It’s International Cat Day and there is so much to celebrate 🐈🥳
Our feline friends provide wonderful company and have been shown to boost energy, create positive emotions and reduce stress levels - as if we needed more reasons to have a cat in our family!
If you have any funny videos or photos to celebrate, tag us or comment below. We would love to see them…
#BicesterVets #OxfordVets #InternationalCatDay
There is plenty we can do to lend a helping hand to our local wildlife during periods of heat.
💦 Provide water:
The most important of them all! A water source can help to cool animals down and quench thirst. A shallow bowl low to the ground in open space is ideal - it helps a variety of animals and also helps avoid predators.
🏠 Provide shelter:
A pile of logs in a shaded area will not only provide a cool spot to rest, but places for insects to hide which becomes a tasty snack for larger wildlife looking for food!
🥕 Provide food:
Leaving food out overnight or during the coolest time of the day can help ensure it lasts longer. Stock those bird feeders and leave out a little dish of meaty pet food for hedgehogs. They will thank you!
Comment below with any photos of your garden visitors. We would love to see them!
#BicesterVets #OxfordVets #Wildlife
We need to ensure our pets stay hydrated in the heat 💧⚠️
Often, they will seek out undesirable or potentially harmful water sources, when fresh water isn’t available, such as on a long dog walk. So, it’s important to ensure you carry water with you.
But what about at home?
Watch to find out more!
#BicesterVets #OxfordVets #PetHydration
🔴 In hot weather, pavements can become hot enough to cause pain, discomfort, and even burn your dog’s paws. Those pads may be tough but it’s important to remember that they can be just as sensitive as the bottom of your feet.
The best way to tell if the surface is too hot for your dog is to place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it’s too uncomfortable for your hand, it’s too hot for your pooch!
🎉 Out top tip?
Walk your dog at cooler times of the day e.g. first thing in the morning or later in the evening, as this will also help reduce the risk of heatstroke.
#BicesterVets #OxfordVets #HotPavements #SummerDangers
Does your pet have a favourite way to keep cool in the heat?
Comment below…
If you need some extra ideas, watch our video and let us know what you try!
#BicesterVets #OxfordVets #KeepingPetsCool
🐶🐱🐰 Knowing the tell ‘tail’ signs of heatstroke could save a pet’s life. It doesn’t just affect dogs - cats and small furries are at risk too.
If you are concerned that your pet may be suffering from heatstroke:
☀️ Call us/your vet immediately
☀️ Move your pet to a cool and shaded area, ideally with a breeze
☀️ Offer them a drink of cool water
☀️ Dampen their body with cool, not cold, water
☀️ Lie them on a cool wet towel (don’t drape a towel over them, as this can trap heat and stop it from escaping from their body).
#BicesterVets #OxfordVets #PetSafety #SummerPetSafety #Heatstroke #HeatstrokeInPets
🏖️ If you’re looking forward to taking your pet away for a staycation, a trip to the beach may be on the cards!
Watching our furry friends run free on the sand is one of the best parts of the holiday.
However - just be cautious around seawater. When a dog ingests excessive salt (such as gulping mouthfuls of seawater when catching a toy), the cells inside their body release water to dilute the salt content.
The resulting symptoms can be:
💧Excessive urination
💧Extreme thirst
💧Confusion
💧Lethargy
💧Diarrhoea
💧Vomiting
💧Nausea
💧Odd behaviour
💧Muscle spasms
💧Seizures
💧Death (in extreme cases)
If your pet shows any of these signs, call us for advice or ensure you have located the nearest local vet.
Top tip? Take a bottle of fresh water with you, ensure your pet regularly has a drink and play fetch on the sand!
#BicesterVets #OxfordVets #SaltwaterPoisoning #PetPoisons
It’s Rabbit Awareness Week!
So, when better than this week to focus on the five welfare needs of our four-legged friends? Here’s everything you need to provide to keep your bunnies ‘hoppy’ and healthy:
🐇 Behaviour - allow your rabbits to express natural behaviours, such as running, jumping, digging and ‘binkying’
🐰 Companionship - rabbits are very sociable animals and should be kept in bonded pairs
🥕 Diet - rabbits need a specific diet that’s high in fibre to keep their ever-growing teeth worn down. At least their body size in hay daily, along with nuggets (not muesli food) and fresh greens
🏠 Environment - a hutch is not enough! Your rabbits should have a comfortable living space along with an extensive run to enable them to express natural behaviours
🩺 Health - your rabbits need protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease. This includes providing preventative healthcare such as vaccinations and flystrike prevention.
To keep up with all your rabbits’ healthcare needs, why not join our Healthy Pets Club? To find out more, visit our website (linked in our bio!)
#BicesterVets #OxfordVets #RabbitAwarenessWeek #RAW2024 #FiveWelfareNeeds
🥳⚠️ The day has arrived. It is now a legal requirement for all cats to be microchipped.
Microchipping is the safest and most reliable way of identifying your cat, should they go missing. It gives them the best opportunity of being returned to you.
If your cat isn’t microchipped, you will be given 21 days to get your cat chipped or face a fine of up to £500 if you don’t comply.
> If you need to have your cat microchipped, get in touch with our team who will be happy to help!
Remember! For cats already microchipped, your details need to be kept up-to-date.
#BicesterVets #OxfordVets #CatMicrochipping
🌽🍔 As the weather (finally!) warms, it’s time to enjoy some alfresco dining!
And, when better than this week - National Barbeque Week!
As we enjoy a sunny spell eating delicious food in the garden, there are a few things we need to consider to keep our four-legged family safe. Take a look at our top tips - and if you can think of anything else, pop it in the comments below!
#BicesterVets #OxfordVets #NationalBBQWeek #PetSafeSummer
If you are a member of our Pet Health Club you will already have peace of mind that all your pet's essential preventative care is taken care of.
What about all the other benefits though?
⭐ 10% off pet food, every time you purchase
⭐ 10% off dental treatment
⭐ 10% off neutering procedures
⭐ All pets who join are eligible for FREE microchipping
⭐ 20% off additional parasite protection such as household flea spray or tick treatment products for European travel
⭐ 50% off nail clips with our clinic nurse
⭐ 25% off routine pre-anaesthetic blood tests for extra peace of mind
⭐ 25% discount on intravenous fluids for routine day surgery and procedures
Designed with the best possible care for your pet in mind and the best loyalty discounts for your pocket!
#BicesterVets #PetHealthClub #OxfordVets
If you are worried about your pet, then please always feel free to call for some advice during opening hours. What about when we are closed?
We would generally consider any of the following an emergency, or requiring immediate veterinary help. If your pet:
🐾 Is bloated and trying to vomit
🐾Is straining to urinate
🐾Has difficulty breathing
🐾Is continuously fitting
🐾Has a suspected fracture or broken bone
🐾Is collapsed
🐾Is bleeding profusely
🐾Has a maggot/fly infestation of a wound
🐾Has been poisoned (or you suspect they have)
🐾Has been hit by a car or involved in an accident
🐾Has severe watery/bloody diarrhoea
🐾Is unconscious
🐾Is in severe pain
🐾Is having whelping/kittening problems
🐾Has a surgical wound which has opened up
Get in touch straight away! We also have interactive guides and emergency guidance on our website, should you need further help.
In the event of an emergency, please call 01869 252077.
#BicesterVets #OxfordVets #PetEmergency
🩺 💚 May is Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month (VNAM), a campaign celebrating our wonderful veterinary nurses' undeniable skill and expertise.
This year's theme is progression - are you aware of the variety of daily tasks our vet nurses perform? Running nurse clinics, monitoring anaesthetics, taking and testing blood samples, medicating patients, preparing patients for surgery and performing minor surgical procedures, caring for hospitalised patients… and the list goes on!
We’d like to say a huge thank you to the amazing vet nurses at Bicester Vets, who are pivotal in the smooth running of our practice. If one of our nurses has had an impact on your pet’s life, let us know in the comments below!
#BicesterVets #OxfordVets #VNAM2024 #WhatVNsDo #20YearsOfVNAM
Is your cat microchipped? 🐱
From 10th June 2024, new legislation means that all cats in England must be microchipped and registered on a database by the time they’re 20 weeks old.
Microchipping gives you the best chance of being reunited with your pet, should they ever go missing. It’s quick and simple to do, with the microchip being implanted via an injection into your cat’s scruff.
Call us on 01869 252077 to book an appointment for your cat to be microchipped with our friendly team.
#BicesterVets #OxfordVets #CatMicrochipping #NewLegislation
📣 Remember, Bicester Arts Network is running an exhibition daily, between 4th-11th May 📸🖌️
We are proud to be supporting with some raffle prizes 🎉
🤍 This year the chosen charity is Bicester Autism/ADUD.
📍 Weston Manor Hotel
One of our own nurses will be exhibiting some of her photographs and paintings! Why not go along and support them while enjoying the historic surroundings of the manor? The sun is even shining for a lovely day out!
#BicesterVets #OxfordVets #BicesterArtsNetwork
🦟 Ectoparasites - in other words, parasites found outside the body (fleas, ticks, mites etc.) - are a year-round problem for our pets. But, as the weather warms and we’re out and about more, the risk to our four-legged friend increases.
Year-round preventative care is key - and this is something you can easily take care of with the Bicester Vets Healthy Pets Club! In addition, regularly check over your pet’s body for signs of sore skin, bald patches, flea dirt (little black specks), adult fleas and ticks. Spotted signs of a problem? Get in touch with our team for guidance on treatment and a preventative care plan to suit your pet.
#BicesterVets #OxfordVets #Ectoparasites #PetHealthPlan
Coming soon!
We want to make looking after your pet as easy as possible. We will soon be introducing the option to sign up to our Healthy Pets Club online.
We hope that this will provide further convenience for pet owners to ensure that not only is their pet’s essential care taken care of, but that you can enjoy access to all our discounts without having to come into practice to sign up.
#BicesterVets #IndependentVets #VeterinaryPractice #OxfordVets #PetClub
Did you know that cats can suffer from diabetes, too? Older and overweight cats tend to be at higher risk.
🩺 What is diabetes?
Diabetes is when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin (a hormone), or the body has an inadequate response to the hormone. Insulin is needed for the body to absorb glucose (sugar) into the bloodstream. A cat with diabetes will not be able to control the level of glucose in its blood which can cause serious health complications and can sadly often be fatal if left untreated.
If you notice any of these symptoms get in touch with our team. Diabetes can be diagnosed from a blood sample, and easily treated at home.
#BicesterVets #OxfordVets #Diabetes #CatDiabetes
Did you know that we offer laparoscopic spaying? Also known as ‘keyhole’ surgery.
Routine spaying of female dogs is highly recommended by vets to:
• prevent unwanted pregnancies
• remove the inconvenience of “seasons” and false pregnancy
• reduce the risk of mammary tumours and other serious health conditions
Undertaking this procedure ‘laparoscopically’ involves making 2 small incisions instead of one larger one, and as a result, dogs should be more comfortable, with a faster recovery, and they can return to exercise sooner.
A more comfortable dog is a happier one! If you have any questions, our team are happy to help.
#BicesterVets #OxfordVets #LaparoscopicSpay
Thinking of getting a pet rabbit?
Bunnies make wonderful pets. Here are some things you may like to consider first to ensure your bunny lives a happy, fulfilled and healthy life.
🐇 Rabbits can live up to 12 years with the right environment and care.
🐇 Rabbits need the company of their own species as they are incredibly social animals. This isn’t just needed for company and communication, but also for welfare purposes in terms of grooming areas they can't reach themselves and warmth in colder months. So if you are looking to get a rabbit, you’ll need to consider a bonded pair.
🐇 Their teeth never stop growing, so they will need plenty of good-quality hay daily - at least their body size in hay, each day. Their diet is key in helping maintain healthy teeth.
🐇 Rabbits need plenty of exercise and stimulation. This means they need a safe environment to run, jump, stand up, dig hide - all natural behaviours from the wild. A hutch isn’t enough for a bunny to live, they need a long, secure run where they can exercise, preferably outside in the garden.
🐇 If you have multiple rabbits, they will need to be neutered not only to stop reproduction but also so males don’t exhibit more aggressive behaviour.
🐇 Rabbits require vaccinations and preventative care like every other pet.
🐇 A rabbit's home needs to be kept clean and well-insulated so they have warmth in the winter and somewhere cool in the summer. This can also help lower the risk of diseases and illnesses.
Rabbits are wonderful, loving pets but have their own unique set of needs which need to be met.
#BicesterVets #OxfordVets #RabbitWelfare #Bunnies
