Pauline Sell Veterinary Surgeon

25/07/2024

We are sick of the sight of grass seeds this week! Many taken out of ears and several from feet. Even if you are extremely vigilant, your dog can still succumb to these annoying and painful things. Check after each walk and remove from the hair under feet, between toes and inside ear flaps. Signs of head shaking, ear scratching or foot licking are best investigated as soon as possible.

12/07/2024

The loss of an animal can be absolutely devastating and the grief it causes can sometimes be underestimated. We still miss Hardy, who left us two and a half years ago and we were fortunate to have the support of family, friends and colleagues.

Friend to our practice, Natalie Neal is conducting a survey into owners’ experiences of pet loss as part of her dissertation in Applied Animal Behaviour. The link to the anonymous survey is below for anyone who would like to participate.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScIneayGxmxojknZgnra_MIBue2zc8OQ2dUmeqnOLbNtSxe1g/viewform

Several good pet bereavement resources can be found at:

https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-bereavement-and-pet-loss

https://www.rainbowsbridge.com/Grief_Support_Center/Grief_Support_Home.htm

https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/bereavement

10/06/2024

Today is the deadline for getting cats microchipped- it’s especially important if your cat likes to roam. However, older cats who may be suffering brain ageing are often brought in to the surgery as “strays’ to be identified but frequently they are not chipped, making identification and reuniting them with worried owners almost impossible. I have had some scary times with mine over the years: Jammy is super friendly and liable to go off with strangers, Clem is deaf and likes to climb into delivery vans and Petit Filous is now very elderly and sometimes gets disorientated. Thankfully they are all chipped and so if the worst happened and they got lost, I could be reunited with them.

28/05/2024

Thank you so much to everyone whi made the HBO Dog Show such a great success, special thanks to Guide Dogs for giving such an interesting demo of their dogs in training and to Natalie Neal for having the impossible job of judging. All winners in our eyes!

21/05/2024

Don’t forget the Fun Dog Show at HBO Flower Festival this Saturday, come and meet the Guide Dogs and join us for a fun afternoon!

15/04/2024

We are delighted to be involved with the fun DOG SHOW at Hatfield Broad Oak Flower Festival this year, on Saturday 25th May, we hope to see you there! It was a hoot last year although the Sausage Eating Competition could have done with VAR 😂😂😂

29/03/2024

With just a few months left before compulsory microchipping for cats becomes a legal requirement, here's more information on what you need to know.
If your cat isn't yet chipped, please contact us so we can help you be prepared for the new legislation which comes into place on 10th June.

Should I microchip my cat? If you’re wondering whether to book in to get your cat microchipped, take a look at our guide.

22/03/2024

The saying that "You are what you eat" is the same for pets as it is for us 😀
As a general rule, rabbits need a diet based on 85% grass or hay, 10% greens and 5% good quality nuggets. Providing the food that mimics what rabbits would eat in the wild is vital, can be inexpensive and even fun. You can even pick rabbit food in your garden!

Creating better tomorrows for all pet rabbits Rabbit care that’s second to none Caring for your rabbits is fun. It’s up to you to make sure they have enough room to exercise, display normal rabbit behaviour and eat the right diet to keep healthy. You can find all this information and more on the...

15/03/2024

Our primary focus is to help keep your pets healthy. For dog owners this means monthly lungworm prevention as this parasite can be potentially fatal and we live in a lungworm area.
More information on the video, or contact us to discuss monthly lungworm prevention as part of your dog's parasite control;

Animation showing the life cycle of the potentially fatal parasitic worm; lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) which affects dogs.Sorry but comments have been ...

08/03/2024

No pet guardian wants to think of their pet being in pain but often the signs can be easy to miss as animals often instinctively hide their discomfort and vulnerability.
More information for cat guardians on what to look out for below. If you have any concerns about your pet, please call us for guidance.

Worried about your cat's health? Take a look at our advice on spotting signs of pain in your cat. We offer advice on how to care for your cat.

01/03/2024

Planning to bring a new pet into your home is an exciting time, and we look forward to welcoming your new pet and supporting you with their welfare needs 💕
It is important to always do your breed research, and if you are planning on buying a puppy the website below has lots of advice on how to source from a responsible breeder 🥰

The Puppy Contract is a free tool designed to support the responsible breeding and buying of puppies.

23/02/2024

Staying up to date with knowledge and understanding on our pets is so important.
This not only relates to your pet's physical health but also their emotional health.
Here's some great information on why "dominance theory" in dogs is out of date and irrelevant for training as dogs are motivated and learn through positive experiences.

Find out why dominance theory is outdated, and positive training methods are effective.

16/02/2024

If you have ever had an ear infection, you will understand how excruciatingly painful it is. Ear health is really important for our pets and some breeds of dogs are especially prone to ear infections.
If you notice your dog rubbing or scratching their ears, any discharge or smell or are generally concerned in any way that your pet is uncomfortable, you should contact us.

A sore ear is not something to ignore. Ear problems can be very painful and need vet treatment to cure and find the cause.

14/02/2024

💕Happy Valentines Day 💕
As we celebrate our love for those most dear to us today, we would love to see pictures of your beloved pets in the comments below 🥰

09/02/2024

The pandemic really highlighted the benefits of vaccination for protecting human health, and it is exactly the same for our pets. .
If your cat hasn't seen us for over a year then contact us to discuss their healthcare needs, and to arrange a full healthcheck.
There is also more information on the importance of annual vaccination below.

Vaccinating your cat is important to protect them against certain illnesses, such as cat flu. Read more about vaccinations in our free guide.

02/02/2024

It may surprise you to know that the pet training and behaviour industry is not regulated. There are however, organisations that are regulated and recognised for offering support and advice that is kind, positive and scientifically proven to work.
The APBC is one of those organisations. Their website includes lots of useful behaviour support including videos and articles and also how to source an APBC professional;

Views: 3,091

26/01/2024

Traditionally we think of fleas as being a summer parasite but this is not the case. When it's cold outside and we are keeping our homes warm and toasty, hibernating flea eggs can explode inside the home resulting in bites to pets and people.
If your cat is not up to date with flea control then it's a good idea to treat now rather than wait for an infestation.
More information on winter fleas in cats below as well as general advice for supporting our feline friends through the cold weather;

Concerned about looking after your cat in cold weather? Find out more in our expert guide on keeping cats safe in winter.

19/01/2024

Does your dog react or get over excited when they meet other dogs?
There are so many brilliant resources out there to support dog owners and we always recomend taking advice from qualified, kind, positive reward sources.
Wood Green have a number of webinars to support dog guardians including this one on how to help reactive dogs.
We also have professionals we can refer you to.

Does your dog often bark, lunge, growl, or pull on the lead? These are typical ‘reactive’ behaviours and we can help.

12/01/2024

Is your cat ready for compulsory microchipping?
From the 10th June 2024 all cats over the age of 16 weeks will need to be microchipped.
Don't delay in ensuring your pet is legally registered to you and should they get lost or stolen have the best chance of being traced back to you.
Contact us to arrange an appointment.
More information from Cats Protection below:

Should I microchip my cat? If you’re wondering whether to book in to get your cat microchipped, take a look at our guide.

05/01/2024

Learning to understand what our pets are communicating to us is so rewarding. Dogs Trust have some great information on their website and also offer a free behaviour support helpline;

Helping owners to understand their dogs view of the world.

01/01/2024

Wishing all of our clients a very happy and healthy New Year 😊

29/12/2023

Have you made your New Year's resolution yet? Many of us will be planning to get healthy and this is something our canine friends would love to help us with 🥰
We would love to see your pictures of your pets enjoying their walks with you over the festive period in the comments below 😀

22/12/2023

Wishing all of our clients a very Merry Christmas 😃

19/12/2023

Please see our Christmas opening hours below;

SAT 23RD December 9-12 nurse clinic/medication collection only
SUN 24TH December CLOSED
MON 25TH December CLOSED
TUES 26th December CLOSED
WED 27TH December 8.30-5.30
THURS 28TH December 8.30-5.30
FRI 29TH December 8.30-5.30
SAT 30TH December 9-12 nurse clinic/medication collection only
SUN 31ST December CLOSED
MON 1ST January CLOSED
TUES 2ND January 8.30-5.30

** OVER THE FESTIVE PERIOD, IF YOU THINK YOUR ANIMAL MIGHT HAVE BEEN POISONED, YOU CAN TELEPHONE THE ANIMAL POISONLINE ON 01202 509000 WHERE YOU WILL RECEIVE ADVICE FROM EXPERTS TO SAY IF YOU NEED EMERGENCY VETERINARY ATTENTION. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A CHARGABLE SERVICE **

18/12/2023

As we all look forward to the Christmas and New Year celebrations here's some advice for keeping pets safe during fireworks. Contact us if you do need any help and support as we stock supplements that can help support anxious pets;
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/pets/wellbeing-and-care/fireworks-and-pets #:~:text=Always%20keep%20dogs%20and%20cats%20inside%20when%20fireworks,escaping%20and%20to%20keep%20noise%20to%20a%20minimum.

Every year thousands of pets will suffer as a result of fireworks being let off. Blue Cross animal hospitals see a marked rise in pets requiring medication during these times.

15/12/2023

Following on from our post yesterday on keeping cats happy and healthy at Christmas, here's some great information from Dogs Trust;

Find out how to keep your dog safe and content during the festive season.

14/12/2023

Christmas preparations are in full swing.
Here's some tips on keeping our feline friends happy and healthy through the festive season 🥰

There are a range of dangers to cats at Christmas, and some may surprise you. Read our advice on keeping your pet safe this festive season, and tips on 'cat-proofing' your Christmas tree.

08/12/2023

Our Pet Health Plan is designed to give your pet the key elements needed to keep them healthy and allow you to budget with monthly payments.
The scheme includes annual vaccination, parasite treatment and access to nurse clinics and additional discounts. Becoming a member also allows you to benefit from a discount on insurance to cover the unexpected such as illness or accident.
More information on our website or call us for more details;

PET HEALTH PLAN We all know the value and benefit of keeping our pets happy and healthy. We want to help reduce and spread the cost of routine preventative health care for your pet. That’s why we are working with plan administrators, Vetsure, to deliver preventative treatments and benefits through...

01/12/2023

As winter sets in many of us will be using antifreeze in our cars. Unfortunately the active ingredient in antifreeze, ethylene glycol is incredibly poisonous and can be lethal to our feline friends. An added danger comes as cats find the product sweet to taste.
Please take extra care, and if your cat shows signs of having ingested antifreeze seek emergency veterinary attention.

During the winter we try to prevent freezing by using ethylene glycol, otherwise known as antifreeze, in car radiators and in some screen washes and de-icers. Every year many cats die because they have been poisoned by this chemical. Prompt treatment is the only way for cats to survive poisoning wit...

24/11/2023

A recent article in the Veterinary Times highlighted that it is estimated that around three million cats are not microchipped, and 600,000 more do not have up to date details on their file. Losing a much loved pet is such a distressing experience and a microchip will give your pet the best chance of being traced back to you. It also becomes a legal requirement for cats to be chipped from June 2024.
If your pet isn't yet chipped, talk to us 😃

Should I microchip my cat? If you’re wondering whether to book in to get your cat microchipped, take a look at our guide.