Heather Vets

16/03/2024

Coco came in this morning to see if we had any biscuits that needed tidied up. Thanks for your help, Coco!

20/11/2023

Welcome little Rosie to the town! She had a very chilled out visit this morning for her first jabs, and utterly charmed Lisa. Not so scary at the vets after all!

30/10/2023

Re Birds at the shore

We are aware there are a large number of cormorants & shags along the shorefront just now. The whole East Coast is seeing the same issue. The birds are exhausted after the storms at sea and have been blown to the shore by the strong easterly winds. They need time to rest and recuperate before heading back out to sea.

We have had a discussion with the SSPCA today about the situation. They are somewhat overwhelmed relocating the birds that have been blown further inland back to the coast.

Unless they have broken wings or legs, please leave the cormorants where they are. If there any birds with obvious injuries, please contact the SSPCA on 03000 999 999 or bring them to the surgery in a secure box – please call ahead so we know you are coming!

Thank you,
Heather Vets

12/10/2023

Bailey was super brave today for her first jab and microchip, probably nothing to do with all the biscuits she “found” on the table.
What spectacular ears! They can even hear biscuits!

20/07/2023

This handsome chap is Archie who spent the day with us yesterday.
He is a lovely boy and enjoyed all the fuss and attention 😍

06/07/2023

Lovely lady, Dena, was in to see Heather this morning. She was a very good girl and enjoyed her biscuits!

01/07/2023

What are your dog’s ears saying today? 😁

22/06/2023

This beautiful girl is Orla. She was with us earlier this week and we all loved her puppy cuddles! 😍

10/06/2023

Would your pets win the award for being the best of friends?
Share your photos in the comments below 📸

06/06/2023

We felt it was important to post a message as there have been a few stories circulating recently about using tea tree oil in dogs.
**Tea Tree Oil is VERY TOXIC to dogs**
We advise NEVER using tea tree oil on your dog as this can have very serious side-effects including weakness, collapse, inability to walk, tremors, liver disease, coma and death.
(Photo for attention)

04/06/2023

Warmer weather often means it's BBQ time!
Keep your pets safe by following these handy tips 🍔🌭

03/06/2023

01/06/2023

Is your pet up-to-date with their tick prevention treatment?
Ticks are parasites which can transmit diseases to the animals (and humans) they attach and feed on.
Contact the practice to arrange the best vet-approved tick prevention treatment for your pet.

30/05/2023

It's not just dogs who can suffer in the heat. We need to be extra careful with our cats and small pets like rabbits and guinea-pigs.
Follow the tips shown to help keep your pets cool in the warmer weather.

29/05/2023

The weather is really heating up now, so we need to take extra care when out and about with our doggy friends!
Dogs who are overweight, brachycephalic (flat-faced), large breeds, very old and very young are most at risk, but heat stroke can affect any dog and can be fatal.
Try to exercise your dog early in the morning or later in the evening, when the temperature is cooler. Make sure they always have access to cool, fresh water and at really hot times keep them in the shade or indoors with a fan.

11/05/2023

Are you feeding your rabbit correctly?
A rabbit's diet should be 80% good quality hay or grass, 15% fresh veg (check out the picture for foods to avoid) and only 5% pellets.
Feeding your bunny this way can help to prevent problems with obesity and dental disease. 🐰

08/05/2023

We are closed today for the bank holiday.
In an emergency, call 01337 841010 where our voicemail will give you the number for the duty vet.
We will be back open tomorrow morning at 9am.

06/05/2023

🐝Would you know what to do if you pet was stung by a bee or wasp? 🐝

Curious cats and dogs are at risk of being stung by bees and wasps. Stings can be irritating and painful, but in many cases you won't need to take your pet to the vet. However, you should contact your vet if they:
🐾 Have been stung in the mouth or throat
🐾 Have been stung multiple times
🐾 Are showing signs of an allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock (significant swelling to face, trouble breathing or collapse)

If your pet has been stung but is not suffering a bad reaction you can treat it at home by following the steps below:

1. RESTRAIN YOUR PET - make sure that they can't accidentally hurt you if you touch an area that is painful or uncomfortable. This is usually best done on the floor on a non-slip surface with an assistant to help you where possible.

2. REMOVE THE STINGER - remove the stinger by scraping a credit card over the affected area (wasps and hornets don't leave stingers behind). Do not use tweezers or your fingernails as you could end up squeezing more venom into your pet.

3. SOOTHE - soothe the area around the sting by bathing it in water.

4. NEUTRALISE - use bicarbonate of soda to neutralise bee stings (which are acidic) and vinegar on wasp stings (which are alkaline).

5. ICE - apply an ice pack (or bag of frozen vegetables or a cold damp towel) to the affected area for around 10 minutes.

6. DON'T GIVE MEDICATION - only ever give your pet antihistamines if directed to do so by your vet.

7. LOOK OUT FOR REACTIONS - if your pet suffers an allergic reaction or severe swelling, contact your vet for advice.

Always contact your vet for advice if you are unsure.

05/05/2023

The practice is closed for the bank holiday this coming Monday 8th May.
We will be back open as normal on Tuesday 9th May at 9am.
In an emergency, always call 01337 841010 where our voicemail will provide the number for the duty vet.

03/05/2023

Tick season is well and truly here!
Ticks are parasites that latch on to the skin of animals and humans and feed off their blood. They can spread diseases so it's important to remove a tick as quickly as possible. In most cases you can safely remove ticks at home without going to your vet.
Be careful that you aren't accidentally trying to remove anything else, like warts or ni***es! Look for the ticks legs to be sure that it is in fact a tick that you're dealing with.
We recommend using a vet-approved tick and flea prevention treatment, but if your pet does get a tick then follow the steps below to remove it safely.
What you'll need:
🐾 A tick twister - these are widely available and are the best way to ensure you've fully removed the tick and haven't left anything behind. NEVER try to pull or scrape it off using your fingernails.
🐾 Hand protection (tissues, gloves etc) - to avoid touching the tick once removed.
🐾 A sealed container - for disposing of the tick.

To safely remove a tick:

1. RESTRAIN YOUR PET - make sure they can't accidentally hurt you if you touch an area that is painful or uncomfortable. This is usually best done on the floor on a non-slip surface with an assistant to help you where possible.

2. SPREAD YOUR PET'S FUR TO GET A BETTER LOOK - remember to look for the tick's legs.

3. SLIDE THE "CLAW" OF THE TICK TWISTER UNDER THE TICK'S BODY.

4. GENTLY TWIST IT UNTIL THE TICK LETS GO - don't try to pull the tick off as you risk leaving part of its head or mouth inside your pet's skin.

5. SAFELY DISPOSE OF THE TICK - get a suitable jar or container and put the tick in this before disposing of it. DO NOT squeeze the tick as this could spread disease.

6. EXAMINE YOUR PET'S SKIN - make sure nothing has been left behind. If you do break off the head by accident, call your vet for advice.

7. DO REGULAR TICK CHECKS - groom your pet regularly to check for ticks.

8. USE A VET-APPROVED TICK PREVENTION TREATMENT

24/04/2023

Is your pet up-to-date with their flea and tick prevention?
With the weather heating up we are seeing a big increase in the amount of ticks being found on our patients.
If you find a tick on your pet, it is really important to only remove it with a specific tick hook. This is to make sure the whole tick is removed.
Get in touch with the practice to arrange a suitable preventative tick treatment for your cat or dog. We have tablet, spot-on and collar options available to best suit your pet's needs.

06/04/2023

EASTER WEEKEND OPENING HOURS
Friday 7th April 9am - 1.30pm (by appointment only)
Saturday 8th April - CLOSED
Sunday 9th April - CLOSED
Monday 10th April - CLOSED
If you have an emergency with your pet, please call the practice on 01337 841010.

05/04/2023

Sharing from our colleagues at Vets Now.
Easter is a fun time of the year, but it can also present a few potential hazards to our pets. ⭐👇
🐣 Chocolate is highly toxic to dogs, in particular, because it contains a chemical called theobromine and caffeine. These ingredients can make your pet very unwell and result in significant illness.
🐣 Hot-cross buns contain sultanas, currants and raisins, which are highly toxic to our pets.
🐣 Easter baskets are a lovely gift idea; however, filler materials such as straw and plastic grass can be easily swallowed by pets and potentially cause digestive obstruction.
🐣 Like Easter baskets, arts and crafts bits and bobs lying around can interest a curious snout, and some pets may eat things like foam stickers, pom poms and pipe cleaners.
🐣 Flowers, including daffodils, lilies, amaryllis and tulips, are highly toxic to our feline friends. Some cats have become severely ill, from brushing against flower pollen to ingesting petals or vase water. It's best to keep them out of the house altogether.
Always contact your vet as soon as possible if you find they have ingested something they shouldn't.

31/03/2023

With Easter coming up, many of us will have lots of tasty chocolate in our homes. But chocolate can be very toxic to our pets. 🍫
If your dog has eaten chocolate, contact your vet straight away for advice.

Sharing from our colleagues at Vets Now, who have an excellent chocolate calculator on their website: https://www.vets-now.com/app/chocolate-calculator

23/03/2023

Whether you're green-fingered or like to treat yourself to cut flowers, be aware of the potential dangers certain flowers can pose to your cat.

If you think your cat has ingested any of these flowers, contact your vet as soon as possible for advice.

For more information, head to https://www.vets-now.com/2017/03/spring-plants-warnings-cat-owners/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=petowner21&utm_term=spring-plants&utm_content=&fbclid=IwAR2l_ZXlB6eEBDmPMzEoZFsOwv4gj00KvZyxSW3IUJMCSvSm43lcw4KU2zE

(Sharing from our colleagues at Vets Now)

19/03/2023

Wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day!

16/03/2023

We had some lovely early Easter bunnies in the practice this morning. These wee cuties are 5 weeks old. Their owner sent us some beautiful photos, which we're sure you'll agree are much better than ours!

20/02/2023

Today is National Love Your Pet Day!!
We would love to see photos of your pets and hear what makes you love them the most 📸 ❤️
(We love Maggie because she’s always camera-ready! 🤣)

14/02/2023

This gorgeous lady is Rosa. She is a giant continental rabbit. Would you believe Rosa is only 3 months old?!
She was a very brave bunny for her vaccination with Heather and Claire. 🐰😍