Village Vet Finchley

29/11/2022

Here’s another reason to smile today 😻

29/11/2022

❤️😻

26/11/2022

22/11/2022

❤️❤️❤️

22/11/2022

It’s the time of year when rain is the ruler and puddles and ponds become commonplace…​🌧️

When there is lots of rain, there are extended periods when water is stagnant, harbouring many potentially dangerous bacteria and parasites. 🦠​🧫

This puts our pets in danger of contracting Leptospirosis, Giardia or even ingesting motor oil, whilst lawn chemicals and anti-freeze are more likely to spread by runoff with increased rainfall.

💧 Leptospirosis, which thrives in wet, moist areas and can be serious for dogs and milder in cats, can be caught from water in rivers, lakes, streams or standing water containing urine from other animals or wildlife.

💧 Giardia, a microscopic parasite, can be found in water contaminated by faeces. It can be contracted from untreated sewage water or ponds soiled by wildlife.

If you are concerned about your pet, please contact us.

22/11/2022

With the temperatures dropping and energy costs rising, we wanted to share some easy ways to keep your pet warm throughout the winter months, including:

🔥 Investing in some warm blankets
☀️ Opening curtains when the sun is out to heat the house naturally
🚪 Keeping your windows and doors shut
🏠 Positioning your pet's bed away from draughty places in the house
🌊 If your pet gets soaked or goes swimming, drying them thoroughly
🛀 Only bathing them when necessary and drying them off thoroughly after
🐶 Letting their hair grow; it's their built-in blanket
⚽ Playing indoor games – for safety, play on a non-slip surface
🏠 If you have a smaller pet that lives in a hutch or a run, consider bringing them into a garage or porch

For more top tips, visit our latest blog post >> https://bit.ly/3ULRogi

20/11/2022

Today is Stir-up Sunday, the last Sunday before Advent, and the traditional day to prepare and mix your Christmas puddings🎄🎁

Remember that raisins, sultanas and currants are toxic to pets, and ingestion of a small amount can be enough to cause kidney damage. It is not fully understood how these foods cause poisoning, and there is no correlation between the amount eaten and the likelihood of an animal developing complications. This means that even a small amount can be enough to cause serious kidney impairment.

18/11/2022

Something cool for a Friday evening ❤️

18/11/2022

Let’s talk about rabbits also!!🐰🐇❤️

17/11/2022

Giardia in 🐕 and 🐈

Dog and cat stool (p**p) can contain Giardia germs and may make people sick even when the pet appears healthy. Symptoms of Giardia infection in both people and pets can include diarrhea, gas, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting. It is possible to be infected and have no signs or symptoms of illness.
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Can I get Giardia infection from my pet?
The chances of people getting Giardia infection from dogs or cats are low. The type of Giardia that infects humans is not usually the same type that infects dogs and cats.
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How does my dog or cat get infected with Giardia?
Your dog or cat might get infected by:
1. Being in contact with infected p**p from another dog or cat
2. Rolling and playing in contaminated soil
3. Licking its body after contact with a contaminated surface (for example, a dirty litter box or dog cage or crate)
4. Drinking water from a contaminated creek, pond, or other body of water
5. Young pets, like puppies and kittens, have a higher risk of illness than adult dogs and cats.
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How do I protect myself if my dog or cat has a Giardia infection?
The chances of getting sick with a Giardia infection from your dog or cat are small. However, there are some steps you can take to minimize your exposure to Giardia if you have dogs or cats:
1. Wear gloves when gardening to reduce the risk of coming into contact with infected p**p or soil.
2. Clean and disinfect household surfaces regularly, and especially areas or supplies that your pet uses such as toys, bedding, and water and food bowls.
3. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after touching your pets, their food or treats and their p**p.
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How do I reduce the amount of Giardia in my yard or outdoor.
1. Always remove p**p from your yard or other outdoor areas by using a bag and throwing it away.
2. Change cat litterboxes daily.
3. Limit pets’ access to common outdoor spaces, such as dog parks or public trails, as much as possible if they have diarrhea or are being treated for Giardia.
4. Remove standing water (for example, empty any containers of water and remove any water from fountains .
5. Do not allow any new animals, especially young ones, to enter the yard or other outdoor space until advised by your veterinarian.
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How long does Giardia survive in the environment?
Giardia can survive for several months in cold water or soil.
Giardia can survive much longer in soil at colder temperatures than at room temperature.
Giardia can survive longer in water at colder temperatures (for example, lake or puddle water during the winter, refrigerated water) than at warmer temperatures (for example, tap water, river or puddle water during the summer or fall).
Giardia survives much longer in moist, cool environments than in dry, warm environments that have direct sunlight.
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How often and for how long should I clean and disinfect my home after my dog or cat is diagnosed with Giardia infection?
Clean and disinfect potentially contaminated items (for example, toys, water bowls and food bowls, pet bedding, floors, dog crates, linens, towels, litter box) regularly for as long as your pet is sick.
If your pet is taking medication, clean and disinfect potentially contaminated items frequently (daily if possible) until a few days after the last dose of medication is given.
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How do I prevent my dog or cat from getting re-infected, or getting my other pets sick, during treatment?

If you have other dogs or cats, make sure you tell your veterinarian, even if they are not showing signs of diarrhea. Other pets may also be started on medication, depending on the situation. Even animals without visible signs of Giardia infection may be infected and shedding Giardia into the environment.
Bathe all household pets with pet shampoo following medical treatment to ensure no p**p is in the pet’s coat.
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Clean dogs’ and cats’ environment (for example, holding areas, floors, crates) and wash water bowls daily with soap and water. Clean cages, habitats, and supplies outside the home when possible to avoid contaminating surfaces. If that is not possible, clean them in a laundry sink or bathtub and then disinfect that area immediately afterward.
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Limit your dog’s access to creeks, ponds, lakes, and other waterbodies to avoid re-infecting your animal and contaminating the water, which could make other animals sick.
How do I treat my pet for Giardia infection?
If your pet has diarrhea that is not going away, seek veterinary care. Diarrhea has different causes and could result in dehydration or other serious problems.
Diagnosis and treatment of Giardia infection must be done by a licensed veterinarian.
No approved over-the-counter treatment is available for Giardia infection.
Giardia can be passed in p**p intermittently, and an animal may appear healthy or without signs of disease before it stops passing Giardia. Repeated p**p tests may be necessary.

16/11/2022

Love them, be patient and you’ll have a friend for lifetime!!!🥰

14/11/2022

Let’s start the week with some cuddles 🥰

11/11/2022

Our receptionist’s sleepy cat, Jack, wishes you a nice and relaxing weekend 🐱

11/11/2022

Is it possible for cats to catch a cold? Or is their coughing or sneezing a sign of something else? There’s a lot of confusing information out there about cats and colds! 😺

💁Cats don’t catch the same common cold virus that humans do. Nevertheless, cats can get a condition called cat flu, which is also known as feline viral upper respiratory disease.

💁Cat flu causes cold-like symptoms with a runny and congested nose, a fever, sneezing and red, watery eyes. It can also cause lethargy, so you may notice that your cat is not moving around as much as usual.

💁There is no treatment that your vet can give you for cat flu and it will usually clear up on its own in a few weeks. However your vet might prescribe antibiotics to help them deal with any secondary bacterial infections.

💁Cat flu is very contagious and unvaccinated cats are at risk of picking up the infection. It’s best to keep your pet inside and away from other cats if they seem unwell or have any of the flu-like symptoms.

10/11/2022

Vaccines are important and protect your pet against diseases such as Parvo. Please make sure your pet is up to date with their vaccinations. ❤️

10/11/2022

Please make sure your beloved kitten gets their vaccinations to stay happy and healthy 🐱

08/11/2022

07/11/2022

AVIAN BIRD FLU UPDATE

Following multiple cases in wild birds in England, mandatory housing measures for all poultry and captive birds are to be introduced in all areas of England from 00:01 on Monday 7 November, following a decision by the United Kingdom’s Chief Veterinary Officer.

The housing measures legally require all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and to follow stringent biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the disease, regardless of type or size.

For the most up-to-date information, visit the GOV.UK website >> https://bit.ly/3MGiaE8

If you find a sick or deceased bird, please report it to DEFRA on 03459 335 577.

As a precautionary measure, we have put some protocols in place in our practice to prevent transmission. If you should need to bring a bird to our practice, please call us for the latest advice.

03/11/2022

This handsome, lost boy is still waiting to be reunited with his owners! But in the meantime is enjoying lots of love and attention in his foster home.

Please call the practice on 020 8343 1433 if you have any information.

02/11/2022

This lovely boy was found roaming lost in a park in the NW9 area and is looking to be reunited with his owner! He’s a very friendly, young, crossbreed with an unregistered microchip. Please give the practice a call on 020 8343 1433 if you can help.

01/11/2022

PREPARE YOUR PET FOR FIREWORKS

🎆 Are you and your pet prepared with bonfire night around the corner?

Loud bangs, pops and bright flashing lights can be very stressful for pets and their owners, so we wanted to share a few measures you can put in place to help your pet, including a great pet playlist, which you can play to help distract your pet from the frightful fireworks.

While fireworks light up the skies, we advise you to:

🎆 stay at home with your pet;

🎆 ensure they have access to fresh water;

🎆 close curtains, blinds, windows and keep doors closed;

🎆 provide a safe space with bedding for your pet to snuggle in, and

🎆 consider bringing small animals inside.

Classic FM, in collaboration with the RSPCA, has put together a list of pet classics, a special programme to help calm pets over the bonfire night weekend. Why not have it ready and playing over the weekend >> https://bit.ly/3f6UEno.

Charlotte Hawkins hosts our much-loved show filled with classical music to help keep anxious pets – and their owners – calm and relaxed this fireworks season.

01/11/2022

This beautiful boy was brought into the practice lost in the NW4 area. He has no microchip and needs reuniting with his family. Please share this post and give Village Vet Finchley a call on 020 8343 1433 if you can help.

31/10/2022

HALLOWEEN HAZARDS FOR YOUR PETS

Celebrating Halloween may be a ‘spooktacular’ opportunity to have a great time with friends and family but spare a thought for your pets to ensure they are kept safe and have a happy night too.

🧙‍♀️ Costumes can be fun for people but not pets. Do not dress your pet up, as this can cause them unnecessary stress and discomfort – and can even harm them.

🤫 Provide your pet with a quiet, safe place to rest to avoid the noise and excitement of people celebrating Halloween.

🍫 Keep sweets and treats away from your pets. Chocolate and sweets can be harmful to pets if consumed. Keep them stored out of reach of your pets.

🎃 Pumpkins are pretty to look at but avoid using wax candles as excited dogs and curious cats could be seriously injured if they investigate by an open flame.

🚪 Make sure your pets' microchip details are up to date. With the door opening and closing to trick-or-treaters, if the worst happens, make sure your pet is easily identifiable.

28/10/2022

Little Deja came in for her first vaccination with us at Finchley and truly made herself at home!

28/10/2022

🎆🐰 SMALL ANIMALS: BE PREPARED FOR THE AUTUMN FESTIVE SEASON

Fireworks can be enjoyable for us to watch, but loud bangs and flashing lights are known to cause distress in small mammals. Ahead of the firework season, we have put together some top tips to help you prepare for the up-and-coming celebrations.

28/10/2022

28/10/2022

💊 Pimobendan 💊

Pimobendan is a medication commonly used in dogs for the management of congestive heart failure. Common trade names for Pimobendan include Vetmedin and Cardisure.

These tablets are often chewable and highly palatable, which is excellent for administration, however it also makes them very appealing for our canine companions and can often lead to large overdoses if they are left within reach.

The individual response to pimobendan overdose is very variable, however animals with underlying cardiac disorders are more at risk of toxicity. Clinical effects include increased vomiting, increased heart rate, fluctuations in blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm and liver dysfunction.

☎️If your pet has ingested more than their daily dose of pimobendan, we recommend that you contact Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 for guidance. Vets can contact VPIS on 0207 305 5055 for in-depth treatment advice☎️

28/10/2022

NOW OPEN 🐶🐱💉🩺

We are pleased to announce that we are now back open as a vaccine clinic, and Mihaela and Jess look forward to welcoming you.

To book a vaccine appointment, you can call the practice on 020 8343 1433 or click here to book easily and conveniently online >> https://bit.ly/3U2ERVf

26/10/2022

Prevention is the best form of protection.

‘Tis the season for harvest mites in dogs and cats. Here are four important facts which can help us deal with these insects…

🍂 Harvest mites are tiny, bright orange mites that can cause problems for pets in the late summer and autumn.
🔴They bite and cause intensely itchy, red, inflamed skin.
🐱🐶Harvest mite infestations are most common on the feet, legs and sometimes in the ears.
👁️ Can usually be seen with the naked eye, especially if there are lots of them!
✅Treatment for harvest mites is relatively simple and the prognosis is excellent once it has been cured.

If you think your dog or cat has harvest mites, it is likely that they will need to be seen for treatment; please get in touch with us.

25/10/2022

🐶 🐱 🐰

Choosing your pet's name can be a tough decision. How did you choose your pet's name?