Case Study 🩺
Did you guess what Freddie ate? 😺👀
This gorgeous boy visited our clinic last week after his owners were concerned that he was showing signs of being unwell.
Freddie had been indulging on more than his cat biscuits recently. Watch the video to find out what he had been up to!
#ThameswoodVets #ThameswoodCatClinic #CaseStudy #Cat #Feline
Could you 'Foster a Feline'? 🐱
We regularly care for cats at our clinic who arrive as strays. Many of them do not require veterinary treatment and just need a little TLC during their holding time whilst we work to find their owner, a more permanent home or rescue centre.
Cats are sensitive creatures with unique needs and often do much better out of the clinical environment, where they can be provided with the enrichment they require.
❓❤️ Could you be a fosterer?
If you have experience with cats and generally have a calm household, we would love to hear from you!
➡️ Please contact Lizzie, our Cat Clinic Nurse, on 01793 526780. Lizzie will be happy to answer any questions you may have and explore whether you could be a suitable cat foster carer.
To see the difference you could make to a cat's life, just look at the change in Milo. When Milo arrived, he was wounded and very frightened. After a stay in a home environment, he is a different cat - a wonderfully fulfilling journey for both Milo and his now owner.
#ThameswoodVets #SwindonVets #FosterAFeline #CatFosterer #CatCare #ThameswoodCatClinic
It’s International Cat Day!
To celebrate, we are highlighting some of the fun ways you can play with your cat. Cats of all ages love to play – from kittens to super seniors! Just like dogs, cats need daily physical and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.
Share your tips or photos with us by commenting below or tagging us!
Thanks to the ISFM for the useful information for pet owners...
#ThameswoodVets #SwindonVets #ThameswoodCatClinic #InternationalCatDay
During the height of summer, it can sometimes be difficult to find ways to keep our pets entertained between walks at cooler times of the day.
🥳 Providing enrichment will be the perfect boredom buster!
There are so many ways to keep your pets entertained which doesn’t necessarily mean buying a new puzzle toy - although if you’d like to, there are plenty on the market!
You can try:
🎁 Hiding treats wrapped in a towel
🥕 Create frozen vegetables for them to munch on
👃 Hide treats around a room for them to sniff out
Comment below with any ideas that may be helpful for other pet owners…
#ThameswoodVets #SwindonVets #Enrichment
❓Have you ever come across this plant on your dog walks?
It is called Giant Hogweed and is not only poisonous to pets, but can cause permanent issues such as light sensitivity.
Often its effects can be difficult to diagnose due to the fact it causes something called a phytophotodermatitis reaction which means it needs exposure to sunlight. Pets often, therefore, won't show symptoms for a few days.
Both consumption and topical exposure (e.g. skin or fur contact) can cause severe symptoms) which can also affect us as humans. Here are the main symptoms to be aware of:
⚠️ Pain
⚠️ Blisters
⚠️ Swelling
⚠️ Blindness
⚠️ Itching
⚠️ Permanent light sensitivity
⚠️ Severe scarring
If you are concerned that your pet has come into contact with this plant:
1. Wash your pet thoroughly to remove the sap as best as possible
2. Contact us/your vet for advice immediately
✅ Remember you can also contact the Animal Poison Line which is run by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS).
It is the only 24-hour specialist emergency telephone service in the UK dedicated to helping pet owners worried their pet may have been exposed to something harmful or poisonous.
This service will help triage your pet, letting owners know if a trip to their vet is required.
#ThameswoodVets #SwindonVets #PetPoisons #GiantHogweed
💧Want to ensure your pet is staying hydrated in the heat?
Whilst out and about, it’s important to carry water with you, especially on dog walks, but what about at home?
Watch to find out more!
#ThameswoodVets #SwindonVets #ThameswoodCatClinic #PetHydration
🌻🌱As we spend more time in our gardens, pets often join us. Some pets are more adventurous than others, digging, jumping or brushing up against certain plants and flowers which could result in an emergency trip to see us.
It is important to be aware of what is in your garden and how it could potentially affect your pets, so here are the most common plant-based dangers to be aware of!
#ThameswoodVets #SwindonVets #ThameswoodCatClinic #GardenDangers
🦟 Many pet owners think that certain parasites are only an issue in the warmer months. This is a myth!
Whilst certain parasites (eg fleas) may decrease in numbers in cold weather, they are still an issue. Fleas, in particular, migrate inside with us to our central heated homes which provide a cosy environment for breeding. This means they are a year-round issue!
Fleas, in particular, migrate with us from outdoors as their eggs can survive from -4 to 28 degrees centigrade. This means they are a year-round issue
A good quality, regular treatment will help to keep those pests at bay. Don’t make the mistake of skipping treatments, it could result in a home and pet infestation!
All of your pet's preventative health is taken care of on our Pet Health Plans.
Visit our website to find out more!
#ThameswoodVets #SwindonVets #ThameswoodCatClinic #PreventativeCare
🐕 🌍 Dogs have an innate desire to chew. It's one of their ways to explore the world that surrounds them.
Puppies that are teething may chew to relieve pain. Older dogs may chew to keep their jaws strong and their teeth clean. Some dogs chew for the simple pleasure of it!
Chewing can become an issue if it’s happening out of boredom, frustration, anxiety or even if they decide to nibble on a less-than-desirable object.
Sticks are one of the most common dangers for our dogs to chew. Here is why and what a safer option may be…
#ThameswoodVets #SwindonVets #DogDangers
🐕 🌍 Dogs have an innate desire to chew. It's one of their ways to explore the world that surrounds them.
Puppies that are teething may chew to relieve pain. Older dogs may chew to keep their jaws strong and their teeth clean. Some dogs chew for the simple pleasure of it!
Chewing can become an issue if it’s happening out of boredom, frustration, anxiety or even if they decide to nibble on a less-than-desirable object.
Sticks are one of the most common dangers for our dogs to chew. Here is why and what a safer option may be…
#ThameswoodVets #SwindonVets #DogDangers
As an independent family-owned veterinary practice, we are able to do things a little differently!
As well as the daily running of our clinic, we thoroughly enjoy getting out into the community and educating the future pet owners of tomorrow.
Here is a snapshot of a recent visit to a local primary school where the children made us feel very welcome and their enthusiasm was inspiring ♥️
#ThameswoodVets #SwindonVets #Education #SchoolTalks #PetCare #PetEducation
⚠️ It’s here - June 10th 2024. This means it is now a legal requirement for your cat to be microchipped before the age of 20 weeks.
The new rules mean cats must:
🐈 Be implanted with a microchip before they reach the age of 20 weeks
🐈 Have their contact details stored and kept up to date in a pet microchipping database
🐈 All owners must have their cat microchipped by 10 June 2024
🐈 Owners found not to have microchipped their cat will have 21 days to have one implanted, or may face a fine of up to £500.
The aim is to make it easier for lost or stray pet cats to be reunited with their owners and return home safely which we welcome wholly!
If you have yet to microchip your cat, please get in touch ASAP. We are currently offering thermo microchips for £12!
#ThameswoodVets #SwindonVets #ThameswoodCatClinic #CatMicrochipping
⚠️ If you are ever concerned that your pet may have been poisoned, did you know that you can contact the Animal PoisonLine which is run by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS)?
It is the only 24-hour specialised emergency telephone service in the UK dedicated to helping pet owners worried their pet may have been exposed to something harmful or poisonous.
This service will help triage your pet, letting owners know if a trip to their vet is required. Based on the information the owner provides their vets and scientists, they can let you know if a vet visit is required.
#ThameswoodVets #SwindonVets #VPIS
Playing with your cat can be so beneficial for a number of reasons!
🐈 Stimulation: especially great for cats who spend most of their time inside as it helps to mimic their natural instincts. They can use all their senses and move through their predatory stages (stalk, chase, pounce, catch, bat and bite)
🐈 Exercise: encourages movement which is especially positive for cats who are maybe carrying some extra weight
🐈 Safely direct their instincts: none of us enjoy a claw to the foot (or the gift of a dead animal)! Playtime (with toys) encourages your cat to direct their natural hunting instincts towards safe objects
🐈 Enrichment: a variety of toys can improve their well-being and for cats who maybe would rather not be stroked or touched, play is a wonderful way for you to bond with them in an enjoyable way
The best part is your cat feeling a sense of positive achievement (such as catching their ‘fake’ prey), which toys such as laser pointers don’t achieve as your cat may find it frustrating. A variety of textures and movements is the perfect place to start!
#ThameswoodVets #SwindonVets #ThameswoodCatClinic #CatPlay
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.
It is often difficult to spot fleas until there is a large number of them (they spend most of their lifecycle in the home environment rather than on your pet). Worms can also often go unnoticed until your pet becomes unwell from an infestation. In addition, worm eggs can also cause harm to children and immunocompromised adults.
Year-round preventative care is key! We have a number of pet health plans suitable for your pet and pocket, which not only cover all your pet's preventative care but also ensure a variety of discounts - visit our website to find out more.
#ThameswoodVets #SwindonVets #ThameswoodCatClinic #Fleas #Worms #PreventativeCare
It’s Mental Health Awareness Week! 🧠
Many of you may know that earlier this year, our wonderful head nurse, Gemma, successfully completed her Mental Health in the Veterinary Workplace course.
Whilst a veterinary career has so many highs and can be very fulfilling in helping unwell pets and wildlife, it also can be very challenging, emotionally and mentally.
Gemma’s certificate not only means that she has the skills to support her colleagues with their mental health but also means that we have a workplace which encourages positive wellbeing, improving the care we can offer your beloved pets.
After all, they do so much for us without even knowing it!
How do your pets help your mental health?
Comment below and let us know!
#ThameswoodVets #SwindonVets #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
The signs of a skin problem may not be quite as obvious as a pet chewing at its paws or excessive scratching.
You may also notice:
🐾Rubbing their face
🐾Ear problems (head shaking, scratching, inflamed skin)
🐾Red, hot, broken, flakey or inflamed skin (commonly along the chest and groin/in the armpits)
Some of these signs may be hard to spot if you’re not looking for them. Your pet could be suffering in silence. If you notice any of these signs, book a consultation with our veterinary dermatologist who will be able to provide tailored advice for your pet.
Should they be diagnosed with a skin problem, there are so many ways we can support you in managing their condition to ensure they are as comfortable as possible. These include:
💙 Hypoallergenic shampoos
💙Nutritional controls
💙Customised anti-allergy vaccines
💙Immunotherapy
💙Latest advances in drug therapy
#ThameswoodVets #SwindonVets #ThameswoodCatClinic #VeterinaryDermatology
…for our clients who have just welcomed a new puppy into their family, we run Puppy Parties and Youth Clubs to help support pet owners through the key milestones of the first year of their lives together.
Visit our website to find out more!
#ThameswoodVets #SwindonVets #Puppies
When we are happy, we appear relaxed and often have a large smile across our faces! Cats, however, show their happiness in other ways.
So what are the happy signs we may notice in our felines?
☺️ Slow blinking
☺️ Social roll
☺️ Hop up
☺️ Tail up
☺️ Head butt or cheek rub
☺️ Purring and kneading
#ThameswoodVets #SwindonVets #ThameswoodCatClinic #CatHappiness
Stay up to date with our practice on Instagram!
Our highlights section makes finding what you need nice and simple…
#ThameswoodVets #SwindonVets #ThameswoodCatClinic #Instagram
