Four Seasons Holistic Veterinary Care

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Four Seasons Holistic Veterinary Care

Holistic Veterinary Care for pets in East Sussex and West Kent Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture, Physical Therapy Diet, Lifestyle and Behaviour advice.

Qualified, experienced vet. Cases seen on referral from your primary care vet. Our approach can work alongside conventional medicines, or provide a more natural approach. Home visits available in Battle/ Hastings/ St Leonards area or clinics at Companion Care Vets Eastbourne.

23/01/2025

I very much agree that natural reproduction is a fine aim. AI has its uses ... bringing in fresh genetics from abroad via chilled or frozen semen, using dead dogs via frozen semen, a mismatch in size, or temporary injury of a male that hampers his breeding ability.
Using AI because it is faster, the male.or female have poor temperaments, or the male and female simply can't mate we should really ask why we are doing it.
Cesarians should be performed in emergencies, or where dystocia is likely due to small litter size, rather than being a norm.
Which is why I haven't pursued reproduction work!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Aqo6BmEGy/

16/01/2025

Did you know we do cat behaviour consultations?
Most people understand that breeds of dogs with a working heritage need sufficient mental and physical stimulation to be happy. But have you thought what your cat might need?
Free living cats would need to catch around 5 mice or small birds a day to meet their calorific needs. This might take 10-15 hunting trips. Compare that to our pet cats who get their food in a bowl. Cats can become bored and lazy or suffer from anxiety and frustration without an opportunity to hunt. Luckily, there are many toys and puzzle feeders designed to tap into their hunting drive. Toys can replicate hunting or make getting food a challenge. Toys can be bought or homemade.
These cats have been upset by a grumpy neighbourhood cat so we are using enrichment to give them less time to worry.

13/01/2025

This little horror is a lungworm. In the South East we see a lot of lungworm cases. Most present as a persistent soft cough but the parasites can also cause fatal bleeding.
If you don't want to use regular anti-parasitic treatments, we strongly recommend regular faecal testing.
Puppies should be tested monthly, either adult dogs tested every 3months.
If you have small children at home regular treatment of your pets may be the safest option.
We think this deal from Wormcount Labs is excellent.
https://www.wormcount.com/product/worm-count-and-lungworm-test-for-dogs/

09/01/2025

Acupuncture is the most common treatment we use at Four Seasons Holistic Veterinary Care. We use it mostly for musculoskeletal issues, but it can be used for problems with internal organs as well. We have also had success with cats and dogs with bladder and bowel issues.
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture explains the effects as freeing up the flow of chi along meridians. Western Acupuncture describes the effect of the needles on local blood flow and the peripheral and central nervous systems
Points are chosen based on the diagnosis as well as painful ah shi or trigger points. Cats, dogs, and rabbits tolerate the insertion of the very fine acupuncture needles well and seem relaxed for their 10-15 minute sessions.
Acupuncture can be used to heal acut3 injuries or to help manage more chronic conditions.

05/01/2025

Why flooding is bad for your dog and how to keep them safer.

(Hint: Keep their leptospirosis vaccines up to date)

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15VjbZ9RVG/

03/01/2025

It was my first clinic session of the New Year today, and I had two behaviour cases. Both dogs had some issues with veterinary care either in the clinic or at home. Part of the advice I gave was on cooperative care training.

Cooperative care is sometimes described as the dog giving consent for handling, grooming, or veterinary care. I prefer 'cooperative care' as for me, consent means informed consent, and we can never properly explain our actions to our pets.

Cooperative care gives the dog a way of showing us clearly that they are OK with what is being done or that they need a break. It is similar to dentist phobic people being given a button to press if they need a break from the drill. In both cases having more control reduces anxiety and allows a procedure to happen without force or fear.

My preference is to teach the dog a chin target, either to a hand or to a matt. Whilst the chin is on target the dog is saying, "carry on". When they lift their head the dogs is saying, "I need a break".

Of course, in an emergency we may not have time to wait for the dog to be comfortable and say "go ahead". In these rare situations we might have to break their trust to help them. The good news is that if your dog has built up a good 'trust bank' with you through cooperative care, you will regain their faith again quickly.
(Thanks to Carrie-Anne Selwyn and Viper for the fabulous picture.)

01/01/2025

'Dead' tails are alarming but fairly common! People also call this swimmer's tail, limber tail, or cold tail.
Your dog's tail will hang limp and they may struggle to walk or sit normally as they can't move their tail. Sometimes the tail is painful if touched.
This problem can happen after dogs swim in cold water, get soaked by rain, or wag their tails too much!
Most cases resolve in a day or two with warmth, rest, and anti-inflammatories.. Circulation supporting herbs can help prevent recurrence.

30/12/2024

Don't leave your pet in pain. Talk to your vet! There are so many medicines available to ease pain as well as many complementary therapies.

https://www.facebook.com/share/4yzo4Powcq5iHEBD/

27/12/2024

Always think about how your pet feels...
https://www.facebook.com/share/cFytF1VvCPZbS3TD/

21/12/2024

Four Seasons is now closed until 2nd January for new patients.
Thank you to all of our clients and patients this year for allowing us into your lives.
Today is the shortest day and a day to reflect on those we have lost this year, including sadly a number of treasured patients. But it is also a day to look forward to all the pets we can help in 2025.

30/11/2024

Please take care when exercising your dogs near swollen streams and flooded meadows. Heavy rain can lead to chemicals, bacteria, and parasites being washed into watercourses, and this can cause serious illness in dogs.
We have heard of an older dog dying after playing around a flooded stream and becoming ill locally.

16/11/2024

Today is World Acupuncture Day, so they tell me!

12/11/2024

I didn't enjoy raising prices this month, but I have to cover the huge rise in office costs that came in this month. I wanted to keep using Provet as it allows me to communicate with referring vets easily and to keep all your records safe on a secure cloud. I won't be paying myself any more, and my only employees are the van and the dogs!

29/10/2024

A holistic vet wouldn't support vaccination... right? Wrong?
Lepto 2 will soon become unavailable. Mine have been on L4 since it came out so... make the change and give your dog the best possible protection.
If your dog has had previous issues with vaccines, their close relatives have, or your dog has underlying health issues then chat to your vet about the most appropriate vaccine schedule.
Also, check out this group...
It started as a bit of a joke because there were no groups about pets that had a medicine, it worked, and nothing bad happened. Which is the experience of the majority. But amongst the silly posts about 'side effects' (sleeping in odd positions, turning into cats etc), you will find caring veterinary professionals who are sympathetic to your fears and offer practical advice and support.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1634206260056214/?ref=share

04/10/2024

Arthritis cases need ongoing support to reduce the risk of flare ups. Acupuncture is a great treatment to use alongside conventional medications!

25/09/2024

As our existing clients know, we try to provide complementary veterinary care at an affordable price. It has been over 2 years since prices last increased, and we have absorbed increases in fuel prices, some expensive van repairs, and increased supply costs.
Ucoming changes to how our practice management system (secure computer records) charges have forced us into increasing prices of our services from November 2024.

24/09/2024

Bonfire season is already underway in Sussex. Four Seasons Holistic Veterinary Care supports organised public displays as they are easier for pet owners (and humans who have problems with fireworks) to take action to avoid.
It is too late to desensitise your pets now, but it's definitely not too late to make firework displays easier to cope with.
1) Make sure you know when local events are. Public displays should give notice, but check village and school websites and social media too.
2) Discuss calming supplements and medications with your vet now. There are mild natural options right through to drugs that can calm an already scared dog.
3) Get your house ready. Blacking out windows, providing a safe snuggle space, choosing TV or radio that will disguise firework noises, and planning games your dog might enjoy can all help.
4) Plan an escape. Consider taking a drive to a quieter location while the event is on.
5) Change your routine. If you usually walk your dog after dark, change to daytime walking before the firework event to reduce the need for your dog to go out to the toilet during fireworks. Get cats used to returning before dark and being locked in too.
6) Act naturally. Don't ignore your pet if they want some comfort, but try to ignore the bangs and flashes yourself and do activities that keep you and your pet engaged.
7) Contact us about desensitisation and counter conditioning, which we recommend you start in the spring!

20/09/2024

There is a problem with dogs in the UK. Dog bites seem to be on the rise, dog related death and serious injuries are regularly on the news, and rehoming centres are packed with dogs... what's gone wrong?
People aren't thinking hard enough before getting a dog. Dogs have mental and physical needs that must be met for them to be happy contented companions. People aren't learning how dogs communicate, so they miss or misinterpret dogs 'saying' they aren't comfortable until the dog feels forced to snap.
People aren't training their dogs. Much as we want to allow our dogs choices and freedom, we need to set some 'house rules' for their safety and ours. These will vary from home to home, but basics include being able to walk on a loose lead, moving off furniture (including their own bed) when asked, understanding it's ok to be left alone for a while, coming back when called if let off the lead, and learning they don't need to guard food, toys, or people.
Over 1 in 5 people still use aversive training with their dogs. That is training that causes the dog to feel mentally or physically worse. It doesn't make for happy canine housemates. Unfortunately TV trainers often demonstrate these aversive 'quick fix' methods which seldom fix the issues in the long term and never address why the dog did the 'bad' things in the first place.
Choosing the right breed or crossbreed helps a dog fit into your lifestyle, though it is important to understand that life will never be quite the same once you add a dog to your family. Listen if a breeder, trainer, vet, or rehoming centre says that your chosen dog breed might need a rethink.
At Four Seasons Holistic Veterinary Care we would rather prevent problems than solve them (though we are pretty good at solving them too).
We are happy to offer a pre-puppy (or dog) consultation where we can discuss adding a dog to your family, as well as helping with minor problems before a crisis point is reached.

Address

Home Visits, Battle, St Leonards, Bexhill
Hastings

Website

http://www.holisticvetsussex.co.uk/

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Videos

Did you know we do cat behaviour consultations? Most people understand that breeds of dogs with a working heritage need sufficient mental and physical stimulation to be happy. But have you thought what your cat might need? Free living cats would need to catch around 5 mice or small birds a day to meet their calorific needs. This might take 10-15 hunting trips. Compare that to our pet cats who get their food in a bowl. Cats can become bored and lazy or suffer from anxiety and frustration without an opportunity to hunt. Luckily, there are many toys and puzzle feeders designed to tap into their hunting drive. Toys can replicate hunting or make getting food a challenge. Toys can be bought or homemade. These cats have been upset by a grumpy neighbourhood cat so we are using enrichment to give them less time to worry.

ENRICHMENT Enrichment is all about adding to your dog's life. Our dogs live very controlled lives and don't get to make many decisions. Lead walks don't always provide dog with sufficient mental stimulation and this can lead to boredom, frustration, and problem behaviours. Enrichment doesn't need to be difficult or expensive. These spaniels are having a great time just sniffing out kibble from the rough grass. Enrichment activities are especially important when dogs are on limited exercise due to age, injury, or inclement weather.

Do you have a 'reactive' dog? A dog that feels big emotions around other dogs? We can help with that! Secret has learned to make great choices... First she comes away from the doodle and asks for a treat, then when the doodle proved to be no threat she went and said a quick 'hello'! We will be taking bookings for behaviour work ups again from January. #behaviour vet #reactivedog