Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month started back in 2005 as National Veterinary Nursing Day. It then progressed to a week and since 2012 it has been for a full month.
It was established to inform people of the importance of a veterinary nurse’s role in the practice of keeping your pets safe and well. Over the years more and more practices have become involved throughout the UK.
DetailsAt this time of year, many of us are looking to lose weight with New Year goals, however many of us have a pet overweight too, which often we overlook.
Just like humans, obesity in pets is a problem around the globe. Although our pets may not face the same social stigma as humans do, the emotional and medical damage is still being done just the same. Obesity in animals can cause many complications in almost every system in their bodies, in turn generating conditions from diabetes to osteoarthritis.
DetailsDiabetes in dogs is caused by a lack of hormone insulin or an inadequate response to insulin. When dogs eat their digestive systems breaks the food into different components. One of which is glucose, this is carried into the cells by insulin. I a dog does not produce insulin or cant utilize it, generally, their blood sugar levels elevate. The result of this is hyperglycemia, if left untreated, this can cause many complicated health issues. In dogs is considered a manageable disorder, there are many diabetic dogs living healthy lives.
DetailsChristmas is a time for celebration, and many of us like to include our dogs in the celebrations. At Christmas time we bring food into our homes which are less common. Many of these foods can be potentially harmful to dogs. In our article, we warn you of some of the most dangerous types of foods and why you should avoid giving them to your pet.
DetailsBonfire night looking after your pets As Bonfire night approaches, we would like to offer some important advice to keep your pets safe. Pets can be extremely afraid and distressed with fireworks. Many dogs show signs of fear throughout Bonfire Night. We have put together a few steps to help reduce your pet’s anxiety making…
DetailsIt is important we look after our senior pets as they start to get older.
As dogs get to the age of 8 and cats to the age of 10 they are then classed as “seniors”. Although they can live for many years after the ages of 8 or 10, just like humans they may develop age-related diseases.
Pets can suffer from diseases such as; arthritis, diabetes, kidney problems, heart conditions and liver problems. Some of these diseases can be life-threatening but can be successfully treated with medication.
Nutritional needs and exercise can change as your pet gets older. Often changes in your pet’s health can go unnoticed and therefore, it is important they have a regular check up at our veterinary centre.
DetailsFeral cats are the descendants of domestic cats and their offspring, which now live in the wild. Often these can be the descendants of domestic cats which were abandoned or who have wandered from home and ended up lost. Feral cats are wild-living cats which quite often form colonies where they can find shelter and a food supply. Areas such as industrial estates, rubbish tips, farms etc.
DetailsTravelling with dogs can be a problem in the summer as even in a shaded spot with the windows open cars can heat up extremely quickly inside. According to the RSPCA, it can be 22oC outside but the inside temperature can reach 47 oC within an hour. Dogs can overheat quickly and heatstroke can be fatal.
Many pets love to travel, however for some this can be a very stressful experience. Fortunately, there are lots of products out there which may help your dog with travel sickness.
Many pets l stress with travel sickness, we can prescribe tablets that may help relieve these symptoms such as Nutracalm.
Benefits of Nutracalm
It has been specially formulated by vets to naturally calm anxious pets.
Another popular product we prescribe is Adaptil, this helps reduce your dog’s stress levels, in most cases this will also help reduce the travel anxiety and sickness as well. It helps with the following symptoms.
Travel sickness products can last for 24 hours. Please ask us for more advice before travelling with your pets.
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What is Rabbit Awareness Week?
Rabbit Awareness week (RAW) is a very important week for rabbits. The UK is a nation of self-confessed pet lovers. Rabbits are the 4th most popular pet in the United Kingdom according to recent research with 0.8 million rabbits (PFMA PET Population 2016 report). Therefore rabbit welfare should be of great concern for pet owners, especially who own rabbits or are thinking of getting one.
During rabbit awareness week, thousands of veterinary practices throughout the UK offer free health clinics for local rabbits and their owners. This is the perfect opportunity for a rabbit which has never been to the vets before to get them health checked by an expert.
Many retailers, rescue centres and veterinary centres will be running fun and educational events to spread the word. Ensuring our little pet rabbit friends are kept happy and healthy.
DetailsVeterinary Nursing Awareness Month (VNAM) Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month began back in 2005 originally as National Veterinary Nursing Day. Over a few years, it has progressed to a week then Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month in 2012. It was established to spread the word of the importance of a veterinary nurse’s role within the practice. Each year more and more practices…
DetailsEaster treats such as easter eggs and hot cross buns may be a treat for humans, however, for dogs, these can be very harmful.
The chocolate in Easter eggs contains a chemical called ‘theobromine” which is toxic for dogs. A fairly small amount can cause hyperexcitability heart problems and convulsions.
Dark chocolate contains much more theobromine and is more toxic because of it. However giving any type of chocolate to dogs should be avoided.
If your dog eats more than 3.5g of plain or dark chocolate per kg body weight or 14g of milk chocolate per kg body weight, call your vet immediately. White chocolate does not contain theobromine, but it can be very fatty for dogs and does pose a potential risk for acute pancreatitis.
The importance of kennel cough vaccinations for your dog.
Many dog owners will have heard of a kennel cough, but may have never come into contact with a dog suffering from the condition and are not aware of the signs and symptoms of this illness. It is a common canine health condition within the UK. Due to the availability of kennel cough vaccinations, the disease is less common than it used to be.
To help protect their dogs from an outbreak, all owners of dogs should be aware of the signs and steps to take in preventing their dog contracting this condition.
