Active Pet

06/01/2025

Does your pet have arthritis? Learn how using heat and cold can help their joints

Managing your dog’s arthritis can be challenging, but warm and cold therapy are effective, natural ways to reduce pain and improve mobility. 🐾 In this video...

04/01/2025

There’s a cold snap hitting us here in the UK 🥶 You may need to take some extra steps to help look after your cat during the chilly weather. Check our website for some more tips 👉 https://icatcare.org/advice/hazardous-weather/

🐈 If your cat usually has outdoor access, consider having a litter tray indoors because they may avoid venturing out into the cold.

💧If you usually keep a water bowl outside, check that it hasn’t frozen over. Avoid putting chemicals that are poisonous to cats, like Antifreeze, in ponds and water features as cats will often drink from these too.

🐾 Provide indoor enrichment, like puzzle feeders, and play with your cat for a few minutes each day.

🚗 Before starting your car, tap on the hood and check between the tyres to check that a cat isn’t hiding there for some warmth.

16/12/2024

🎄Christmas Opening Hours 🎄
We will be closing for Christmas at 2pm on Christmas Eve and will reopen at 09.30am on Thursday 2nd January.
Wishing everyone a happy holiday season and we look forward to looking after all your lovely pets in 2025.

15/12/2024

01/12/2024

Should pain be better considered
as a cause of behaviour issues?

Small animal vet and APBC registered behaviourist Sophie White (BVetMed MSc MRCVS) describes her perspective on the relationship between chronic pain and behaviour, giving some great tips to manage behavioural problems in a more simple way. In conversation with our very own Danny Chambers MP, they discuss this fascinating topic, and Danny reflects how this may relate to equine veterinary practice.

Sophie describes how she combined her passion for working with dogs experiencing chronic pain with behavioural issues after encountering problems with her own rescue dog. This started her journey to better understand the relationship between the pain and behaviour. Now, years later in her capacity as referral behaviour specialist she reports around 50% of cases sent to her by vets are clinically unwell, with pain the untreated root cause of the behaviour issue. This includes gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal pain. We discuss why this may be, including discussions about how pain can often be masked in the consulting room.

We discuss the topic of euthanasia due to behaviour problems, and how a lot of guilt is often felt putting an otherwise healthy animal to sleep. We consider the animal welfare perspective, and how in order to put safe precautions in place for human safety animal welfare may be compromised, making euthanasia a better option for some animals.

Sophie discusses the benefit of a pain relief trial if there is even a tiny chance of pain being a factor, ideally before referral to a veterinary behaviourist.

Pain is a subjective personal experience and cannot be ruled out. Referral is still an important thing to do, particularly when dealing with aggressive animals for safeguarding purposes, but whilst waiting to see her, patients could be undergoing a pain relief trial so the behaviour issue can be dealt with more quickly. If referral isn’t an option within the context of this client/ patient then a pain relief trial or discussion with a veterinary behaviourist about medications, may also bring some comfort to the client that before euthanasia is considered, they have tried something for their animal.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/veterinary-voices/episodes/pain-should-be-considered-as-one-of-the-leading-factors-in-behaviour-issues-e2rij4s

26/11/2024

Don’t forget to check your doggy sitter is licensed for boarding your dog!

As we approach the festive period you may be looking for home boarding for your dog. If someone is charging you a fee to look after your dog in their home and they don’t hold a licence, they are likely to be operating illegally and will not be insured. Always ask to see a copy of their Animal Activity Licence. Don’t take the risk!

An unlicensed boarder may be cheaper, but a licensed boarder will have been checked by a qualified Animal Inspector. They will have operational and emergency procedures in place, arrangements for providing first aid and isolation facilities, and a limit on the number of dogs that can be safely boarded.

Although there are many online platforms advertising ‘dog boarders’, many of these do not require proof that the person advertising is licensed or carry out checks of the property or carer.

For more information and to view a list of licensed animal businesses please visit: https://orlo.uk/VmfgO

Anyone found to be operating illegally may be prosecuted, with prison sentences of up to 51 weeks and/ or an unlimited fine if convicted.

12/11/2024

Just a heads up that the clinic will be closed tomorrow (Wednesday) due to a planned power cut. The messaging service will be able to take messages but we won’t be able to respond to them until Thursday. The same goes for any emails sent on Wednesday. Hopefully everything will resume as normal on Thursday 🤞
Thank you for your understanding ☺️

11/11/2024

Update from Yumove on the Amazon counterfeit product that was being sold through third parties on Amazon.

Contact your Vet if you have any concerns about your pet.

Any supplements we sell have been bought through Veterinary wholesalers so you can rest assured they are not counterfeit and have been stored correctly.

We’re doing everything we can to stop the sale of illegally copied YuMOVE products. You can find the latest information and FAQs here.

31/10/2024

Some interesting thoughts from Dr Mike Farrell an Orthopaedic Specialist Veterinary Surgeon. I have my suspicions that we have seen some cases like these at the clinic. We have also had some pets being mildly or very wobbly after Librela injections. Other Vets around the world have seen changes they didn't expect with patients who are concomitantly on Librela too.

Obviously without studies it difficult to say for certain that it is the Librela that is causing these changes. We have seen some amazing results in patients with Librela. So we are not saying don't use it but maybe make sure you have looked at other options first and only use it once these have been exhausted?

We offer treatments such as acupuncture, laser and radial pressure shockwave that can help with arthritis and there are alternative medications too to consider. Do let us know if you would like to find out more about the treatments we offer by calling us on 01494 725968 or drop us an email at [email protected] There is also lots of information on our website too!

Board-certified veterinary specialist Dr Mike Farrell discusses the risks and benefits of Librela, and compares the scientific research in dogs and humans.Wa...

30/10/2024

🪔 Diwali celebrations will be starting soon. Here are a few tips to help you keep your cat safe during the festivities. 👇

🕯️ Keep candles out of reach to avoid them being knocked over or burning paws. Consider switching to battery-powered lights instead

🍬 Keep any foods that contain harmful ingredients to cats out of reach

🐈 Make sure your cat has some quiet safe places to retreat to

🎆 Keep your cat indoors during any fireworks displays. Try using some soothing music to mask the sounds, and keep windows and doors closed

🏮 Be aware of electrical cables used for decorations, like hanging lights, because cats may try playing with these, leading to potential entanglement or electric shocks.

🌼 Check to make sure any flowers used in decorations are not poisonous to cats.

To all those who celebrate, we wish you a happy and safe Diwali. 😺

25/10/2024

Neutering before 12 months of age influences risk of cruciate rupture in Labrador Retrievers.

Open access article: jav.ma/cr

25/10/2024

***New Product Alert***

Palmidol capsules now in stock.

Palmidol contains palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and is a product naturally produced by the body. PEA has an important function in reducing inflammation both in joints and skin and supporting nerve health.

PEA is suitable for dogs and cats that have any arthritis or inflammation in their muscles and soft tissues.

It is beneficial for pets with neurological conditions such as GOLPP (Geriatric Onset Laryngeal Paralysis and Polyneuropathy), DM (Degenerative Myelopathy) and other nerve/disc/nerve conditions.

PEA also helps pets with inflammatory skin conditions such as allergy and atopy.

It is a completely natural product and so can be used alongside other supplements and medications. It is also usually covered by insurance companies. Each capsule costs 90p and the recommended dose is one capsule per day for cats and one capsule per 10kg of weight for dogs.

As it is a supplement you don't need to be registered with us to purchase it, so if you know of any other pets that would benefit do ask their owners to get in touch.

If you have any questions do let us know via email [email protected] or by calling us on 01494 725968.

22/10/2024

🎆Fireworks and Fear: Petrified Pets 🎆

In the lead up to fireworks season - are you prepared?

Fireworks seem to now occur regularly throughout October-December with Halloween, Bonfire night, Christmas and New year.

Although spectacular to watch they have very real implications for the welfare of our wildlife, livestock and pet animals.

⬇️Here is some advice this firework season. Stay tuned for more individual advice on each section in the coming weeks.

🐱Cats
✅Check microchip details are up to date
✅Try and keep them inside after dark. We understand this can be difficult. You may need to provide more play and calming aids to help them with a change in routine
✅Close all doors and windows to prevent them bolting
✅Shut curtains to dim the noise and flashes
✅ Give them a safe hiding place or don't disturb them if they find their own safe place to settle. Cats often like to be up high

🐶Dogs
✅Check microchip details are up to date
✅Walk before dark. If toileting outside go out with them on a leash to avoid them bolting if a firework goes off unexpectedly
✅Use calming aids
✅Give them as safe place to stay that is covered, dark and quiet. Do not lock them in here.
✅Watch that all doors are closed to avoid escape
✅You can comfort your pet, just ensure you stay safe if they are extremely agitated

🐭Small Furries
✅You may need to bring any animals inside if it doesn't cause them too much stress
✅They may require more bedding
✅Cover accomodation to prevent the lights from upsetting them
✅Move indoor enclosures away from windows to dull the noise and light

🐴Horses
✅Check local fire displays and prepare
✅Keep to a routine
✅Check the field or Stable is free from hazards
✅Give your vet notice if you require medication for your horses anxiety
✅Check on them regularly or stay with them if they are known to spook so you can react quickly if they become upset

🐮Livestock
✅Tell local farmers if you intend to have a Firework display and try to avoid the loud fireworks. Do not set fireworks off around fields containing livestock.

🦔 Wildlife
✅Check bonfires before lighting for any wildlife such as rodents or hedgehogs
✅Avoid setting fireworks off near known wildlife areas like nature reserves

🧑‍⚕️ How your vet can help
✅If your animals experiences distress then there are medications we can prescribe
✅You will likely need a prescription check even if you have it yearly
✅Veterinary professionals are also well placed to give you individual advice on how to help your pets

🎆If you plan to have a firework display:

➡️Please tell all your neighbours in advance that you plan it.
This will ensure they have had time to adequately prepare their animals for the event.
If possible please consider using alternative options such as silent or low noise fireworks if you know you are surrounded by families with cats, dogs, other pets or if you live by a farm or livery yard.

➡️Please tell owners how long the display will go on for and don't go beyond that so they know when it is safe to let their pets out for toileting or grazing.

➡️ Please do not release sky lanterns

https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/litter/skylanterns

🚒👩‍🚒 Please also be fire safe!

🔥https://www.gov.uk/fireworks-the-law

🔥https://www.rospa.com/home-safety/advice/fireworks-safety

Other links:

➡️ https://www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/fireworks

➡️ https://www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/fireworks

➡️ https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/storms-and-fireworks/

18/10/2024

For all those with pets who don't like fireworks here is the list of organised displays.

12/10/2024

Do you live locally to or in Buckinghamshire? Are you interested in Walking?
We need you!

We have partnered with Sustrans & Chiltern Society, funded by the ,to develop an accessibility focused walking route from Chesham to Old Amersham, called the 'Two Rivers Walk'.

Can you help us by completing a 5 min engagement survey to understand why you walk or wheel in the area and what might help you walk or wheel more in the future?

For more information on the project please see: https://chesssmarterwatercatchment.org/?page_id=1695&preview=true

11/10/2024

❤️❤️❤️ Oooh, we love a matchy matchy outfit! Bongo, one of our Golden Oldies, has got himself a gorgeous new coat as he has arthritis and doesn't run around as much as he used to. It turns out his owner has nearly the same outfit so they will both be staying warm, dry and stylish in the cooler weather.❤️❤️❤️

10/10/2024

We look after all creatures great and small at the clinic. Today our littlest patient Millie got to meet our biggest patient, Charlie. Not wanting to be left out, Lucas also wanted to enjoy the meet and greet 💗🐶💗