Happy World Chocolate Day! ๐ซ
Although World Chocolate Day is a joyous occasion for chocolate enthusiasts, it's essential to be mindful that chocolate can be highly dangerous to pets, especially dogs and cats. ๐ถ๐บ
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are harmful to animals. The darker the chocolate, the more harmful it can be. Even small quantities can lead to serious health problems such as vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid breathing, elevated heart rate, and, in severe instances, seizures or, worse, death.
By taking a few simple precautions, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable World Chocolate Day for all, including our pets. Here are some pet-friendly tips to consider:
๐ซKeep chocolate out of reach: Store your tempting chocolates in secure containers or cabinets to prevent dogs from reaching them.
๐ซ Educate friends and family: Inform your loved ones about the dangers of chocolate for dogs and ask them to keep chocolate products away from your dog.
๐ซ Avoid sharing: Refrain from sharing chocolate with your pet, as even a small amount can be detrimental.
๐ซ Stay alert: Be observant of signs of chocolate ingestion in your dog, such as restlessness, increased heart rate, vomiting, or diarrhoea. If you suspect your pet has consumed chocolate, contact your vet without delay.
If you suspect your pet has ingested chocolate and is experiencing vomiting or any of these symptoms, please get in touch with us immediately.
#WorldChocolateDay #PetHazards
โฐ As the clocks go back in a few weekends to herald the start of Winter, we can now pull out our winter woollies and don our winter boots for walks with our dogs through colourful lanes in the crisp autumn air! ๐งค๐งฃ๐ข
However, you might walk your dog after dark due to the decreased daylight hours. Here are some autumn dog walking tips to consider when exercising during these times to keep yourself and your pet safeโฆ
#AutumnHazards #DaylightSaving
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The loud bangs and flashing lights of fireworks can be distressing for small animals. As Bonfire Night approaches, ensuring that your pets are well-prepared for the occasion is important. If you own small animals like rabbits or guinea pigs, here are some tips to help them remain calm and happy.
๐งถProvide extra bedding if your pet lives outdoors so they can burrow down and feel safe from any bright lights and loud noises. This will give them a comfortable and secure space to hide away from the excitement.
๐กConsider bringing your pet indoors for the night to shield them from the noise and commotion of the evening. Playing some relaxing music can also help to muffle the sound of fireworks and create a calming atmosphere.
๐ชIf your pet already lives indoors, close curtains and windows to dampen the sound of loud bangs and create a more peaceful environment.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
#BonfireNight #Fireworks
๐ ๐ฑ As autumn sets in and the nights grow longer, it's time to prepare for Bonfire Night. However, while fireworks bring us joy, they can be distressing for our feline friends.
As clever creatures, cats require extra care during this time. Here are some tips to help keep your cat safe and comfortable:
๐ Keep your cat indoors where possible and make sure they are microchipped
๐คซCreate a cosy and quiet space inside where they can relax and avoid the noise.
๐ฑConsider giving them calming treats or supplements to help them stay calm. A pheromone diffuser may also be beneficial, particularly to start using ahead of the celebration season.
Do you have any additional tips to help fellow cat owners? Share your top tips in the comments below.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us.
#BonfireNight #Fireworks
The fireworks season is just around the corner, but for many dogs, this time of year can be quite distressing. To ensure that your canine companion feels safe and secure during this period, it's essential to prepare them ahead of time.
Here are our top three tips for keeping your pet as comfortable as possible:
๐ชKeep your dog from escaping the house by securely closing all doors and windows.
๐Close curtains and blinds to help muffle the sounds and flashing lights of fireworks.
๐ฆฎWalk your dog before it gets dark.
๐ In case of an unexpected event, ensure your pet has an up-to-date microchip with current information.
โค๏ธGive your dog plenty of love, attention, and fun activities to distract them.
๐ถ Avoid leaving your dog alone during this time.
๐ถ Have some calming music playing in the background to mask out the loud bangs of fireworks.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.
#BonfireNight #Fireworks
๐ ๐จโโ๏ธ๐ฉโโ๏ธ Throughout May, to celebrate Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month, we will recognise and appreciate the vital role of our empowered veterinary nurses.
On behalf of the whole team, we would like to thank all our veterinary nurses, who are truly valued among our veterinary teams.
If you have any stories about how our veterinary nurses have supported you and your pet, please comment below, and we will share them with our team! ๐ฅฐ
#VNAM2023 #WhatVNsDo #EmpowerOurVNs #LinnaeusNurses
This is Joey the Beagle!
In December 2021, Joey was diagnosed with a ruptured Cruciate Ligament in his left stifle (the knee joint). Surgeon Ed performed Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) surgery to repair it. Joey was then referred to our RVNโs, Andrea and Simone for rehabilitation and hydrotherapy sessions in our underwater treadmill based at Wicstun Veterinary Hospital.
Often when a ligament is ruptured, the patient will not weight bear on the affected limb, which will lead to muscles wasting. Hydrotherapy will address these issues once surgery has been carried out and the Vet has given the all clear to go ahead with rehabilitation. Muscles can then be strengthened and the patient's gait can be corrected.
Unfortunately, during the recovery period, Joey ruptured his right Cruciate Ligament and underwent a second TTA surgery. This caused a setback in Joeyโs recovery for his initial surgery.
After regular hydrotherapy sessions, Joey has made a full recovery from both surgeries and can now enjoy his first holiday this year! Here he is with Trainee Hydrotherapist Katie, enjoying his final session of Hydroโบ๏ธ
For more information about our rehab treatments, please contact the practice and ask to speak to Simone or Andrea.
This little guy came in to us today ๐ฆ
He was found in the middle of the road during the day which isnโt normal behaviour ๐
We checked him over and all seems ok other than the large number of ticks we found.
Heโs doing well, ticks removed and he is going off to a hedgehog rehabilitation centre to continue his recovery.
๐3 more sleepsโฆ ๐
If your furry friends get their paws on Christmas treats over the festive period, please be aware that some can make them really poorly!
Please call us immediately if your pet swallows:
โ Chocolate
โ Mince pies
โ Christmas pudding (or anything with raisins, sultanas, currants and grapes)
โ Onion, garlic, leeks and chives
โ Christmas decorations
โ Alcohol
โ Mistletoe or Poinsettia
We are here for you 24/7 over the Christmas period so please do not hesitate to call our out of hours team if you are worried.
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๐๐โ๏ธ๐คถโ๏ธ
Puppy shoe tying classes!
We run all kind of classes now, including puppy shoe tying apparently!
This gorgeous litter were in for a health check before going to their forever homes. All passed with flying colours!
RVN Alice was pinned in the corner for quite a while but we know she didnโt really mind ๐
Hump day? Not when puppies are around!
Vet Zoe and Nurse Amy had these two gorgeous pups in today for vaccinations and microchips.
We canโt wait to see how big they grow ๐ ๐ถ
Meet Peter rabbit! ๐ฐ
Peter was in for castration and was a star patient. He sat very still whilst RVN Emma placed a catheter in his marginal ear vein. We use this to administer sedation, pain relief and fluids for surgery.
Here he is post op with Emma enjoying his recovery food.
Wishing you a speedy recovery Peter.
If you require any help or advice for your rabbit please contact the clinic and speak to nurses Emma or Michelle ๐ฐ
Here is Maisie, one of our smallest patients. She came in to see Vet Zoe and Nurse Holly for a full examination of her ears!
Here she is enjoying a treat after recovering from her anaesthetic!๐ญ
Keep cool, hydrated and safe in the sun this weekend everyone!
Remember:
โ๏ธ Plenty of shade
โ๏ธ Avoid exercise and if necessary, walk on grass early morning and late evening.
โ๏ธ WATER WATER WATER - for drinking and playing!
โ๏ธ Keep BBQ food out of reach - corn on the cob, bones and kebab sticks are not pet friendly!
Enjoy the glorious weekend weekend everyone and keep safe.
The End Cottage Team โ๏ธ๐
Christmas Dangers for Pets
Protect your pet from these Christmas dangers and enjoy an amazing Christmas!
The simplest things often make the best toys!