, it is important to ensure your dog still gets their walks. Make the most of the shorter days by playing games while you are out to give your pet mental and physical stimulation. If you have walked your dog through road grit, don’t forget to clean their paws when you get home from your walk, as the grit can irritate their skin.

 

Bunny Upsets!

A reduction in your bunnies appetite can indicate an underlying health problem. If your rabbit seems to be eating less, it is well worth making an appointment for a check-up. Read our Winter Newsletter to understand more about you rabbits diet and the signs to watch out for to ensure they stay happy and healthy this winter.

 

Dry eyes, Cataracts and Glaucoma:

How healthy are your dogs eyes? Read our Winter Newsletter and learn the signs to watch out for when looking in your dogs eyes and when a condition should be treated as an ocular emergency. If your pet is showing any symptoms of an eye problem, please do not hesitate to book an appointment.

 

Arthritis and your pets. 

Arthritis is very commonly first diagnosed in older patients during the Winter months. Understand the reasons why Arthritis is more noticeable during the this period. Our Newsletter also includes some top tips to make your home as comfy as possible for those suffering with this condition.

 

Our Winter Newsletter is packed full of helpful advice to help you care for your pet this winter. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for more information on any of the articles mentioned.

Autumn News 2017.

Our Autumn Newsletter for 2017 has arrived!

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Our Autumn Newsletter has arrived, we hope you enjoy reading it! If you have any questions about the topics in the newsletter do not hesitate to contact our friendly team!

A word in your ear!

Did you know ear disease is common in our pets and its something we regularly treat here at Young Vets. Anatomically, our pets’ ears are very similar to ours, the main difference is that the ears are positioned towards the top of their heads rather than the sides. Read our NEWSLETTER to understand more about ear disease and the signs to watch out for in your pet.

Autumn Awareness!

Do you know the dangers that come with the beautiful season that is Autumn? Read our NEWSLETTER and learn about some of the dangers around this season, including conkers. They are poisonous, causing nasty tummy upsets in dogs when swallowed and can cause blockages in the intestines!

 

Parasite Alert!

Don’t forget to keep treating your pet against fleas and ticks during this season, as turning on your central heating means your home becomes the ideal environment when it is too cold outside for them! We are happy to talk to you about parasite protection for your home and your pet, don’t hesitate to contact for a chat.

 

Tick Alert!

Don’t forget to monitor your pet daily for ticks and if any are found, these should be removed promptly with a specially designed tick remover. Make sure you remove the whole of the tick and don’t leave any of it attached to your pet or it can cause irritation. If you are concerned contact our team and we will be able to remove ticks from your pet.

 

We’re sure about insurance, are you?

Are your pets insured? If not, it is definitely something worth considering and we would certainly recommend it. When looking for policies there are a few things to consider. Read our Autumn NEWSLETTER to understand about the different types of policies that are available for your pet.

 

Do fireworks put your pet in a fizz?

Sadly fireworks is not just one night anymore it seems to be more of a ‘season’. This can cause real anxiety for some pets, however there are many ways to try and keep the peace in your home. One of the most important things to bear in mind is be prepared. Read some of the different options we have available in our NEWSLETTER and contact our friendly team for more help and advice.

 

Click here to read our Autumn Newsletter for 2017.

Boo

Is your pet due a trip to the vet?

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We want your pet to be as happy to see us as we are to see them! 

One of the first things to help create this trust is to drop in, particularly when your pet is young  if you need a reason, our nurses and reception team love cuddles with your puppies and kittens and usually have a spare treat or two for them but we also offer free weight checks. This allows us to keep a record ensuring they’re growing up and gaining weight as they should be. 

If you are nervous about the visit don’t be! Our staff are highly experienced and have seen and heard it all. If it concerns you then please ask us , no question is too silly. Remain calm and ‘normal’ as your pet will pick up on any anxiety you may be feeling.

When visiting with cats we strongly recommend travelling your cat in a secure carrier not in your arms, even the calmest of cats can get stressed. If you have time, leave your carrier out a few days before your appointment, so your cat can climb in without being rushed. Try leaving a few treats and toys inside to tempt an investigation! Placing a towel over your carrier in the waiting room can help anxious cats – if you need one just ask us.

When travelling with dogs Invest in a doggie ‘seat belt’ or secure caged area of your car. If your dog suffers car sickness travel them on an empty stomach. Allow plenty of travel time so you are not rushed or late. Please keep your dog by your side in the waiting room. A vet practice can be a stressful place for pets and your laid back family dog could become stressed and snappy towards other dogs.

Practice ‘vet checks’ at home. Your pet is never to young or old to do this training: Gently look inside your pets eyes and ears, teeth and mouth, practice lifting each paw in turn and nail clipping this is something that can be done at home, check out our free guide> Cats and Dogs. Feel your pet all over from toe to tail. Spend 5 minutes a day practising the ‘all over’ handling and your pet will find an examination ‘normal’, when they come to us.

If you are coming in for a specific problem i.e. behaviour or tummy troubles  write a diary of events and problems. Try to include what foods they’ve eaten, treats, where they have been park , swimming, times of day all of these things may be useful when finding a diagnosis.

Please ask our vets to write notes for you to take home if you are concerned you may not remember something that was mentioned or bring a friend or family member for help and support.

We do our very best to ensure that you are seen on time at you appointment time but emergencies and unpredictable cases can happen so please bear with us, our reception team will endeavour to keep your updated if the consultations are running a few minutes late.