Albany Veterinary Surgery

02/05/2024

🌈Just like us, your pet could help make a difference by being a tissue donor for other animals in need even after they've gone🌈
Please ask us for more information.

17/04/2024

27/03/2024

🐾True or False?🐾

🐶"Old dogs can't learn new tricks; it's too late to teach them!"🚫

🌟Fact Check: Age is just a number when it comes to dog learning! That said, learned behaviours like reactivity can be challenging to extinguish nut they can always be improved.

Here's the truth:
1️⃣Brain Plasticity Persists: While brain plasticity (ability of the brain to change) decreases with age, it doesn't mean dogs can't learn. They may just need a bit more patience and positive reinforcement.
2️⃣Teaching is Possible: If your adult dog is pulling on the lead, teaching them to walk nicely is absolutely possible! Engage in various exercises and games to make the learning process enjoyable for both of you.
3️⃣Patience and Positive Reinforcement: Older dogs can benefit from patient and positive training methods. Use treats, praise, and consistency to encourage the desired behaviour.
4️⃣Tailored Exercises: Tailor your training to suit your dog's needs. Mix up exercises and games to keep it interesting and engaging.

👉Remember, it's never too late to enrich your dog's life with new skills and behaviours. Age is just a number; the joy of learning is timeless

26/03/2024

Tongues out for Tuesday!
Share your pet's TOT pics below

25/03/2024

🐾True or False?🐾

🐶"Wait until they're 6 months old before leaving a puppy alone." 🚫

Fact Check: Early independence training is key! Here's the scoop:

1️⃣Start Young, Start Gradual: Waiting until 6 months can make this training more difficult. Begin teaching your puppy to stay alone early to prevent separation anxiety down the road. Gradually build up the time.
2️⃣Short and Sweet Sessions: Leave them alone for short periods initially. It can be as simple as stepping into another room for a few minutes. Gradual exposure is the key.
3️⃣Chews and Comfort: Provide distractions like chews or toys to keep your pup occupied. Make the experience positive, associating alone time with enjoyable activities.
4️⃣Listen to Cues: If your puppy is distressed, start with very short intervals, even as brief as 10 seconds. Gradually increase as they become more comfortable.
5️⃣Seek Professional Help: If leaving your puppy is a challenge, don't hesitate to reach out to an accredited dog trainer or behaviourist for personalised guidance.

🐾Building independence early fosters a confident, well-adjusted pup

23/03/2024

It’s
Today is a paw-some day for all dog enthusiasts to celebrate unconditional love and the cute fur balls that bring so much happiness into this world!
Comment your cutest puppy pics below!

22/03/2024

🐾Training Tip Alert! 🐾

🐶Why wait to train recall until they're older? Start early and make it fun! It means you can always stay safe if you can recall away from danger.

🚀Fact Check: Recall is like a superpower for your dog, and the earlier you start, the better! Here's why:

1️⃣Start Early, Start at Home: Begin recall training in the comfort of your home, even before full vaccinations. Early introduction of fun recall games lays a solid foundation.
2️⃣Clear Cue, Clear Communication: Establish a specific recall cue, like 'come,' to eliminate confusion. Consistency is key!
3️⃣Fun = Success: Make recall enjoyable! Praise, tasty treats, or a playful game as rewards create positive associations. This encourages your pup to respond eagerly.
4️⃣Practice Makes Perfect: Don't wait until you need them to come back. Practice when it's not crucial, so your dog associates recall with continued enjoyment, not the end of fun.
5️⃣Be the Fun Owner: You want to be the source of joy, not the spoiler of fun. Building a positive relationship through engaging training makes you the fun companion!

🎓Start early, make it fun, and watch your pup become a recall champion

21/03/2024

🐾True or False?🐾

🐶"That guilty dog look means my pup knows they did something wrong!"🚫

🌟Fact Check: The 'guilty dog look' is often misunderstood! It's not guilt; it's stress signals. Here's the scoop:

1️⃣Dogs are master readers of body language. They pick up on cues that signal our reactions. That 'guilty look' may just be their way of anticipating our response and trying to avoid a strong reaction.
2️⃣Dogs don't experience guilt; it's a higher-order emotion. They can't discern right from wrong. Instead, they've learned that certain behaviours lead to a less severe response when they display stress signals.
3️⃣When your dog counter surfs, it's not thievery but a natural scavenging instinct. Understanding their behaviour helps foster a positive relationship.

Interested in delving deeper? Check out this paper on how dogs perceive humans and the ethical aspects of their treatment:
Frontiers | How Dogs Perceive Humans and How Humans Should Treat Their Pet Dogs: Linking Cognition With Ethics (frontiersin.org)

🐾Let's replace guilt with understanding and build a positive connection with our furry friends!

20/03/2024

🐾True or False? 🐾

🐶"My dog is stubborn; they just won't listen!" 🚫

🌟Fact Check: Dogs aren't stubborn; they're just trying to figure out what works for them! Training challenges? Let's break it down:

1️⃣Your dog might be enticed by something in the environment more than your offered reward. It's all about finding the right motivation!
2️⃣If the surroundings are overwhelming or scary, your pup might struggle to focus. Creating a comfortable, safe space is essential.
3️⃣Clear communication is key. Your dog might not understand what you're asking and doesn’t know how to respond. Give them clearer instructions for success.
4️⃣Is something punishing the behaviour? Identifying and removing negative associations is crucial.
5️⃣Previous cues might be linked to alternative behaviours. Reinforce the desired actions consistently.

🤝If you're still facing challenges, reach out to an accredited and qualified dog trainer. They're the experts in tailoring solutions for a harmonious relationship between you and your furry friend

19/03/2024

🐾True or False? 🐾

🐶"Dominance theory in dog training is the key to a well-behaved pup." 🚫

👉Fact Check: Many trainers, still advocate this outdated theory of dominance. We now understand domestic dog behaviour so it’s time to debunk this outdated concept!

🚫Dominance theory wrongly suggests that dogs seek to dominate through aggression. This has led to the misguided use of punishment and 'corrections' in training. Unfortunately, when these methods fall short, some resort to even more extreme punishments. All of which slows learning and ruins relationships and trust between human and dog.

🤝Positive reinforcement, and understanding the theory of learning not dominance, builds a trusting bond between you and your dog. Understanding their needs and using reward-based training fosters a positive and cooperative relationship. But like the old school manager we know, this is not how we get the best out of people and animals.

🚀Move away from dominance theories, embrace modern, sciencebased methods.Your pup deserves encouragement, not intimidation, for a happy and well-adjusted life!

18/03/2024

🐾True or False? 🐾

🐶"Ignoring a crying puppy is the best way to avoid rewarding the behaviour." 🚫

🌟Fact Check: It's not about tough love, but understanding your pup's needs! Ignoring cries doesn't always teach independence; sometimes, it's about addressing real concerns and fears.

When your furry friend cries, it's their way of communicating. Consider if they need the toilet, feel cold, are lonely, or scared.

Remember, in their litter, puppies sleep cosily with their siblings. Transitioning to a new home and sleeping alone in a crate can be a big adjustment. If your puppy is crying, investigate the cause—let them out if it's a potty emergency. Small bladders need attention!

If it's loneliness or fear, comfort is key. You can't reinforce fear, and having your pup close, even in your room, fosters security. As they grow, gradually transition them downstairs.

A little TLC goes a long way in building trust and a secure
environment for your furry family member

17/03/2024

🍀🌈Happy St. Patrick's Day!🌈🍀
Wishing all our wonderful clients and furry friends a day filled with luck, laughter, and lots of green! May your day be as happy and bright as a rainbow and as lucky as finding a four-leaf clover!
Don't forget to give your pets some extra love and maybe a playful green accessory to join in on the St. Paddy's Day fun! Share a photo of your pet getting into the spirit in the comments below.

15/03/2024

🐾True or False? 🐾

🐶"Your dog needs to play with dogs when they are young to prevent them from being reactive." 🚫

🌟Fact Check: While letting your puppy interact with other dogs is crucial, it's not just about quantity, but QUALITY! Socialisation goes beyond playdates – it's about introducing them to a wide variety of safe dogs and to new experiences like novel objects, sounds, smells, and surfaces.

👉So why not just endless play with furry friends? Socialisation is a well-rounded approach and many older dogs will not want to play with them. Controlled and positive interactions with dogs, humans, and diverse environments are key.

Remember, it's about setting the stage and putting in the time for a well-adjusted, friendly companion. 🐩🩵

📍Pro Tip: When seeking socialisation opportunities, look for trainers and vets promoting controlled and positive based learning in their classes. Your pup will learn how to focus and thrive in various situations

14/03/2024

Today is
Chronic kidney disease is a common condition that affects older cats. The kidneys play a vital role in your cat’s health by:
✅Removing toxins from the blood
✅Maintaining water balance
✅Maintaining salt balance
✅Maintaining the acid balance of the body
✅Maintaining normal blood pressure
✅Producing hormones
Regular check-ups are important to help your vet detect changes in your cat's health early. If you have any concerns about your cat, please get in touch with us today!

14/03/2024

🏥| A message from the team…
We are aware of the CMA investigation into the veterinary profession, and we want to reassure you about the care of your pets and the service we provide.
When you entrust us with your pets, we feel a sense of responsibility to provide the best, and the most appropriate care. Like you, our team wants the best outcome for your pet.
However, we understand that you may have some concerns regarding the CMA investigation. You can share your concerns or feedback directly with the CMA: [email protected]
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and we do appreciate any constructive feedback.
Be patient. Be kind. Be courteous 💚

12/03/2024

As the weather warms and outdoor adventures beckon, it's essential to be aware of potential hazards lurking in our surroundings, particularly for our furry companions 🌿Grass seeds might seem harmless, but they can pose a threat to our pets. These seeds can become embedded in their fur or paws, causing irritation, discomfort, and in some cases, serious health issues. They have tiny barbs that can lodge into the skin, ears, eyes, or nostrils, leading to infections or abscesses if not promptly addressed.
🌿During walks or playtime in grassy areas, check your pet's fur, especially between their toes, ears, and armpits, for any lodged seeds. Keep longer fur trimmed, which can reduce the chances of seeds becoming embedded.
🌿Avoid letting your pets roam in areas with overgrown grass or wild plants known for problematic seeds. If you suspect your pet has encountered grass seeds or is showing signs of discomfort, such as excessive licking, sneezing, or pawing at their ears, get in touch with us promptly.

11/03/2024

Brave boy Ralph, who spent sometime at our main hospital 🥰

10/03/2024

Being a Mother doesn’t mean being related to someone by blood. It means loving someone unconditionally and with your whole heart.
Happy Mother's Day from everyone here at Albany Veterinary Surgery ❤️

05/03/2024

🍫+🐶 / 🐱= 🚫
With Easter around the corner, chocolate treats become more prevalent. While delicious for us, chocolate can be extremely harmful to our pets. Even small amounts of
chocolate can be toxic to cats and dogs, causing various health issues, ranging from vomiting and diarrhoea to more severe complications. We urge all pet owners to keep chocolate and other sweets out of reach from curious paws. If you suspect your pet has ingested chocolate, contact us on 0151 489 4106 immediately.
Swift action can make all the difference!

04/03/2024

When visiting Albany veterinary practice you are entering a scruff-free zone. This means we have a ZERO TOLERANCE policy to Scruffing cats in our practice and will advocate against Scruffing cats at home.

Scruffing is when you restrain a cat by firmly gripping the loose skin at the back of the cat’s neck.
Scruffing causes panic and stress for a cat, and we advocate for a ‘less is more’ approach when handling cats.
Hold your cat lightly with the least amount of restraint possible, where they still have movement of their head, body, and limbs. This gentler handling will reduce the fear and distress, whilst also reducing the chance of defensive aggression – which scruffing can cause.
If you have any cat-related queries, please do reach out to the team today - 0151 489 4106.

https://icatcare.org/ourcampaigns/pledge-to-go-scruff-free/

04/03/2024

As gardens bloom and springtime blossoms, it's important to be mindful of the flowers that surround our furry family members. 🌸🐱🌺
While flowers can be beautiful, some can pose risks to our pets
💐Certain flowers, such as lilies, tulips, daffodils, azaleas, and chrysanthemums, are toxic to pets if ingested. Even small amounts can lead to various health issues, ranging from gastrointestinal upset to more severe conditions like kidney failure.
❗️If you suspect your pet has nibbled on or ingested any flowers, especially those known to be toxic, contact us immediately. Quick action is crucial to mitigate potential harm.
💐Be cautious when choosing indoor and outdoor plants. Opt for pet-friendly blooms like marigolds, roses, sunflowers, or pet-safe alternatives to ensure a pet-friendly environment. Remember to keep them out of reach, as ingesting them can cause stomach issues.

01/03/2024

While peanut butter can be a fantastic and tasty treat for pets, it's crucial to make sure it's safe for them! A few peanut butter brands contain xylitol, a sweetener that's harmful to dogs.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Xylitol, a common sweetener, can be found in a few peanut butter brands and can be extremely dangerous for our furry companions. Even a small amount can cause severe health issues for dogs. Always double-check the ingredients to ensure that any peanut butter you offer to your pets is xylitol-free.
👉Share a photo or video of your pet enjoying xylitol-free peanut butter in the comments below! Whether they're licking it off a spoon or getting those adorable peanut butter smiles, let's see those moments of pure bliss! 🐾

29/02/2024

An extra day to show how much we ❤️ our pets? RESULT!🙌
A cheeky pet treat? a new toy? extra strokes? How are you making us of our bonus day this year?

23/02/2024

As we gear up for spring cleaning, it's essential to be mindful of the products we use, especially when it comes to the safety of our furry companions. Many household cleaning agents contain chemicals that can be harmful or toxic to pets if ingested or exposed to their skin or paws. Ingredients like bleach, ammonia, and certain
detergents can cause irritation, respiratory issues, or more severe health problems for our beloved animals.
Please store cleaning products securely out of reach of curious pets and follow proper usage guidelines. Keep pets away from freshly cleaned areas until surfaces are completely dry and chemicals have dissipated.
Always read labels carefully and opt for pet-friendly or non-toxic cleaning alternatives whenever possible. If you suspect your pet has come into contact with or ingested cleaning products and is showing any signs of distress, contact us immediately for guidance.

19/02/2024

‼️Having your cats microchipped will become law on the 10th June 2024 if not, you could be fined up to £500! 🫣
Microchipping gives you the best chance of a lost/stolen pet being identified and returned to you.
Get in touch today and get your cat booked in!🐱🐈🐈‍⬛
☎01514894106

17/02/2024

The importance of vaccinating your rabbits! Cases of myxomatosis are almost always fatal, please act now and book your rabbits for their vaccination! Which gives 12 months of protection and includes both types of rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease and comes with a health check.
Get in touch below
☎️ 0151 4894106

14/02/2024

3 signs your rabbit loves you 🐰
As a prey species, it can be difficult to spot signs of affection that your rabbit gives you. Here’s what to look out for ⬇️
💘Binkying: This is where your rabbit will suddenly run, leap, and twist in the air! Sit
back and enjoy the show.
💘If your rabbit just flops out, fully stretched out, this means they’re super relaxed and feel unthreatened around you.
💘A little headbutt, rub or nudge against you is them looking for some loving attention.
Bonus points if you can share some of the above signs of love with us in the comments!

14/02/2024

How does our four-legged friend show their love? Let’s have a look ⬇️
💘When your dog chooses to come cuddle up to you (on their terms), they trust you, they love you and they want to be close to you!
💘That helicopter tail wag? This type of tail behaviour is for people who they love the most.
💘Eye contact, but with soft relaxed eyes shows that your dog has level of
trust in you and wants you to know about it.
These are but three signs, but there’s many more, has your dog shown any today?
We’d love for you to tell us.

14/02/2024

They might not be as obvious with it as dogs, but cats have their ways of showing their love ⬇️
💘If your cat’s tail is upright, they are content and safe and if it has a quiver at the top… this means you have a very happy cat!
💘Purring is usually a sign that your cat is happy and content, but it can have other meanings such as feeling nervous at the vets
💘Giving you a cheeky cheek rub or a gentle head-butt, they are marking their scent on you, and is a way they build up bonds with other animals.
💘And finally… rolling over allowing you to rub their belly is the ultimate sign of trust and love!
Let us know if you spot any of the above signs in your cat… photos are always welcome