Garden Veterinary Group has been serving the community since 1963.
(66)
Operating from a convenient location in Chippenham, we strive to offer the highest standards of care with a friendly, personal approach. Our experienced team of Vets and Veterinary Nurses to ensure that your pet receives the best possible care. Our provision is comprehensive, from routine vaccinations and dental care to advanced investigations, such as x-rays or ultrasounds, making use of our own in-house laboratory and operating theatre.
BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND OUT OF HOURS
Just to let our clients know that from 4pm on Saturday 24th of August until 8am on Tuesday 27th of August. Garden will be closed and our phones will go through to the wonderful team at Nightingale Emergency Vets.
We hope our team and clients have a lovely weekend,
Three cheers for Pienza! This is the very sweet Pienza who has been coming to see our nurses monthly for Gut Buster appointments! Pienza was referred to our Gut Buster clinics as she was very overweight- weighing 6.5kgs. With the help of our nurses and her very dedicated owners, Pienza is down to her goal weight and has lost 20% of her body weight over the past 12 months. Her owners report she is so much happier now she has lost the weight and has been playing and jumping the garden fence again- things she couldn't do when she was overweight. As you can see from these amazing comparison photos, Pienza is looking so much slimmer and just like when she was a kitten! She's even smiling for the camera! We're so pleased Pienza has done so well and it's lovely to see what a difference weight loss can make. Keeping pets slim is so important to help prevent conditions such as diabetes and arthritis.
Please contact us if you would like any help or advice on how to keep your pets happy and healthy 🥰🐾
Should your pet need to be seen overnight, the night team this week is Pam and Rachel (Monday - Friday), Pam and Terri (Saturday and Sunday). They shall be awake with our inpatients and available to speak to or see your pet throughout the night if you have any concerns.
Here's is a little about Pam, Rachel and Terri:
Pam (Lead Vet) qualified from Glasgow University in 2007 and has since worked all over the country and indeed all over the world. She has, however, kept coming back to Wiltshire! Having worked for the Hale team for a number of years, she is happy to be heading up the Nightingale Out of Hours team, putting her years of emergency experience to good use.
Out of work, Pam is owned by a zoo-full of animals who keep her entertained and busy.
Rachel (RVN) joined Nightingale upon its opening in 2023 having previously worked at veterinary clinics local to Chippenham for the last 13+ years. She has worked as an Out of Hours nurse since early 2017 and completed her emergency critical care certificate in 2021.
She have 3 rescue cats and a snake plus a dog called Digby who forgot to stop growing. Rachel’s hobbies include kitten fostering, gardening, reading and music festivals.
Terri (RVN) joined the Nightingale team in August 2023 having previously worked at veterinary clinics in the local area. She now works part time enjoying the varied work night nursing brings. Terri qualified as a veterinary nurse in 1975. She always knew she loved animals and grew up surrounded by many; from rodents to horses. Terri has a keen interest in wildlife and has cared for many young and injured wildlife casualties.
Terri can also be found as part of the Hale day team, working 1 day week at Chippenham.
Out of work, her hobbies include caring for her pets, walking her 2 dogs, dancing, reading and writing.
We are recruiting! 🌟
We are looking for a kennel assistant to join our wonderful team.
The role is part time- 20 hours per week over 4 days and 1 in 4 Saturday mornings.
We are looking for someone with a passion for animal care and a positive attitude to working as part of a team. Previous experience in animal care is desired but not essential.
Please email [email protected] with a cover letter and CV to apply or for more information.
Meet the beautiful Amber 💛
Amber presented to us recently as an emergency after being hit by a car. Amber had multiple injuries to her paws which required bandages to both front legs. Thankfully Ambers injuries are almost fully healed now. She’s been an absolute superstar for all her treatment and so brave 🌟 she’s had plenty of cuddles and treats too 🥰 what a clever girly 🐾
Excuse me... Do you have a minute to talk about an easy way to support your pet’s health while saving money?
Our Pet Health Plan gives you the peace of mind that comes from knowing that care for your pet is covered.
Learn more about the benefits and sign up today! https://gardenvets.co.uk/pet-health-plan
Should your pet need to be seen overnight, the night team this week is Alison B and Sarah (pictured). They shall be awake with our inpatients and available to speak to or see your pet throughout the night if you have any concerns.
Here's is a little about Alison and Sarah:
Alison joined Hale vets in 2016 after qualifying from Bristol University. Since then, she has worked at first opinion small animal practices in Bristol and a large veterinary hospital in Gloucestershire before coming back to Chippenham to join the Out of Hours service with Nightingale.
She is currently studying towards a certificate in emergency and critical care and in her spare time enjoys walks with her two naughty collies.
Sarah joined Nightingale upon its opening in 2023. She began working in a large veterinary hospital in 2016 as a kennel assistant before training as a veterinary nurse, qualifying in 2020.
Her professional interests are emergency and critical care and she also has a love of anaesthesia anaesthesia. Sarah enjoys working Out of Hours as no shift is ever the same and it is very challenging and rewarding.
Sarah has loved animals from an early age; having many pets over the years. Currently she has a horse called Humphrey who she hand reared as an orphan foal. She also has two dogs, Ozzy and Figgy, who keep her very busy.
Her hobbies include horse riding and country dog walks. Sarah also enjoys photography, particularly of horse and dog sports!
😻 What is your cat doing on International Cat Day?
Our furry friends know how to relax and lounge like a boss! Show us how your cat is celebrating today by sharing your best pics.
Let's give these purr-fect pets the spotlight they deserve!
🐱
Let’s squash this myth 🔮
Dog breath isn’t always an ‘old dog thing’, which for many can be the assumed thing.
Just like us, cats and dogs can experience dental issues that require attention.
This , take a moment to assess your pet's breath. If it's less than pleasant, it could be a red flag for dental issues such as gum disease, plaque buildup, or tooth decay.
If you’ve noticed any new dental symptoms in your pet, contact us today. ⬇️
01249 653181
https://gardenvets.co.uk/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=VP0143
Should your pet need to be seen overnight, the night team this week is Alison P and Lindy. They shall be awake with our inpatients and available to speak to or see your pet throughout the night if you have any concerns.
Here's is a little about Alison P and Lindy:
Alison (Vet) joined the Nightingale team in October 2023. Before this Alison was part of another night team. In 2023 Alison completed an Advanced Certificate in Emergency and Critical Care.
Lindy (Registered Veterinary Nurse) joined Nightingale at its opening in 2023 and has an interest in emergency care and rehabilitation. Lindy previously worked as a qualified canine hydrotherapist and still hopes to develop her knowledge in physiotherapy in the future.
Her favourite part of being a Veterinary Nurse is seeing the changes she can make to the patient with nursing care, and treating every pet as if they were her own.
Lindy’s own pets include Elsa, a rescue dog who was born blind and deaf and Mort, an Eclectus parrot. She enjoys reading, painting and horse riding in her spare time and volunteers for a chicken rescue, rehoming ex-battery hens whenever she can.
🛑 A Hutch is Not Enough 🛑
Rabbits need more than a small hutch to thrive. Confining them to tight spaces is cruel and harmful. Here’s why:
🐇Solitary Confinement: Rabbits need space to run, jump, stretch, dig, and forage, as well as a bonded mate for companionship.
🐇 Weather Exposure: Small hutches offer little protection from the elements, leaving rabbits vulnerable.
🐇Room to Rear Up: Rabbits must be able to stand on their hind legs without touching the roof to avoid spinal issues.
Minimum Enclosure Size:
At least 3m x 2m x 1m high —bigger is always better!
Learn more at Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund
Happy National Dog Photography Day! 📸
Today, we're celebrating our furry friends with a paw-some photo extravaganza! Share your best snaps of your beloved pups in the comments below!
Ticks can pose a threat to your pet’s health. Here are some preventative tips to keep them safe and protected.
Remember, prevention is key to protect your pet from ticks!
🐾🕷️
Should your pet need to be seen overnight, the night team this week is Alison B and Sarah. They shall be awake with our inpatients and available to speak to or see your pet throughout the night if you have any concerns.
Here's is a little about Alison and Sarah:
Alison joined Hale vets in 2016 after qualifying from Bristol University. Since then, she has worked at first opinion small animal practices in Bristol and a large veterinary hospital in Gloucestershire before coming back to Chippenham to join the Out of Hours service with Nightingale.
She is currently studying towards a certificate in emergency and critical care and in her spare time enjoys walks with her two naughty collies.
Sarah joined Nightingale upon its opening in 2023. She began working in a large veterinary hospital in 2016 as a kennel assistant before training as a veterinary nurse, qualifying in 2020.
Her professional interests are emergency and critical care and she also has a love of anaesthesia anaesthesia. Sarah enjoys working Out of Hours as no shift is ever the same and it is very challenging and rewarding.
Sarah has loved animals from an early age; having many pets over the years. Currently she has a horse called Humphrey who she hand reared as an orphan foal. She also has two dogs, Ozzy and Figgy, who keep her very busy.
Her hobbies include horse riding and country dog walks. Sarah also enjoys photography, particularly of horse and dog sports!
🍨 Treat your furry friend to a delicious scoop of pet-friendly goodness this National Ice Cream Day! Remember to choose options specifically made for dogs to keep their tails wagging and their tummies happy! 🍦
Share the love of frozen treats with your pup responsibly today and don't forget to share pics of your pups enjoying ice cream in the comments below!
🍨🍦
❗️STRAY FERRET❗️
We have a stray male ferret with us. Found Fowlswick Industrial Estate on the outskirts of Chippenham. Please call us on 01249 653181 if you can help us locate his owner. Proof of ownership will be required.
🤪Happy Stick Your Tongue Out Day! 🤪
It's the perfect excuse for your furry friends to show off their silly side.
Whether it's a playful pet or a cheeky cat, let's see those tails wagging and tongues out in full force!
Share your best tongue-out snapshots in the comments below and let's spread some smiles today!
❗️STRAY KITTEN❗️
We have a female ragdoll type kitten found in Cepen Park North. She is only around 6 weeks old. She was found in a car engine and the car had been parked at Allington Farm Shop recently. So she could have been from either Cepen Park North or Allington.
Please call us on 01249 653181 if you can help us locate her owner. Proof of ownership will be required.
🎊🐹 Happy Guinea Pig Appreciation Day! 🐹🎊
At Garden Vets, we believe in caring for animals big and small, and today we're shining the spotlight on our beloved guinea pig friends! These tiny bundles of joy may be small in size, but their personalities are larger than life.
Do you have a guinea pig (or two!) of your own?
We'd love to see them! Share a photo in the comments below 👇🏻
Welcome to 🦷🤍
Over the next three months, we'll delve into the world of pet dental health, covering everything from preventative care to advanced treatments.
If you're concerned about your pets teeth feel free to book a quick check up with our team.
Join us on this journey to keep your
furry friend's smile shining bright!
Can’t they stay this small forever? 🩵
Show us your cat as a kitten 😻👇🏻
We have had a new practice management system installed 🥳
Today we have restricted appointment. Please bear with us in the coming weeks whilst we all get used to the new system 😄
‼ Important ‼
Today we are open to emergencies only. This is because today is our change over day for our new practice management system. Please bear with us whilst we get used to it.
Thank you.
🐍 ADDER BITES: Here’s what to do! 🐍
💚 Keep your dog close to you or on a lead around areas known for Adder populations – this will stop them from bothering the snakes and lessen the likelihood of the snakes striking.
💚 If an Adder has bitten your pet, call your vet immediately, and if possible, carry your pet to stop the venom from spreading.
💚 Even if you have been on a walk and haven't seen your pet get bitten but are acting out of character or notice any swellings, call your vet to be safe.
As we go through these warmer months, we will likely see more Adders basking in the sun, where they are likely to be bothered by your pets! 🐍
🌞 Summer days are here, and it's important to keep our furry friends hydrated!
Whether it's a trip to the park or a garden play session, make sure your pup has access to plenty of fresh water to beat the heat.
Remember, a hydrated dog is a happy dog! 🩵💦
Join us in congratulating nurse Alice for passing all her exams and practicals to become a fully qualified veterinary nurse. We are all so proud of how hard Alice has worked for this. We love seeing you in your greens!
1 Bristol Road
Chippenham
SN151NQ
| Monday | 8am - 7pm |
| Tuesday | 8am - 7pm |
| Wednesday | 8am - 7pm |
| Thursday | 8am - 7pm |
| Friday | 8am - 7pm |
| Saturday | 8:30am - 12pm |
| 1:30pm - 4pm |
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Garden Veterinary Group posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to Garden Veterinary Group:
🌞 Summer days are here, and it's important to keep our furry friends hydrated! Whether it's a trip to the park or a garden play session, make sure your pup has access to plenty of fresh water to beat the heat. Remember, a hydrated dog is a happy dog! 🩵💦
TREATS AND FORAGE 🍓 Treats are a great way to bond with your rabbits. Treats are often high in sugar so should be fed in moderation (couple of times per week). Things like strawberries or carrot are fine in moderation but no more than 1cm of carrot per rabbit- only Bugs Bunny can eat the whole thing!). Rabbits are natural foragers and love things that ware their teeth down. Offer them things found in the wild such as apple or willow branches, brambles or dandelion roots. A easy and free way to keep your rabbits healthy! Penny and Benny love apple branches 🍎 #rabbitawarenessweek
Nuggets 💚 Good quality pellets should make up only 10% of your rabbits diet. Use pellets instead of muesli to prevent selective feeding. As an approximate amount, your rabbit should get an egg cup per kilo of weight (usually 2 egg cups per day for an average sized rabbit). Rabbits are nature foragers so why not make breakfast time a fun game for them? Penny and Benny get their pellets sprinkled in a forage box and as you can see, they dig right in to get them out! (Please only use cardboard/ paper if you know your rabbit won’t eat it. Cardboard can cause blockages if your rabbit eats it.) #rabbitawarenessweek
Fresh food 🌱 Rabbits need a small amount of fresh greens in their daily diet. Fresh greens should only make up around 10% of your rabbits diet. Herbs are a good healthy option- Penny and Benny love basil and mint! You should avoid rich greens like kale and spring greens on a daily basis as they can cause tummy upsets. Check out the Rabbit Awareness website for more information on fresh greens. https://rabbitawarenessactiongroup.co.uk/rabbit-welfare/diet/
Hay! Did you know your rabbits diet should be 85-90% hay or grass? Hay is extremely high in fibre which vital for dental and gut health. The action of eating hay helps grind down rabbits teeth, which are constantly growing. Not enough hay in your rabbits diet can lead to potentially fatal problems. Choose hay that is long stemmed and green, such as Timothy Hay. If you find your rabbit doesn’t like a certain type of hay, try something different as all rabbits will have a preference! Penny and Benny love their hay so much, they can’t even wait for Amy to get it out the box when it arrives!! #rabbitawarenessweek
🐾 True or False? 🐾 🐶"Wait until they're 6 months old before leaving a puppy alone." 🚫 🌟Fact Check: Early independence training is key! Here's the scoop: 1️⃣Start Young, Start Gradual: Waiting until 6 months can make this training more difficult. Begin teaching your puppy to stay alone early to prevent separation anxiety down the road. Gradually build up the time. 2️⃣Short and Sweet Sessions: Leave them alone for short periods initially. It can be as simple as stepping into another room for a few minutes. Gradual exposure is the key. 3️⃣Chews and Comfort: Provide distractions like chews or toys to keep your pup occupied. Make the experience positive, associating alone time with enjoyable activities. 4️⃣Listen to Cues: If your puppy is distressed, start with very short intervals, even as brief as 10 seconds. Gradually increase as they become more comfortable. 5️⃣Seek Professional Help: If leaving your puppy is a challenge, don't hesitate to reach out to an accredited dog trainer or behaviourist for personalised guidance. 🐾Building independence early fosters a confident, well-adjusted pup!
🐾 True or False? 🐾 "Old dogs can't learn new tricks; it's too late to teach them!" 🚫 🌟Fact Check: Age is just a number when it comes to dog learning! That said, learned behaviours like reactivity can be challenging to extinguish but they can always be improved. Here's the truth: 1️⃣Brain Plasticity Persists: While brain plasticity (ability of the brain to change) decreases with age, it doesn't mean dogs can't learn. They may just need a bit more patience and positive reinforcement. 2️⃣Teaching is Possible: If your adult dog is pulling on the lead, teaching them to walk nicely is absolutely possible! Engage in various exercises and games to make the learning process enjoyable for both of you. 3️⃣Patience and Positive Reinforcement: Older dogs can benefit from patient and positive training methods. Use treats, praise, and consistency to encourage the desired behaviour. 4️⃣Tailored Exercises: Tailor your training to suit your dog's needs. Mix up exercises and games to keep it interesting and engaging. Remember, it's never too late to enrich your dog's life with new skills and behaviours. Age is just a number; the joy of learning is timeless!
🐾 True or False? 🐾 "That guilty dog look means my pup knows they did something wrong!" 🌟Fact Check: The 'guilty dog look' is often misunderstood! It's not guilt; it's stress signals. Here's the scoop: 1️⃣Dogs are master readers of body language. They pick up on cues that signal our reactions. That 'guilty look' may just be their way of anticipating our response and trying to avoid a strong reaction. 2️⃣Dogs don't experience guilt; it's a higher-order emotion. They can't discern right from wrong. Instead, they've learned that certain behaviours lead to a less severe response when they display stress signals. 3️⃣When your dog counter surfs, it's not thievery but a natural scavenging instinct. Understanding their behaviour helps foster a positive relationship. 📚 Interested in delving deeper? Check out this paper on how dogs perceive humans and the ethical aspects of their treatment: Frontiers | How Dogs Perceive Humans and How Humans Should Treat Their Pet Dogs: Linking Cognition With Ethics (frontiersin.org) 🤝Let's replace guilt with understanding and build a positive connection with our furry friends!
The first and last face you see when you visit. From booking in pets for a routine vaccination to dealing with an emergency arrival. Our receptionists have one of the most demanding and critical roles. We’d like to say a massive thank you to all of our Garden Vets receptionists for their amazing efforts every single day. We 🩵 You! #VeterinaryReceptionistWeek
Thank you Tim for your lovely review 😊❤ If you would like to leave us a review please click the following link. https://g.page/r/CaG7gT7P3RiEEBM/review
🐾True or False? 🐾 "Your dog needs to play with dogs when they are young to prevent them from being reactive." Fact Check: While letting your puppy interact with other dogs is crucial, it's not just about quantity, but QUALITY! Socialisation goes beyond playdates – it's about introducing them to a wide variety of safe dogs and to new experiences like novel objects, sounds, smells, and surfaces. So why not just endless play with furry friends? Socialisation is a well-rounded approach and many older dogs will not want to play with them. Controlled and positive interactions with dogs, humans, and diverse environments are key. Remember, it's about setting the stage and putting in the time for a well-adjusted, friendly companion. 📍Pro Tip: When seeking socialisation opportunities, look for trainers and vets promoting controlled and positive based learning in their classes. Your pup will learn how to focus and thrive in various situations.
An extra day to show how much we ❤️ our pets? RESULT! 🙌 A cheeky pet treat? a new toy? extra strokes? How are you making us of our bonus day this year? #LeapYearLove #PetWellness
Here is our most recent review. Thank you so much. Gem was a very special dog who is fondly remembered by a number of our vets and nurses. If you would like to leave your own review please click the link. https://g.page/r/CaG7gT7P3RiEEBM/review
⚠️ VIDEO OF SURGERY⚠️ How did that get there? Yesterday we had a bit of a surprise when we had the lovely Colette in. Colette had a history of coughing/ retching so came in for a general anaesthetic to investigate her throat. Having found nothing in her throat, Jess the vet had a look up her nose and noticed a small bit of foreign material which she could grab with forceps. What a surprise when it just kept coming!! Colette had approximately 6cm of a type of house plant up her nose! Picture of the plant in the comments. Hopefully that has taught Colette not to play with the house plants again and she should be feeling a lot better 😻
#VetPartners #gardenvets #Christmas
Cats + Christmas Tree = Paranoia 🤪 On a serious note, please keep any lights and decorations out of cat paw reach.
🔥 | Remember Remember… Check bonfires before lighting them in case wildlife such as hedgehogs have taken shelter amongst the wood. If you have one in your garden, PLEASE make sure it is completely out, especially before letting pets anywhere near the area. Unsuspecting animals (wild or pet) can run over any embers, which may still be hot, and get burnt feet!
Making biscuits! 😍 Kittens knead their mother's stomach to stimulate milk flow. If your cat kneads your lap during cuddles, it may indicate their connection from the secure bond with their mother to the bond they share with you. And the more they knead, the more they love you! 💗
🎾 Playtime isn't just about chasing toys or scratching posts—it's an essential part of a cat's well-being! If they don’t seem interested, you probably have the wrong toys and often simple is better. 1️⃣ Mental Stimulation: Play engages your cat's mind, keeping them sharp, alert, and on their paws! Puzzle toys, interactive games, and feather wands are fantastic ways to get those little cogs turning. 🧠🔛 2️⃣ Physical Fitness: Just like us, cats need exercise to stay fit and healthy. A playful romp with a catnip-filled toy can keep those muscles toned and that waistline in check. 💪🐈 3️⃣ Stress Buster: Got a grumpy cat? Play is the ultimate stress reliever! It helps them release pent-up energy, frustration, and anxiety, leaving them feeling calm, content, and ready for a cuddle session.😽🧘♀️ 4️⃣ Bonding Bonanza: Playtime strengthens your bond with your furry companion. Sharing laughter, interactive play, and gentle affection builds trust, love, and a lifetime of cherished memories. 🤗💕 5️⃣ Natural Instincts: Cats are born hunters, and play allows them to unleash their innate instincts in a safe and stimulating environment. So bring out the feathers, crinkle balls, and treat-dispensing toys—let their inner predator shine! 🐾🎯 Remember, playtime should always be supervised, Never use your hands if using a fishing line; it must be long enough, so the cat plays with the toy on the end and not you and choose toys that are safe and suitable for your cat's size and age. 🎉😻 #PowerOfPlay #HappyCats #CatLovers #PurrfectBond #InternationalCatDay #PurrfectPlay
Flood the comments with all the kittens! 😻 #NationalKittenDay
For over 50 years, Garden Veterinary Group has been providing compassionate, quality services for local animals. With surgeries in Chippenham, Pewsham, Corsham and Malmesbury, we care for all breeds and species – from your child’s pet guinea pig to your farm’s prize bull.
