Westport Veterinary Clinic - Drumbrae, Edinburgh

22/01/2025

Lots of dogs can benefit from having an extra layer to keep warm and dry on walks. Particularly young dogs, old dogs, and short-haired breeds. We often hear that dogs don't like wearing jackets. If they need one, then this can be trained to make it a positive experience for them.

Ensuring that you have the appropriate type and size is key to it being beneficial. Some jacket items will retain water which is counter productive to keeping warm during snow or rain. Ill fitting items can cause discomfort, injuries, or risk communicating the wrong message to the dog. For example, if a coat causes discomfort or pain, they could risk associating this with something else they experience.

Drying dogs after walks can help prevent muscles getting too cold too quickly after exercise. Drying coats (as pictured in image on the right) are an excellent tool to help keep dogs warmer during the car journey home after walks and help to dry thick coats. Drying coats are designed to absorb water from the dog's hair.

Most manufacturers offer detailed picture and video size guides to follow and many pet stores will offer fittings to ensure sizes are appropriate.

20/01/2025

Walk Your Pet Month - Plan and prepare for walks.

If you are dreaming of climbing hills and taking in the views at the top with your dog, this needs to be trained for. Long walks should also be built up gradually over time. Working towards having a 'hill fit' dog requires consistency and time.

Be mindful that if your dog gets off lead they cover a lot more distance. Using a dog fitness tracker is a great tool to monitor distance covered and their recovery after increased exercise. Having a quieter day after longer adventures is advised to prevent overworking joints.

Maintaining solid recall - even for dogs who don't get off lead much is also a vital tool - you never know when you may need it.

Research routes before new walks to stay safe. Checking the weather forecast and be aware of higher risk areas, for example, areas of free grazing sheep, paths next to roads or open bodies of water etc. Planning is key to staying safe and getting the most out of new adventures.

18/01/2025

❗️Westport Vets is open this afternoon for Emergency Out of Hours service❗️

If you have an emergency, please call the usual practice number, and our out of hours team can assist!

☎️Linlithgow: 01506 844165
☎️South Queensferry: 0131 331 3451
☎️Edinburgh: 0131 317 8150

Thank You.

17/01/2025

Westport Veterinary Clinic has become Scotland's first Fear Free Certified Veterinary Practice, setting a new standard for compassionate, stress-free care. The certification marks a milestone in advancing animal wellbeing across Scotland.

Fear Free was founded by Dr. Marty Becker and developed by hundreds of experts in behaviour, medicine, and handling. Fear Free is a global initiative that offers online and in-person education that empowers veterinary professionals, the pet professional community, animal shelter staff and volunteers, and pet owners to create low-stress environments for pets.

Fear Free provides both professionals and pet lovers alike with the knowledge and tools to look after a pet's physical and emotional wellbeing thereby reducing fear, anxiety, and stress in animals during veterinary visits and other interactions, i.e. grooming, pet sitting, daycare and boarding visits.

Dr. Jennifer Merlo, Vice President of Operations, was pleased to announce this in person at the 2024 London Vet Show, recognizing Westport's pioneering efforts to advance Fear Free care in Scotland. Westport's certification represents a significant achievement for the clinic and a pioneering effort in advancing the standard of care for pets across Scotland. The Westport team exemplifies Fear Free values, demonstrating an openness to positive change and a commitment to ongoing learning and improvement.

Since their initial inquiry, Westport's team has worked closely with Fear Free, embracing every step of the Practice Certification journey. With a commitment to reducing fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) in pets, each Westport location has successfully integrated Fear Free protocols into their operations, ensuring a consistent, calm, and comfortable experience for all patients and clients.

Randy Valpy, CEO, Fear Free:
"Westport Veterinary Clinic's certification as the first Fear Free Certified Practice in Scotland is an exciting step for Fear Free and the Scottish veterinary community."

"Their dedication to enhancing patient care and emotional wellbeing reflects the transformative impact that Fear Free principles bring to veterinary practices worldwide."

Fiona Leathers, Practice and Clinic Manager at Westport Veterinary Clinic:
"I first encountered Fear Free almost 15 years ago and have built my clinical life around its principles. To now be part of a team that shares this vision has been incredible."

"Our team embraced the certification process with passion, working tirelessly to make each branch as calming as possible. I'm grateful to our vets, nurses, customer care team, and especially to our Director, Stuart McMorrow, for his unwavering support throughout this journey."

Dr. Marty Becker, Founder of Fear Free:
"A pet cannot be optimally healthy unless they feel safe and happy. Westport's commitment to implementing Fear Free protocols ensures that pets experience a stress-free environment, strengthening the bond between animals and their caregivers."

Stuart McMorrow BVM&S MRCVS, Managing Director and Head Vet at Westport Veterinary Clinic:
"It's been great becoming the first practice in Scotland and first in the UK with all sites gaining the fear free accreditation."

"We already worked in a fear free way, but by going through the process we became better and learned more ways to treat our patients in a way that worked best for them."

"This continued improvement is what drives us at Westport Vets. We just want to keep getting better, and learning more. And doing the best we can."

All of the Westport Vet branches - Linlithgow, South Queensferry and Edinburgh, are always welcoming new clients. They are also setting up their own out of hours emergency care, a service which will be launched in 2025.

16/01/2025

Here are some of our Friends of Westport advent calendar winners for 2024. We hope they have fun with their presents!

15/01/2025

Walk You Pet Month - Make the most of your walks!

On dog walks, take the time to let them stop and sniff and explore. Don't pressure them to move on - exploring the world with their nose is great for learning and for confidence. Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise.

Your dog doesn't need to run laps of the park to tire them out. Mental exercise through discovering new smells and places is just as rewarding - and tiring!

Consider working towards new goals together. We have so many wonderful dog friendly establishments available on our door step, training your dog to feel comfortable in a cafe or public setting is a wonderful way to try out new places (and local menus!) together.

14/01/2025

Vets Emily, Hannah and Natalie recently attended an Advanced Abdominal Ultrasound Course down in London - read here for what they got up to!

https://merakiinitiative.com/app/workplace/westport-veterinary-clinic/blogs/advanced-abdominal-ultrasound-course-with-emily

On the 28th-29th November myself and my colleagues Hannah and Natalie were excited to be attending an Advanced Abdominal Ultrasound course.

12/01/2025

Westport Vet's Gift of Kindness Campaign 2024 Winners!

Westport Veterinary Clinic has run a third year of their ‘Gift of Kindness’ Campaign. The Gift of Kindness was created in 2022 as a way to give special and deserving pets an extra treat for Christmas.

Westport Vet's asked both their clients and the public to nominate cats and dogs who they felt deserved to receive a ‘Gift of Kindness’ this Christmas. Working with local business Waggy Bags to gift deserving pets for Christmas.

The winners of the Gift of Kindness each received a goodie bag of items from local business Waggy Bags. Each dog received a 'Waggy Bag Original' (dog goodie bag), the cats each received a 'Moggy Bag' (cat goodie bag), and they made a special Gerbil Edition Waggy Bag for this year's nominated gerbil. Treating a total of 10 deserving pets in time for Christmas.

Westport Vet's say:
“The Gift of Kindness is a lovely campaign, being able to provide some extra cheer to such deserving pets for Christmas. This was a popular campaign again this year and we loved reading all of the heartwarming stories of the nominated animals, from both their owners - and their neighbours! We hope our winners all have fun with their gifts.”

The Gift of Kindness 2024 Winners:
*full nominations for each winner can be found on our blog: https://merakiinitiative.com/app/workplace/westport-veterinary-clinic/blogs/westport-vets-gift-of-kindness-campaign-2024-winners

✨️Leia the Cavapoo and Stanley the Beagle
Leia brought fun and joy back into Stanley's life after the loss of his companion

✨️Pepper the Rhodesian Ridgeback
Pepper helps to build children's confidence, and helps bring comfort to those who need it the most.

✨️Bella the 12 week old Kitten
Bella is a fighter, surviving the odds from birth and in recovery after suffering a broken leg.

✨️Maisie the Multipoo
Maisie brings great comfort and companionship to her owner, following the loss of her husband.

✨️Brodi the Cavachon
Brodi protected his family during a frightening emergency and brings them endless comfort, support and companionship.

✨️Pepsi the Gerbil
Pepsi helped to save the life of her sister Patch by alerting the family when there was an accident.

✨️Murphy the Australian Labradoodle
Murphy has been very brave throughout orthopaedic surgeries and the long recovery periods of rest required to heal.

✨️Rolo the half Maine C**n, half Domestic Cat
Rolo is a therapy cat who is a beacon of light, a lifeline and brings comfort to her best friend, five year old Oliver.

✨️Snoopy the Golden Labrador Retriever
Snoopy received several nominations, for being brave, making his family happy, and for putting a smile on everyone's face!

Thank you to everyone who nominated!

10/01/2025

Case Study: Fish Hook Injury

Poor Betty ended up with a sore one: a fish hook stuck in her mouth and nose! Luckily it was able to be removed easily under sedation by vet Stuart.

Fish hook injuries are most commonly seen in the spring and summer, but can occur at any time during the year.

We always recommend contacting your vet / or nearest Westport Vet branch for the removal of a fish hook, as quite often the animal will need pain relief as well.

We are happy to report that our patient is doing well after having the fish hook removed!

Music Credit: Sensitive (Instrumental) by BEX via Canva

09/01/2025

Walk Your Pet Month takes place throughout January! An opportunity for owners to kick start their New Year’s resolutions by embracing the great outdoors with their furry friends.

This month-long celebration emphasises the importance of regular exercise for both pets and their owners. Walking not only provides essential exercise for pets, it offers owners improved cardiovascular fitness, lower stress levels, and enhanced mental well-being.

We are fortunate to have lots of wonderful local walks - where is your favourite walk?

08/01/2025

Head Vet Stuart recently went down to the London Vet Show, and wanted to share some of his highlights from this years massive event.

https://merakiinitiative.com/app/workplace/westport-veterinary-clinic/blogs/reflections-on-the-london-vet-show-2024-with-stuart

Having just returned from the London Vet Show, Stuart wanted to share some highlights from this massive and incredibly insightful event.

07/01/2025

Westport Vet's Nursing Consults

Our Registered Veterinart Nurse's are available to see you and your pets for the following:
🔹️2nd vaccinations and Kennel Cough vaccinations
🔹️Microchipping
🔹️Post Op Checks and suture removal
🔹️Nail clipping
🔹️Bandage changes
🔹️Nutrition advice
🔹️Immunotherapy vaccines
🔹️Anal gland checks
🔹️Blood sampling
🔹️Blood pressure checks
🔹️Dental checks
🔹️Weight clinics
🔹️Diabetes clinics
🔹️Geriatric clinics
🔹️Triage appointments

As well as all of the above, our RVN team are always keen to help you with any difficulties such as tableting your pets or applying ear drops. This can require two people and we’re here to lend a helping hand.

The role of the RVN extends to being qualified to monitor anaesthetics, assist during operations, take x-rays and carry out minor surgical procedures and also train our student nurses who you will see assisting during your visits to the practice.

You can book your pet a nurse appointment via PetsApp, e-mail, on our website or by phone call.

06/01/2025

‼️ MISSING CAT ‼️

Ziggy has gone missing from her home in the Bughtlin area. She is neutered and has a microchip.
If you stay in this area, please keep an eye out for Ziggy and check sheds and garages in case she has been shut in somewhere. Any sightings of Ziggy, please let us know so that we can update her owners.

05/01/2025

December Puppies and Kittens!

We hope you had a lovely time over the festive period! We've put together a video of some of the puppies and kittens we've seen across the branches for the month of December!

We hope you enjoy the cuteness as much as we did!

Music Credit: Imagined Sunshine - Water Mirrors via Canva

03/01/2025

3rd January 2025
New Year's Resolutions🥂

Have you made any New Year's resolutions that include your pets?
We'd love to hear about them!

02/01/2025

VidiVet - Access to a vet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Since December 2023, we have been partnering with Vidivet, to enable us to improve our patient care and customer service, especially during the times the clinic is closed.

With Vidivet, you are able to send a message, photo or video to Vidivet, if you have any worries or concerns. You will receive a personalised response from the vet, giving you advice.

All our clients can use VidiVet App free of charge. Clients were sent an email with the link to registering with VidiVet through Westport Vets for free.