Stanhope Park Veterinary Hospital

03/09/2024

Sadly we have had a deceased cat brought into us. She was found on Roundhill Road in Hurworth. She's a dilute tortoieshell (grey/brown/orange) domestic shorthair. No collar and no chip. If you think this is your cat please contact the practice on 01325 380111 from 8AM Wednesday.

03/09/2024

We loved meeting Mika yesterday 🩵 he was the cutest good boy.

02/09/2024

***Cats and Exotics Branch - Further Update***

Hello again - we would just like to clarify that the Duke St Cats and Exotics Branch closure is a TEMPORARY measure only.

We understand how so many of our clients like to use our Duke St branch for the stress-free environment it provides to our more vulnerable patients - that is the reason we created it and are still so passionate in providing this service.
As it stands, we are very understaffed which is a national problem within the profession. By condensing our team to fewer premises, it means we can provide the greatest care for more patients, whilst we seek to recruit more permanent team members.
Our high standards of care and patient well-being remain the same at whichever branch you visit, and we have put many actions in place over the past few years at all 3 of our branches to ensure we reduce patient stress as much as possible for all of the species we see.
Once again, this decision was not taken lightly, but is currently the most appropriate solution to allow us to take care of as many patients as possible during this very challenging time.
💙💚🧡

02/09/2024

‼ Important Client Information ‼

👉 From Tuesday 10th September 2024, we will be temporarily closing our Duke Street Cats and Exotics branch.
As you may already be aware, there is currently a national shortage of veterinary surgeons and many practices are finding themselves understaffed. The decision to temporarily close our Duke Street branch has not come lightly, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to staff our 3 branches effectively. By consolidating our branches, we will be able to provide our clients and patients with the best veterinary care that they deserve. 🐾
For the same reason we will also be reducing our weekend opening times at our Stanhope Road Hospital. From Saturday 7th September, we will be open for appointments from 9am to 12.30pm on Saturdays, CLOSED Sundays.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our wonderful clients and patients for your ongoing support through this difficult time for the practice and the whole veterinary industry. 💚🐶🐱🐰🐦🐸💙

01/09/2024

UPDATE 2/9 11:50am - *PLEASE NOTE* unfortunately the owner has still not been found. If you think this tabby is yours please contact the practice as a matter of urgency!
***
URGENTLY SEEKING OWNER
Tabby cat with no microchip brought in by member of the public after being hit by a car on North Road near Fitzwilliam St. He is stable and tucked in for the night, but we need to find his owner as he has a few injuries to attend to!

If this kitty is yours, please call the surgery from 8AM Monday morning (2/9) to speak to a member of staff on 01325 380 111.

This situation truly demonstrates the importance of microchipping your pets and keeping details updated - you never know when an accident will happen, and being able to contact you quickly helps us give pets the care they need.

18/08/2024

We have had 2 young male cats handed in to us. Both black and white, very friendly and not microchipped. They were found on Amiens Close, Darlington.

If you think they may be yours, please contact the practice on 01325 380111 or [email protected]. Proof of ownership will be required.

10/08/2024

🥳🥳 Reunited 🥳🥳

We've had this lovely Labrador handed into us as a stray this afternoon.

If you know who he is, or you think he might be yours please could you contact us ASAP. We are available until 7pm tonight, after which our phones will go through to our Out Of Hours service. He is safe and comfortable here tonight if need be.

Please share so he can get home tonight 🐾🖤

09/08/2024

🐦🐦IF YOU HAVE BEEN TAGGED AS A POTENTIAL OWNER PLEASE CAN YOU CONTACT THE SURGERY BEFORE 6PM ON THE 21st AUG TO LET US KNOW IF HE IS YOURS OTHERWISE WE WILL BE REHOMING HIM THANKS 🐦🐦

This little budgie was handed in to us yesterday by a member of the public.

Do you recognise this budgie or know who it belongs to?

Let's reunite it with their owner 🏡

08/08/2024

🐱 Today is International Cat Day 🐱

🐈 Here at Stanhope Park Vets, we understand the specific needs of these special animals, which is why we have a dedicated clinic for cats, and are proud to be part of the icatcare Cat Friendly Clinic scheme. 🐈‍⬛

😻 Show us pictures of your amazing kitties below 👇

07/08/2024

***DUKE STREET CLOSURE***
‼️ Our Duke Street Cats and Exotics Branch will be closed for the week commencing 12th August ‼️
💊 Any pre-ordered food and medications will be available for collection from our Stanhope Road surgery.
🥰 Thank you for your ongoing cooperation and support.

03/08/2024

❤️ Introducing Nellie ❤️

Nellie was only a few days old when she was brought to our practice after being found in a park. She was extremely weak, and we were not sure she would make it.

Our team has cared for Nellie since her arrival and once she was strong enough one of our nurses Linzi took her home to continue her care.

🥰As you can see she is now a thriving 4 week old puppy who loves her foster brother Albie 🥰

🤩 We couldn't be prouder of our team 🤩

03/08/2024

🏃‍♀️🏃 REMINDER 🏃‍♀️🏃

The Darlington 10K is tomorrow, please allow more time to get to your appointments.

01/08/2024

***DUKE STREET CLIENT NOTICE***

‼️ Our Duke Street Cats and Exotics clinic will be closed all day on Tues 6th August and Wed 7th August, with a closing time of 5pm the rest of the week (Mon / Thurs / Fri).
💊 Pre-ordered food and medications will be available for collection from our Stanhope Road surgery on the days we are closed.

🐾 Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding.

30/07/2024

🐾This little ferret was handed in to us at the weekend. If you are missing them, please get in touch 01325 380111

25/07/2024

Warning ⚠️ Cuteness Overload 😍
This little spikey baby was found alone on a road and is now being handreared. 🦔

24/07/2024

🐱 Healthy Feline Environment - Play Time 🐱

🧐 Play time is not just for kittens, but is an important and healthy activity for cats of all ages.
Daily play sessions of 5 minute bursts help to keep our kitties active and healthy, and provide numerous benefits: 👇
✔ Increases mental stimulation - important for all cats but especially those with limited or no outdoor access.
✔ Increases exercise - it is estimated that 39-52%of cats in the UK are overweight or obese!
✔ Studies show that increased play can reduce hunting behaviour 🐀🪶
✔ Play can help to reduce some problem behaviours such as destruction of household items.
✔ Regular play session can strengthen the bond with your cat and improve their quality of life.

🐱 Cats have a natural instinct to hunt and capture prey. Providing regular play opportunities can help to fulfil these programmed desires by mimicking natural stalking and hunting behaviours! 🐈

22/07/2024

It's the Darlington 10k on 4th August!

Please be aware of road closures during this time, including Stanhope Road between 9-1pm. Please allow extra time for getting to your appointments.

We wish the best of luck to all the runners! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏅

21/07/2024

🐾Stray dog🐾
We've had another dog handed into us from Tower Road area in Darlington. If you are missing your fur baby please give us a call on 01325 380111🐶

21/07/2024

UPDATE-REUNITED WITH OWNER
🐾Stray dog🐾
We have had a stray dog handed in to us from the Blackwell area of Darlington. If you think she is yours please call the surgery on 01325 380111 before 5pm today or after 8am tomorrow morning 🐾

17/07/2024

😺 Healthy Feline Environment - Scratching 😺

❓ Why do cats scratch? - Cats are highly efficient and skilled hunters, that are programmed to defend themselves and their territory from competitors, and so their little spear-like talons are very important!

👉 Scratching is a completely NORMAL and instinctive feline behaviour and serves several purposes:
✔️ Scratching removes the outer husk of the claw to reveal shiny new sharp talons - vital for hunting and also climbing to escape threats.
✔️ Scratching exercises the muscles of the shoulders and front legs to keep our kitties in optimum shape!
✔️ Scratching is used as a form of territorial communication and marking - chemical messages called pheromones are released from glands in the feet during scratching, and the visual mark warns other cats of their presence.

🧐 We need to provide our kitties with a suitable outlet to display natural scratching behaviour in the home too. Once again, there's a whole variety of scratcher types available to buy, and we need to find out our cats' preferences by offering a choice. Different materials include: sisal rope, corrugated cardboard, natural bark, or carpet.
❓ Does your cat prefer a vertical or a horizontal surface to scratch on - different methods exercise the muscles differently, so try both!
❓ How big? - scratchers need to be large and sturdy enough for your cat to stretch out fully when scratching.

😴 Cats often like to scratch after a period of rest so placing scratchers near favoured sleeping area can encourage their use! 🐾

10/07/2024

🐱 Healthy Feline Environment - Hiding and Resting Places 🐱

🐈 Cats are highly specialised hunters but can also be targeted as prey. This means they tend to feel safe at higher vantage points where they can look out for potential threats.

👉 We can utilise our "vertical" space in the home to allow our kitties safe spaces to rest and relax without disturbance.
🌳 Cat trees - there's loads of different types of cat tree readily available to purchase, in a massive variety of styles and sizes.
✔️ Shelves - Shelves can be placed strategically to provide "steps" and "walkways" for your cat up a height which can also provide them with exercise and enrichment.
✔️ Other cat "furniture" is now commercially available in all kinds of styles, including bridges and tunnels that can be fixed to walls to provide extra vertical space.
😴 Sleeping mats and window hammocks - These utilise the space on window sills, giving your cat a calm resting area that looks out onto the world for added mental stimulation.
✔️ Hiding areas - Some cats may like to hide away to rest safely - allowing access under beds or in wardrobes can offer them such a space, or utilising their cat basket or an igloo bed in a quiet and secluded part of the house.

🐾 Once again, it is important to offer our kitties a choice, and ensure a plentiful supply of resources in multi-cat households to reduce competition and friction. Remember also not to disturb your cat when they are resting as this can lead to feelings of anxiety and insecurity. 🐾

05/07/2024

🧡 Meet Ellie 🧡

🐱 This beautiful little lady is a Maine C**n kitten. She spent the day at our Duke Street Cats and Exotics branch for her neutering surgery, and was super brave.
🥰 Those ears!! 😻

03/07/2024

🐱 Healthy Feline Environment - Feeding Stations 🐱

🥣 Gone are the days of the plastic "double-diners" for our kitties - we now understand that they have some quite specific needs when it comes to where they eat and what from:
✔ Where? - Keep feeding stations well away from water sources and litter trays, as cats would naturally keep these important resources separate in the wild.
👉 Multi-pet households - Feed everyone in separate locations to reduce competition and bolting of food.
✔ Bowl Type? - As with water bowls, try to avoid plastic and use shallow, wide-brimmed bowls to avoid the sensitive whiskers touching the sides.
✔ Try Puzzle Feeders - These are awesome for providing enrichment and mental stimulation for our kitties - which is extra important for those cats with limited or no outdoor access. Mobile puzzle feeders can be useful for dry food and treats, whilst stationary puzzle feeders can be used for wet food also. There is now a vast amount of different puzzle feeders available to buy commercially, or you could get creative and make your own using cardboard toilet roll inserts, paper bags and egg cartons!

🧐 Did you know?? In the wild, cats would normally consume between 10 to 20 small meals per day! They are highly specialised hunters that are programmed to work for their food, and would naturally burn a lot of energy stalking, pouncing and catching their prey. Let's step away from the traditional two large meals per day and start feeding our cats like nature intended! 🐾

28/06/2024

🖤 Meet Spike 🖤

🦷 This handsome chap visited our Duke Street Cats and Exotics branch yesterday for some dental work.
⭐️ He was a star patient with his constant purr throughout the day.
😻 Here he is relaxing in his cat pod before and after his anaesthetic!

26/06/2024

Please be aware the Darlington Community Carnival is happening on Saturday 29th June - whilst we are still open as normal, please allow plenty of time to navigate road closures and get to your appointments.

Many thanks! 🐶🐱🐾

26/06/2024

Please look after your pets in the current Hot Weather.

26/06/2024

🐱 Healthy Feline Environment - Drinking Stations 🐱

🧐 As with many things, cats can be very meticulous in their drinking habits. For some cats with certain medical conditions, such as idiopathic cystitis or kidney problems - it can be beneficial to increase their water intake. So how can we encourage our cats to drink more?

❓ Location? - Ensure water bowls are kept well away from food and litter trays. Cats still retain their natural wild instincts, and would choose to drink water well away from feeding and toileting areas due to the risk of contamination and subsequent illness.
❓ Bowl size? - Many cats dislike their sensitive whiskers touching the side of the bowl - offer a shallow wide brimmed bowl to reduce this.
✔ Fill to the brim - cats feel vulnerable dipping their head down into the bowl - fill it right up so they can lap water from the top whilst still looking out for threats!
❓ Bowl type? - Plastic can taint water, so many cats prefer to drink from ceramic or glass bowls. Some cats prefer stainless steel, whilst some may be startled by reflections in the metal. Remember our kitties are individuals, and we need to discover their preferences by offering them a choice.
✔ Running water - In the wild cats would naturally favour running water over stagnant water that may be contaminated. Our domestic kitties often still show a preference for this, with many enjoying a drink from a dripping tap or a pet water fountain.

💧 As desert-dwellers, cats are opportunistic drinkers - so placing multiple drinking spots around the home will help to encourage water intake!

25/06/2024

⚠️ Please take extra care with your pets in the hot weather

⚠️ Heat stroke can be deadly

Is it pavement too hot for your dog? 🤔

Save our vet guide for later.

25/06/2024

✨ACPAT veterinary physiotherapist Rebecca Heald will be holding her next physiotherapy session with us on Monday 1st July

🐕Physiotherapy is beneficial for pets suffer with arthritis, stiffness or lameness

🐾Those slowing down or struggling with walks, stairs and getting in and out the car etc

🐈Using hands on techniques such as massage and stretching, physiotherapy helps with pain relief, joint mobility and strengthening

🐶Massage and exercises will be taught to you, along with useful advice to help your pet

☎️Please contact for more information 01325 380111

24/06/2024

🐈 Meet Tinks! 🐈

🐱 This lovely lady recently visited our Cats and Exotics branch for a dental procedure.
✔️ At 13 years young, Tinks is the equivalent of a 68 year old human and considered to be in her senior lifestage. We therefore carried out pre anaesthetic blood profiles to evaluate her major organ function, and placed Tinks on intravenous fluids to help support her during the procedure.
🦷 Tinks had full mouth dental x-rays to assess the roots of her teeth for any problems and a scale and polish of the teeth she has left to remove the tartar and calculus!
💚 She was a star patient, and a very sweet lady!

🧐 Did you know?? Around 85% of cats over the age of 3 years have some degree of dental disease!