Sound 🆙
Do you worry about leaving your cat at the vets?
Does the thought of dogs barking and stressing your cat, worry you?
Lovely little Ru demonstrates just how relaxing our Gold Accredited cat facilities are, so that you know when you leave your cat in our hands you can do so with peace of mind that they get the very best care
🐈 Our cat ward is completely seperate to our dog wards, on its own floor in fact.
🐈 Extra large kennels so that your cat can climb and hide in a cat castle.
🐈 We use cat calming spray on all cat bedding
🐈 The ward has a cat calming plug in used 24 hours a day for a continuous calm zone
🐈 We use calming music created especially for cats, but also take requests if your cat has a preference!
🐈 Natural light is used in the day, so we don’t have to have big clinical lights on.
🐈 Toys are always offered for the adventurous ones
🐈 All cat parents are given direct contact with our wards team on Petsapp, so that you can check in whenever suits and get pictures and videos straight to you phone of them whilst they are with us.
🐈 We try our best to provide regular updates and messages at each stage of their procedure or surgery. We don’t leave you wondering if you cat has had their surgery and we update you when they are in recovery, because we know our clients appreciate knowing that they are back on the ward and recovering well.
We are a well staffed team which enables us to take our time with patients and provide the extra love and attention we would all want for our pets - head massages do not need to be pre-booked VNA Lucy loves helping our cat patients feel at home.
Did you know that May is Feline Hypertension month?
High blood pressure in cats, also known as feline hypertension, is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs in around 1 in 5 cats over 9 years of age.
This disease is treatable with medication, but 82% of senior cats don't receive blood pressure checks.
For the whole of May we are offering 50% off our senior cat checks, just £26 and FREE for Pet Wellness Plan members. Alternatively you can book your cat into our Edenbridge Cat Clinic where for one day Vet Lucy and Nurse Issy will be holding a full day of senior cat checks.
Each cat will receive a nurse consultation, blood pressure check, urine test and nail clip!
You can send us a message on PetsApp or give the team a call to get your cat booked in.
#hypertensionawarenessmonth #seniorcatclub
#CatBloodPressure #FHAM
IS YOUR CAT OVER THE AGE OF 7?
We are holding a Senior Cat Clinic day at our purpose built cat only clinic opposite the Edenbridge practice on Tuesday 14th May.
We know cats can get stressed at the vets, now is your chance to visit our dog free clinic and benefit from this special offer!
For Hypertension Awareness Month we are screening for early detection of hypertension (high blood pressure), kidney disease and reduced mobility.
Early diagnosis of these conditions is key to extending your cat’s quality of life.
If any abnormalities are detected, you will be referred to one of our veterinary surgeons for discussion of treatment options.
Places are limited, please book early to avoid disappointment.
You can send us a message on PetsApp or give the team a call to get your cat booked in.
#hypertensionawarenessmonth #seniorcatclub
This week’s happy friYAY courtesy of Max! 🐾
Siblings Malachi & Mirabelle got to hang out together in our XL cat accommodation, on our cat only ward this week, when they were neutered.
Mirabelle loved having cuddles with VNA Lucy whilst Malachi relaxed listening to a little classic music!
We are the only practice locally that is Cat Friendly Gold accredited - this means we provide the highest standards for our feline patients 🌟
Ember’s humans received video and picture updates when she came in for her lap spay.
All of our clients get their own PetsApp account that they add to their smartphones in just a few minutes.
It means they can -
💙 Get updates on their pets throughout their stay
💙 Have direct access to the wards team, so they don’t have to call reception
💙 Can book appointments in just a few seconds and see all available slots, without having to call
💙 Send pictures and videos quickly and easily for a vet to review
💙 Request medication in one quick message
Clients absolutely love using the app, do you have it?
⚠️ Amber Weather Warning ⚠️
There is an amber weather warning in place, with gusts of over 60mph expected. We recommend skipping the evening walk and to do a weather check if you like to get out early for walk in the morning.
💨 Risk of falling trees, stay away from woodland areas
💨 Off lead dogs can spook in the severe weather
💨 Fences are expected to be blown over. Check your gardens are still secure in the morning, before letting your dog out
#stormisha #weatherwarning
As we sign off for a break with our families and loved ones, we would like to wish all of our clients, followers and their pets a safe and restful Christmas 🎄
It’s that time of the year! Our Christmas Cover Model search is on 🎄
All pets can be entered, clients and non clients welcome.
We don’t do dressed up pets, unless it’s jumpers or coats that are Christmas themed, but we do love Christmas scenes and snow ⛄️
Winner will be the pet with the most reactions so don’t forget to share and tag your friends and family.
Our December model will be announced in 24 hours , so get posting your pictures!
#portlandvetscovermodel
How cool is this? Head Vet Laura built this ramp for her cat Kimi to help her get up and down the fence. Do you have something similar?
Due to the aging process, there are muscular and arthritic changes that prevent your cat from being able to contort itself as it used to. These changes can be painful and it’s important to remember most cats are very stoic and will hide signs of pain or discomfort.
Because your cat is not going to be able to jump and climb as easily as it used to ensure their food, water, toys, litter tray and beds are easily accessible.
You could build steps up to window sills they like to lay on and move blankets and bedding to lower surfaces.
Provide warm cosy spots particularly in the winter as they may feel the chill more as they lose condition.
In the garden ensure there are plenty of places to hide as they come out of the door or cat flap. They may not be able to run away as quick as they used to when there are other territorial cats in the neighbourhood.
Senior cats may not want to always toilet outside as it gets colder and damp, consider providing a litter tray inside. This will also help you notice anything concerning in their urine or stools.
Provide shelves on your fencing like vet Laura has for Kimi, for them to climb up or make ramps with steps so they can climb up high. Cats love to be high and to be able to observe from a height, they feel safer.
If your cat is aged 9 years old or older, they are eligible for our Senior Cat Clinic Promotion.
For £49.50, your cat will receive a consultation with one of our Registered Veterinary Nurses (where you will receive advice on diet, grooming, mobility and age associated diseases), a blood pressure check and a urine test.
Please send us a Petsapp message (or call us on 01342 327799) to request to book in.
You will receive a questionnaire to fill out about your cat’s current health and mobility prior to the appointment.
This service is INCLUDED for all our Pet Wellness
Fireworks season is upon us and sadly this can cause a huge amount of distress to animals.
Here are some tips for dog owners;
💥 Put loud music on or an action film. Start it before the fireworks as once an anxious dog has heard them, muffling the noise tends not to work.
💥 Allow your pet to hide if they want to, do not try to force them to get over it. Create a little den they can go into.
💥 Use a thunder shirt or make a homemade one.
💥 Feed them early as a frightened pet will likely not eat.
💥 Take them for a long walk in the day to burn off some energy.
💥 Lead walk anxious dogs as they could run away from you if they hear fireworks.
💥 Place trainers on a cool setting and put them in the tumble drier, before fireworks start and run them throughout the fireworks display. Animals pick up on the booms of fireworks not just the sound and this method replaces those bangs.
💥 Get in touch with your vets who can offer advice, calming sprays, natural calming supplements or if required medication to help them through these stressful periods.
Here are some top tips for cat owners;
💥 Bring your cats on earlier at night, introduce an after dark cat curfew
💥 For those outdoor cats that don’t mind, lock your cat flap until after fireworks are finished or all night if it won’t cause them stress
💥 Provide a den at home but also one outside of they are keen adventurists, so they have somewhere safe to hide
💥 Don’t be tempted to shut your cat in one more - this will cause them unnecessary stress
💥 Use a plug in calming pheromone
💥 Play calming music
💥 Be on hand for supportive cuddles but also respect if they want to be left alone when feeling worried
Call the team if you think your pet needs some additional support.
This beautiful boy had only one thing on his mind post surgery…
Meet Frank.
Meet Truffle, her mummy used our lap spay referral service and here she is after surgery with her get well soon card 😍
It was lovely to meet you Truffle 🐾
Did you know you can bring your dog to us for a lap spay as a non client. It is quick and easy to arrange and means your dog will have a quicker and less painful recovery.
We also offer other services for non clients, you can find more information here https://portlandvets.co.uk/east-grinstead/referrals/pet-owners/
Rabbit owner Sam shares her experience on feeding for Rabbit Awareness Week
Feeding
At least 80% of a rabbits diet should be hay with the rest being made up of a small amount of dried food (I use burgess mixed with some 100% hay pellets from a small business) fresh greens and herbs and safe forage. You can give rabbits a small amount of root vegetables and fruit a day, but these should be limited (no more than a tbsp) as they are high in sugars. Please avoid giving your rabbits a museli mix as it encourages selective feeding and your rabbits will not be getting all the nutrients they need and can cause medical problems.
I would recommend trying different hays to see which your rabbits like the best and many companies offer samples. It can be a good idea to mix hays as they can have different benefits for your rabbits. Cookie and Muffin love Timothy hay and Cotswold sweet hay (rye).
Rabbits can have dried and fresh forage, which you can forage for yourself (ensure you know what you’re looking at) or buy. There are a lot of small businesses selling safe and healthy forage and treats for your rabbits. Some of Cookie and Muffins favourites are plantain (ribwort), dandelion roots and leaves and a floral mix.
Be aware that many of the enrichment toys and food/treats sold in big pet shops are not safe or recommended for rabbits and can lead to medical issues.
#RAW2023
Please research using reputable sources such as the RWAF https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/ for information.
We are halfway through Rabbit Awareness Week and today rabbit owner Sam shares her tips on bonding with your rabbit.
Bonding
You can build a fantastic bond with your rabbits, but take it slow and at their pace. They are prey animals and so a hand reaching towards them can feel to them like a predator approaching them.
Sitting or laying on the floor with them and allowing them to approach you in their own time can help to build trust.
Hand feeding is a good way to build trust and help them to see you are not a threat and associate you with something good. Most rabbits like a head stroke and as trust builds stroking down their back too. You can also interactively play and teach them little tricks to build trust and a stronger bond.
Many rabbits don’t like being picked up so if you are going to pick them up (sometimes you have to for health checks, nail clipping, vet trips etc) put one hand under their chest and the other under their back legs and bring them close to your body.
Some will enjoy a cuddle and that’s great, but many will prefer to have their feet on the ground.
#raw2023 🐰
🧊 DOGS & ICE CUBES 🧊
Posts always circulate during hot weather supposedly written by vets. Always be wary of information that does not come directly from a named veterinary professional or body.
The posts state pet owners must not give ice cubes to their dogs, this is FALSE information and it is worrying to see so many pet owners sharing this incorrect information.
As long as they are provided in moderation, and not as a replacement for constant access to clean, fresh, cool water, it is fine to offer to a HEALTHY dog ice cubes. Just as a healthy person would enjoy an ice lolly on a hot day.
IF you suspect your dog is suffering from heat stroke we do NOT recommend using ice in any way to cool your dog, as rapid cooling can cause health complications.
In an emergency situation, the current best available advice for treating heatstroke is to continuously pour tap water over your dog, with as much air movement as possible for example a fan or air conditioning - however we recommend immediate veterinary advice and treatment. Do not use these methods to delay seeking professional help.
Please help us to share this correct information.
https://heatstroke.dog/2018/08/02/cold-as-ice-keeping-hot-dogs-cool/?fbclid=IwAR1ZtqSvsRvKaVgN2MIcwubXCddZ6Z6LRtD4WqJ6AHYciLoAfPCq-qGKXbE
Happy Earth Day everyone! 🌍🌿🐾
As a veterinary practice, we believe it's important to celebrate and care for our planet, which includes all of the amazing creatures we share it with. In practice we take lots of steps to be greener focusing on the reduce, reuse and recycle idea.
Today, we want to remind everyone of the small actions we can take to make a big difference in protecting the environment and wildlife:
🌱 Use eco-friendly pet products, such as biodegradable waste bags
🐝 Plant native plants to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
🚶♀️🚶♂️Take your dog on a walk or hike to appreciate the beauty of nature
🐾 Adopt a pet from a local animal shelter or rescue to help reduce pet overpopulation
💡 Recycle and properly dispose of pet waste and litter. Please don’t hang your pop bags from trees
Let's work together to keep our planet healthy and happy for generations to come.
How are you celebrating Earth Day? Share your ideas in the comments below! 🌍🌿🐾
#earthday
