Vets for Pets High Wycombe

05/11/2024

🎆🐾 Happy Guy Fawkes Night! 🐾🎆

As we get ready for Bonfire Night, we know fireworks can be scary for our furry friends. Loud noises and bright flashes can cause stress and anxiety for many pets. Here are some simple tips to help keep them calm and comfortable during the celebrations:

🐶 Top Tips for Firework Season:

1. Create a Safe Space – Set up a cosy den with familiar blankets, toys, and bedding in a quiet room. This gives your pet a secure retreat where they feel protected.

2. Muffle the Noise – Keep windows and curtains closed to reduce noise and flashing lights. Playing calming music or turning on the TV can also help mask the sound of fireworks.

3. Exercise Before Dark – Take your dogs for a good walk before dusk, and bring any outdoor pets indoors to keep them safe from noise and stress.

4. Try Calming Aids – Speak with us about pet-safe calming sprays, plug-ins, or supplements that can help reduce anxiety.

5. Update Their ID – In case they do get spooked and manage to escape, make sure their collar tag and microchip details are up to date.

Fireworks can be overwhelming, but with a little preparation, we can help our pets feel more secure and comfortable. Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable Guy Fawkes Night! 🎇🐾

If you have any questions about keeping your pet calm, feel free to call us or visit High Wycombe Vets for Pets!

31/10/2024

🪔✨ Happy Diwali & Halloween! 🎃👻 ✨🪔

Today, we’re celebrating both Diwali and Halloween — a rare occasion where two festive traditions come together! As we enjoy the lights, sweets, and costumes, let's not forget our furry family members, who may find these celebrations a bit overwhelming. Here are some key tips to keep your pets safe and happy:

🕯️ Diwali Pet Safety Tips:
- Fireworks & Noise: Fireworks can be distressing for pets. Create a quiet, cosy space indoors where they feel secure, and consider calming aids if needed.
- Decorative Candles & Diyas: These can be tempting but hazardous to pets if they get too close. Keep open flames out of reach to avoid accidents.
- Watch Those Sweets! Many Diwali treats are sugary or made with ingredients that aren’t pet-friendly. Store treats securely and keep pets to their regular diet.

🎃 Halloween Pet Safety Tips:
- Costume Caution: Not all pets enjoy wearing costumes. If yours does, ensure it’s comfortable and doesn’t restrict movement, vision, or breathing.
- Watch the Door: Trick-or-treaters can be stressful for pets. Set up a safe area away from the door where they won’t feel anxious or have the chance to slip out.
- Chocolate & Sweet Dangers: Remember, chocolate, xylitol, and some sweets are toxic to pets. Make sure all treats are kept well out of their reach.

General Safety Tip for Both:
ID & Microchip Check – With the extra activity, there’s a higher chance pets may become lost. Ensure their collar has up-to-date ID tags and that their microchip info is current.

Let’s make this day festive for everyone, pets included! 🎉 Wishing all a safe, happy, and bright Diwali and Halloween from all of us at Vets for Pets High Wycombe!

24/10/2024

‼️ NEWSPAPERS NEEDED ‼️

We're asking for any newspapers no longer needed to please be dropped off at our reception for use in our cat and dog wards.

Thank you, it's very much appreciated!

19/10/2024

🐾 This week we had the pleasure of meeting Skye, a 20-week-old Border Collie, who came to see one of our veterinary nurses for a nail trim. As she was feeling a bit nervous, our nurse took the time to do some gentle desensitisation with her to help make the experience as stress-free as possible. As you can see she became so relaxed she even had a little lie down! 💕

It's so important to create positive associations for pets that may feel anxious at the vets, and we’re always here to provide the extra care and patience they need. Great job, Skye! 🌟

17/10/2024

Unfortunately we have had a deceased kitten handed into us this morning that could be someone's pet. The details are as followed;

SPECIES: Cat
BREED: Domestic Medium Hair
COLOUR: Black Tabby
AGE: Approximately 12 weeks old
SEX/NEUTERED: Female/Entire
MICROCHIP/COLLAR: No/No
FOUND: Perth Road, High Wycombe https://www.google.com/maps/place/Perth+Rd,+High+Wycombe/@51.6375829,-0.7353131,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x487661b4e02fd0c7:0xbc2366f307502f6b!8m2!3d51.6375829!4d-0.7327382!16s%2Fg%2F1tyktwl5?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTAxNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

If you think she may be yours, please email us at [email protected] with a photo for identification.

17/10/2024

Myth vs Fact: A dry nose means my pet is unwell 🌡

A dry nose doesn’t necessarily mean your pet is unwell! While a wet nose can be a sign of good health, pets' noses naturally vary in moisture throughout the day. They can be dry for many reasons—sleeping, warm weather, or even after exercise.

10/10/2024

🐾 World Mental Health Day🌍

Today is a powerful reminder to take care of our mental wellbeing. Animals play such an incredible role in improving our mental health. From reducing anxiety and stress to providing companionship and unconditional love, pets and therapy animals offer emotional support that can be life-changing. 🐕🐈❤️

But while animals help us, we must also think about those who care for them — especially our vets, nurses and other support staff. 💔 The veterinary industry faces a mental health crisis, with professionals carrying the heavy emotional burden of their work. Tragically, the su***de rate among vets is significantly higher than in many other professions. 🖤

Let’s show compassion, not only to our pets but to the people who dedicate their lives to helping them. Check in with your vet, offer kindness, and support initiatives that promote mental health for all. 🌱✨

🗣 If you feel you need help, here are a few links to some organisations that will be happy to listen.
Samaritans ➡️ https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
For Vet Staff: VetLife ➡️ https://www.vetlife.org.uk/

07/10/2024

As autumn settles in, our lovely parks and woodlands are filled with beautiful colours and seasonal treats. However, acorns and conkers can pose serious dangers to our furry friends! 🐶

🌰 Acorns – These are toxic to dogs if ingested. Acorns contain tannins which can cause upset stomachs, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, kidney failure.

🌰 Conkers (Horse Chestnuts) – While they aren’t as toxic, conkers can still cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Plus, their size and shape make them a choking hazard or could lead to dangerous blockages in your dog’s intestines.

💡 Prevention Tips:
- Keep an eye on your dog when walking in areas with fallen acorns or conkers.
- Distract them with toys to avoid nibbling on these dangerous objects.
- If you think your dog has eaten an acorn or conker, contact us immediately!

Our team at Vets for Pets High Wycombe is always here to help. If you’re worried about your dog or have any questions, give us a call at 📞 01494 443075 or pop in for a check-up.

Stay safe, and enjoy those beautiful autumn walks responsibly! 🍁🐾

04/10/2024

🐾 Meet Mimi! 🐾

This adorable 12-week-old kitten came in today for her secondary vaccinations and a chat with one of our veterinary nurses about how to keep her fit, healthy, and happy. 😻💉

Vaccinations are an essential part of keeping your cat safe from serious diseases like feline leukemia, panleukopenia, and calicivirus. Mimi’s on the right track, and we’re so glad her family is giving her the best start in life! 💪

We also talked about the importance of spaying female cats. Not only does it prevent unwanted litters, but it also helps reduce the risk of certain health issues later in life, like uterine infections and some cancers. 🩺

Got a new kitten? Book in with us for their vaccinations and a health check to make sure they’re ready for a long, healthy life! 🐱💕

01/10/2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

25/09/2024

Today, we had the pleasure of meeting Ziggy, a 14-week-old German Shepherd puppy, who came in for his second vaccination and a check-up with one of our nurses. He was joined by his sister, Ginny, a lovely Cocker Spaniel, who came along to keep him company. Both pups were a joy to have in the clinic and Ziggy did great with his visit!

We look forward to seeing these two again soon!

23/09/2024

🎉🐾 Celebrating 11 Years of Vets for Pets High Wycombe! 🐾🎉

Today marks an incredible milestone – 11 years of caring for your beloved pets! 🐕🐈 It’s been an amazing journey since we first opened our doors, and while our team has grown and changed, our commitment to providing exceptional care for your pets remains stronger than ever.

Over the years, we've not only grown as a practice but have also updated our facilities to ensure we’re offering the very best for you and your pets. From our dedicated vets and nurses to our wonderful clients, thank you for being part of our story!

Here’s to many more years of helping keep your pets happy and healthy! 🐾❤️

22/09/2024

🍂🐾 Happy Start of Autumn from Vets for Pets High Wycombe! 🍁🐶

The leaves are starting to change, the air is crisp, and it’s the perfect time for those gorgeous autumnal dog walks! 🐕✨ We’d love to hear from you—where’s your favourite local spot to take your furry friend for a stroll during this beautiful season? Whether it's a scenic forest path, a quiet park, or a hidden gem, let us know in the comments below! 🍂👇

And don't forget to share your autumn-themed photos of your pets enjoying the season—whether they’re playing in the leaves, exploring new trails, or just relaxing in the cooler weather. 🍁📸

Let’s celebrate autumn with our four-legged friends! 🧡

19/09/2024

Myth vs Fact: Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet? 🐾

It’s a common belief that cats always land on their feet, but that’s not entirely true! 🐱 While cats are naturally agile and have an impressive "righting reflex" that helps them twist mid-air, they can still get injured from high falls.

In fact, falls from significant heights can result in broken bones, internal injuries, or worse. 🙀

To keep your feline friends safe:

🐈‍⬛Ensure windows are secured with screens.
🐈‍⬛Avoid leaving them unattended on balconies.
🐈‍⬛Provide safe, stable climbing spots at home.

Your cat might be graceful, but they still need our help to stay safe! 🏠💙

30/08/2024

📢 New Pet Theft Laws in England 🐾

Great news for pet owners! England has introduced tougher pet theft laws to better protect our furry friends. Pet abduction is now a specific criminal offense, recognising the deep bond between pets and their owners. Offenders face up to 5 years in prison, sending a strong message that pets are family, not property.

Let's spread the word and keep our pets safe! 🐶🐱

If you want to learn more, click on the link below ➡️
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0jl9jr8

27/08/2024

UPDATE: Owner found

🐾 Deceased Cat Found 🐾

This morning, a chocolate Oriental-type neutered male cat was brought into our clinic after being found on Tyzack Road. He was not wearing a collar, and while he is microchipped, unfortunately, the chip isn't registered. We can tell he was well cared for, and it's clear someone loved him dearly.

If this is your cat or you recognise him, please send us a photo and/or his microchip number to [email protected].

Thank you for helping us spread the word.

23/08/2024

AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND

High Wycombe Vets for Pets will be closed for the August Bank Holiday weekend, but don't worry – we’re back open as usual from Tuesday 27th August at 8:30am! 🗓️

If your pet has an emergency during the closure, please contact Vets Now High Wycombe on 01494 257174 📞.

We’d love to see what your pets are up to over the weekend! 🐶🐱 Share your photos with us in the comments below or tag us in your posts! 📸

Have a safe and happy weekend!

09/08/2024

🏅 Pet Olympics! What Sport Would Your Pet Win a Medal In? 🏅

In the spirit of the Olympics 2024, if your pet could compete in a pet version of the competition, what sport do you think they’d bring home a gold medal in? 🐾 Maybe your cat is a master of high jumps, or your dog could win a marathon with their endless energy. 🥇 Or perhaps your hamster is a natural at gymnastics, balancing and twirling on that wheel like a pro!

Here are a few fun "pet sports" to get your imagination going:

1. **Treat Dash**: Who can get to the treat first? 🏃‍♂️
2. **Squeaky Toy Wrestling**: For the pets who never let go! 🦴
3. **Cat Nap-a-thon**: Which feline can snooze the longest? 😴
4. **Tug-of-War**: A classic battle of strength and determination! 💪
5. **Agility Course**: For the speedy and nimble pets who love to weave through obstacles! 🐕
6. **Best Fetch**: Which pup retrieves the ball with style and speed? 🎾

Share what sport your pet would dominate in and let’s celebrate the unique talents of our furry friends and don't forget to share a photo of them below in the comments! 🐶🐱🐹

01/08/2024

**📞 Important Update: Phone System Maintenance 📞**

Our phone system will be undergoing an update today at 10 AM. During this time, there may be some temporary issues.

For any non-emergency queries, please email us at [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Thank you for your understanding and patience. 🐾

18/07/2024

⚠️ Beware of Grass Seeds: Protect Your Pets This Summer ⚠️

As the warm summer months approach, many of us look forward to spending more time outdoors with our furry friends. However, at Vets for Pets High Wycombe, we notice a significant rise in grass seed injuries among dogs during this time of year. Grass seeds, while seemingly harmless, can pose a serious threat to your pet's health and well-being.

‼️ Why Grass Seeds are a Problem

Grass seeds are small, sharp, and easily attach to your dog's fur, especially around the paws, ears, and nose. Once embedded, these seeds can migrate through the skin, causing painful abscesses, infections, and even internal damage if left untreated. Common symptoms to watch out for include:

- Limping or excessive licking of the paws
- Head shaking or scratching at the ears
- Redness, swelling, or discharge from affected areas

‼️ Prevention and Early Detection

Prevention is key in safeguarding your pet from the dangers of grass seeds. Here are some crucial steps to take:

1. Regular Inspections: After walks, especially in grassy areas, thoroughly check your dog's paws, ears, and fur for any signs of grass seeds.
2. Grooming: Keep your dog’s fur trimmed, particularly around the feet and ears, to minimise the chances of seeds getting lodged.
3. Protective Gear: Consider using booties or a snood for dogs with longer fur when walking through areas known for tall grasses.

‼️ Immediate Action is Essential

If you suspect that your dog has a grass seed embedded, it is crucial to contact your vet immediately. Early removal is essential to prevent further complications and ensure a quick recovery. At Vets for Pets High Wycombe, our experienced team is equipped to handle such situations swiftly and efficiently, providing the best care for your pet.

Don't let grass seeds ruin your summer fun. Stay vigilant, inspect regularly, and if in doubt, seek veterinary advice without delay. Your pet’s health and happiness are our top priority.

For more information or to book an appointment, please visit our website or call us at 01494 443075. Enjoy a safe and happy summer with your furry friends!

11/07/2024

🐾🐱 Say hello to Maano, an adorable 14-week-old kitten! 🐱🐾

Today, Maano came to Vets for Pets High Wycombe for his secondary vaccinations with one of our veterinary nurse. He was such a brave boy and charmed us with his sweet purrs and playful antics! 🌟❤️

Vaccinations are crucial to keep our furry friends healthy and protected. If your pet is due for their vaccinations, give us a call to schedule an appointment. We love seeing our young patients grow strong and happy! 📅🐾

04/07/2024

🐾🗳️ It’s a pawsome day at the polling stations across the UK today as our four-legged friends accompany us to cast our votes in the general election! Don’t forget to share your adorable voting companions! 🐶❤️

Let’s see your pics. 😀🐾

26/06/2024

🌡️☀️ Protect Your Furry Friends from Heat Stroke! ☀️🌡️

As summer temperatures rise, it's crucial to be aware of the risks of heat stroke in dogs. Here's what you need to know to keep your pup safe:

🚨 Heat Stroke Risk Levels:
- 32°C+ (90°F+): Major risk regardless of condition, size, or breed. 🛑

- 28-31°C (82-89°F): Dangerous for all; life-threatening for larger breeds, puppies, flat-faced, or obese dogs. ⚠️

- 24-27°C (75-81°F): Extreme caution needed, especially for large, obese, flat-faced, and very young dogs. 🚧

- 20-23°C (68-74°F): Risk present if exercised too rigorously or suffering from underlying conditions. 🔍

- 16-19°C (61-67°F): Generally safe, but keep an eye on large, obese, and flat-faced breeds. 👀

- 12-15°C (54-60°F): No evidence of heat stroke risk. Enjoy your walk! 🐾

🌞 Heat Stroke Symptoms in Dogs:
- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Red or pale gums
- Rapid heart rate
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Weakness or collapse
- Confusion or lethargy

If your dog shows any signs of heat stroke, take immediate action:
1. Move them to a cool, shaded area.
2. Offer small amounts of water.
3. Wet their fur with cool water.
4. Seek veterinary care immediately.

Remember, heat-related illnesses are almost always preventable. Be mindful of the temperature and keep your furry friend safe this summer! 🐶❤️

For more information, visit: [vets-now.com/summer](https://www.vets-now.com/summer)

25/06/2024

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

We're thrilled to announce that Vets4Pets High Wycombe is now Vets for Pets High Wycombe! 🎉🐾 While our name has changed slightly, our commitment to providing top-notch care for your beloved pets remains as strong as ever.

Same compassionate team, same exceptional service, now with a refreshed look! We can't wait to continue serving our wonderful community under our new banner. 🐶🐱🐰

Stay tuned for more updates and feel free to drop by to see the changes in person. Thank you for being a part of our journey!



🌟🐾💚

25/02/2024

When Kelly from our Colton store's Pets Grooming salon discovered a lump on the tail of nine-year-old Rufus she suspected something wasn't right, so alerted his owners Les and Andrea so they could get it checked out. They brought him to Vets for Pets Leeds Colton where it was confirmed he had a cancerous tumour which needed surgery.

Les, who adopted Rufus from Dogs Trust in Leeds as a puppy, said: “Rufus is such a big part of our life; we’re absolutely besotted with him. We probably wouldn’t have noticed the lump if not at the groomers as the tail isn’t somewhere you would usually stroke and feel. Kelly loves Rufus and really looks after him, so we want to say a big thanks for spotting it. Who'd have known what would have happened if she hadn’t noticed.”

Rufus had to have his tail removed, but is now making a good recovery. He's been visiting Kelly for a groom every six weeks for the last three years. She said: “You get to know everything about a dog as you groom them. I’ve discovered similar things before on other dogs so I mentioned it to the owners so they could get it checked out. Dogs are my life and you do worry; I’m so pleased they caught it. Now he’s got a fully docked tail like a little bunny rabbit. It’s lovely and suits him – when he gets washed he wiggles his bum.”

21/02/2024

Arthur's owner Louise says he "looked like a brand-new tortoise" after having his beak filed at Sutton in Ashfield Vets4Pets.

Louise adopted the four-year-old Horsefield Tortoise from a family member in October. Although she has had other pets, Arthur is her first tortoise, so she has been doing some research on how to best care for him.

Louise said: "I noticed Arthur's beak was unusually long, so I brought him in to Vets for Pets; I bring all my pets there. When he came out, I thought 'you beautiful boy, look at you – you look so handsome!"

Vet Steph, who looked after Arthur, says that tortoise beaks continuously grow and normally grind down themselves while they're eating. She said: "Arthur needed a little help as his jaw isn't perfectly aligned; his lower jaw is further out than his top jaw, so I filed it around half a centimetre. He was really good; a real cutie."

18/02/2024

Owner Claire says she couldn't be more grateful to Vets4Pets Hamilton after their quick diagnosis saved the sight of six-year-old Alba.

Claire knew there was something terribly wrong with her miniature dachshund cross when she called her in from the back garden last summer and Alba ran headfirst into a closed patio door. She rushed her to the vets, where investigations led the team to diagnose her with uveitis – an eye condition which causes inflammation of the middle layer of the eye.

Claire said: "It all happened so suddenly; Alba must have heard my voice and guessed where to go. It was quite scary seeing how bad she was. We couldn't be more grateful for the team in Hamilton spotting the uveitis as quickly as they did, otherwise Alba would have gone blind within a matter of days. Their knowledge saved Alba's sight. I still can't believe it happened. It's taken months of treatments, but it's such a relief to have our girl back to being her funny, bossy self."

Vet Neil, one of the team who treated Alba, said: "Alba's pupil was really narrow and wouldn't respond to light properly, which can be a sign of uveitis. Once we had ruled out other conditions, we were able to get her to an eye specialist for ongoing treatment. She's now doing really well."

16/02/2024

Ducky's owner Antonia was in a state of panic when she saw a fox had dug its way into the field where she keeps him – killing two of her other ducks and chickens.

Antonia was about to move her brood into their pen for the evening when she saw what had happened and noticed that Ducky had severe bite wounds under his wing. She rushed him to Vets4Pets Vets Milton Keynes for emergency surgery – and after having his wound stitched up the one-year-old duck is now making a good recovery.

Antonia said: "I was so worried. You don’t often hear of ducks recovering from fox attacks, but there is something about Ducky and the way he was so brave. I'm sure he was protecting a lady duck, as he's a bit of a romantic. It's the first time we've gone to Vets for Pets, and the team were amazing; they've done an incredible job."

Vet Becca, who treated Ducky, said: "He's a really lucky duck, as it was quite a big wound. When he first came in, he was understandably subdued and quiet but when he came back for his stitches to be taken out, he wanted to explore and tuck his head into everyone’s shoulders."

07/02/2024

Well done to the team at Vets4Pets Guildford who've been awarded a silver level certificate for being a rabbit-friendly clinic.

After head veterinary nurse Ella noticed that more customers were bringing in rabbits the practice took a series of steps to give them as stress-free an experience as possible. Ella, who also fosters rescue dogs in her spare time, said: "There was a long list of things that we needed to prove that we did from making sure the rabbits are kept separate from other animals and not booked in at the same time as barking dogs, to providing heated kennels for those who need to stay in, and using special equipment made especially for rabbits."

Practice manager Kevin said: "All of our vets have plenty of experience with rabbits we have some real rabbit geeks here, so it was a big thing to us. There are so many good people in this world and I'm so proud to be around them."

28/01/2024

Beautiful Bear was born deaf, so he's learned to follow his owner Lisa's visual commands.

Lisa, who shops at our Tamworth store – "it's my second home!" – got two-year-old Bear as a kitten and suspected he was deaf when he didn't respond to her voice. She had it confirmed by her vet soon after. She said: "He was very scatty, and scared of people he didn’t recognise. He wasn’t bothered by loud noises like my other cat Emily and when I came home from work he wouldn’t hear the door open.

"He's doing really well though. I try to do some sign language with him – I point at him and do a solid hand sign at him to stop. He picks up on vibrations and scents too. He meows, making a really loud chirping sound which I’ve never heard a cat do before, and he’s always rubbing his head against my legs and following me everywhere. I was advised not to let him out because he wouldn’t hear cars or other dangers, so he comes outside with me every morning to have a sniff around the garden and always comes straight back in." Bear and Lisa's other cat Emily are on Instagram as

27/01/2024

Ten-year-old Dutch rabbit Alfie has been visiting vet Kate at Vets4pets Wolverhampton for dental treatment for the last eight years – and she says he's such a loveable character that he's become "part of the family".

He's one of the oldest rabbits treated by Kate and the team, and she says his longevity is down to the care and love he gets from his owner Tracy and her family. Kate said: "Alfie is famous in this practice – everyone knows him. We and his family are dedicated to making sure her little old man is happy. The beautiful thing about being a vet or vet nurse is you build these relationships with the owners and their pets – they become your surrogate pets."

Tracy's been keeping rabbits all her life, and says that having space and routine is key. She said: "Alfie is an old man now and has a routine. He goes into a hutch at night and is let out in the morning. He's out all day and has his favourite spots in the house. We clean him out every day and give him a lot of attention. When he was younger he would follow us around; if I was clearing a cupboard out he would be in the cupboard to help. Now he's old and wants to be warm and watch instead. I can't thank Kate and the practice enough. Kate's been fantastic with him."

26/01/2024

Eight-year-old Winnie the Schnauzer cross is running around like a puppy again thanks to laser treatment and physiotherapy after two successful knee operations at Vets for Pets Basildon.

Worried owner Tracy brought Winnie in to the practice after she collapsed on a walk last year – and the team discovered the cruciate ligament in a knee had ruptured. She’s since had ops on two knees and is on a recovery plan led by vet physiotherapist Izzy.

Tracy said: "Winnie has had a tough year with 15 teeth removed, two cruciate ligament operations and two bouts of pancreatitis but thankfully she's hardy. She’s treated fabulously at the Basildon practice. Izzy is great with her – she totally relaxes in her hands and does little snores with her eyes open. Winnie has a new lease of life again and is running around like a puppy."

Izzy said: "When pets have surgery or injure themselves they move differently which causes them to be sore in other places. Winnie has laser therapy then a massage to help the healing process. Laser treatment is a specialist service that not enough people know about – it can help in so many ways after an operation.”

18/01/2024

Veterinary nurse Mel from Vets4Pets Bristol Longwell Green loves cats so much she's helped the practice make a number of improvements to give cats as stress-free an experience as possible when they're brought in.

Mel, who has an Advanced Certificate in Feline Behaviour for Veterinary Professionals, helped introduce facilities like a separate feline waiting area and cattery and the use of quiet clippers – and the practice now has a silver level certificate for being a cat-friendly clinic. She said: "I love dogs but I'm really a cat person. Cats can be misunderstood which can lead to them having quite a stressful life, so if we can make things easier for them and help people understand what cats need then everyone will be happier.

"As animal lovers there's always more to learn and understand about what makes them happy. Enrichment at the home is important for a happy cat – and as cats are naturally solitary animals if you live in a multi-cat household it's important to understand what they need. The rule is to have a resource per cat, plus one spare. So if you have two cats you should have three feeding stations, three litter trays and three scratch posts spread around the house so they have the opportunity to move around to wherever they want to go. Scratching is as natural a thing for cats to do as going out hunting is, so if they're unable to go out it's about providing the chance for them to behave as naturally as possible."

07/01/2024

Four-year-old Sebastian the Jack Russell is back to his usual boisterous self after being treated at Vets4Pets Abingdon for a condition that was causing the knee caps on his back legs to dislocate when he walked.

The condition, known as medial patellar luxation, would cause him to hop or skip when exercising. It's quite common in terriers and small dog breeds, but Sebastian's case was quite severe and he was given surgery by orthopaedic surgeon Joe to deepen the groove his patella runs in on his right hind leg, and also to move and reattach his patellar tendon.

Sebastian is owned by practice vet Hannah who said: "After the operation he just wanted to get back to normal straight away but he couldn't ... and that's where we struggled. He wanted to be out and about, charging around and playing with his toys but he needed to rest." Hannah had to give him medication for six weeks to give his knees time to heal. She said: "He's absolutely fine now – he's fully recovered and running around like a lunatic again!"