The Vet Whetstone

The Vet Whetstone Welcome to The Vet Whetstone page! We are a friendly, enthusiastic and committed team, offering you and your pet the upmost level of care.

‘The Vet’ clinic is an independent veterinary clinic established in 2002 to provide excellence in healthcare, welfare and caring services for your family pet. Our vets are dedicated practitioners who believe in combining high levels of veterinary knowledge and skills with providing reassurance and an outstanding service to our clients and patients. Everything we do is aimed at helping you and your

pet - we are always here when you need us. We are pet owners and animal lovers, who understand the joys of owning a pet, treat your pet as if it is our own, and recognise how it feels when they are not well.

🐾Keep your pet warm and dryKeeping pets dry and warm in winter is crucial for their well-being. Cold, wet conditions can...
26/11/2025

🐾Keep your pet warm and dry
Keeping pets dry and warm in winter is crucial for their well-being. Cold, wet conditions can cause pets to become chilled, making them more vulnerable to illnesses like frostbite, hypothermia, or respiratory infections.

Pets with short coats or those not accustomed to the cold are especially at risk. By ensuring they stay dry and warm with proper shelter, clothing, or indoor warmth, we help protect them from these dangers and ensure they stay healthy, comfortable, and happy during the colder months.

For more information, visit:
https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/seasonal/winter/pets

⚠Stay safe in extreme weather⚠Harsh winter conditions can pose dangers to our pets, particularly when they’re out and ab...
25/11/2025

⚠Stay safe in extreme weather⚠
Harsh winter conditions can pose dangers to our pets, particularly when they’re out and about. Keep them safe by knowing the risks of extreme weather:

⚠Cold temperatures – certain species and breeds have minimum temperature limits.
⚠Wind – extreme winds and cold weather can cause hypothermia. Provide shelter from harsh conditions where possible.
⚠Snow – snow can hide hazards. Be cautious when letting pets off leads after snowfall and supervise them closely.
⚠Ice – ice on ponds and lakes can be thin and may not support your pet’s weight. Keep pets away from frozen surfaces.
⚠Flooding – wet coats or feathers can lead to hypothermia. Dry your pet thoroughly if they get wet.

For more information, visit:
https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/seasonal/winter/pets

Meet the lovely Pebbles.Pebbles came in for a heart scan with our ultrasonographer to monitor his heart murmur.  The ulr...
24/11/2025

Meet the lovely Pebbles.
Pebbles came in for a heart scan with our ultrasonographer to monitor his heart murmur. The ulrasonographer noticed changes in his heart and so pebbles will be starting heart medication to lessen the strain on his heart ❤

Despite being a nervous boy, he did warm up to us by home time 💕

A little fun holiday, founded by the American Kennel Club, is 'Thankful for my dog day'We don't need an extra excuse to ...
23/11/2025

A little fun holiday, founded by the American Kennel Club, is 'Thankful for my dog day'

We don't need an extra excuse to spoil our favourite canines, but if you are looking for one, then here it is!

Here are some ideas to show your pooch some extra love:
🐾Take Your Dog on a Longer, Slower Walk Than Usual
The average dog loves long walks where they can sniff and smell to their heart’s content. Give them that opportunity by taking them on a longer, slower walk than usual.
🐾Give Your Dog More of the Favorite Treats
Most dogs have at least one treat that they go nuts over. On their special day, give them a few more (within reason, of course).
🐾Bring Your Dog to Their Favorite Place
Does your dog love going to the beach, your local dog park, or the forest? If so, take them there on Thankful for My Dog Day and let them have a great time.
🐾Tell Your Dog You Love Them
Your dog might not understand English completely, but they recognize some words. “I love you” are usually three words they understand. Try to tell them you love them as much as you can on Thankful for My Dog Day 💕

Today we look at breed related winter health risks.Certain breeds and animals with existing health issues are more at ri...
21/11/2025

Today we look at breed related winter health risks.

Certain breeds and animals with existing health issues are more at risk of falling ill in the winter. If yours is in the list below, keep a closer eye on them and speak to us about how to best protect and care for them.

🐾Flat-faced animals — brachycephalic animals may have difficulty breathing in colder weather.
🐾Short-coated breeds — animals with shorter coats may be more likely to feel the effects of cold weather. Wrapping them up in a coat when outdoors, or with a heated blanket at home, can help keep them cosy.
🐾Animals with arthritis — like in humans, cold weather can make animals’ joint pain worse.
🐾Animals with heart issues — may have difficulty breathing or exercising in colder weather because cold temperatures increase the strain on the heart, reduce oxygen intake, cause airway constriction, and make physical movement more difficult.

If you are concerned about any of the above, call us on 020 8368 9798 and book an appointment.

For more information, visit:
https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/seasonal/winter/pets

Just like in the summer, when we all take extra precautions to protect our furry pals from the hot weather, the winter a...
20/11/2025

Just like in the summer, when we all take extra precautions to protect our furry pals from the hot weather, the winter and cold bring a fresh set of challenges to overcome.

We will bring you regular updates on how you can help to ensure your furry best friend stays warm and happy this winter.

Today we'll talk about behaviour changes.

-Be aware of natural behaviours
Like wild animals, the natural behaviours of our pets change through the seasons. Knowing what’s normal for your pet in winter will help you spot if something’s wrong.
In winter, it’s natural for our pets to:

🐾Seek warmth and shelter — many pets may curl up in warm places in the house, such as on blankets, in the sunlight, or by radiators.
🐾Want to stay indoors — if your pets venture outdoors they may become more reluctant to during winter if it’s wet, cold or snowing.
🐾Huddle — pets that enjoy companionship may become more affectionate during winter, cuddling with each other or their owners for comfort and warmth.
🐾Shiver — like humans, pets can shiver when they are exposed to low temperatures for too long. This is more noticeable in smaller and short-haired breeds.
🐾Eat more and drink less — like their wild counterparts, some pets may want to eat more, in order to bulk up and preserve body temperature. They may also drink less, but dry indoor air and heated environments can lead to dehydration so make sure they always have access to fresh drinking water.
🐾Groom more — pets may groom themselves more to keep their coats in good condition to ensure they stay warm.
Providing your pet with cozy spots, indoor enrichment through toys and exercise, and a healthy diet can help them enjoy winter. Normal behaviours do vary by species, for information visit:
https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/seasonal/winter/pets

Regular exercise and a balanced diet can make a huge difference to your dog’s overall wellbeing. But keeping your dog in...
19/11/2025

Regular exercise and a balanced diet can make a huge difference to your dog’s overall wellbeing. But keeping your dog in good shape does more than help their waistline — it also reduces the risk of serious conditions such as diabetes mellitus and heart disease.

With November being Pet Diabetes Awareness Month, we’ve put together some simple, enjoyable ways to help keep your dog fit, healthy, and full of life.

Why weight matters

Carrying extra weight puts strain on your dog’s joints, heart, and lungs. Over time, it can also affect how their body manages blood sugar, increasing the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Maintaining an ideal weight lowers this strain and supports a better quality of life.

Daily exercise that suits your dog

Dogs have different activity needs depending on age, breed, and health, but most benefit from:
🐾 Daily walks: Aim for two walks a day to keep them active and mentally stimulated.
🐾 Playtime: Games like fetch or hide-and-seek help burn energy.
🐾 Training sessions: Short, fun exercises keep their mind and body engaged.
🐾 Off-lead time: Safe, enclosed areas allow them to run freely and let off steam.
⚠ If your dog hasn’t been active recently, increase exercise gradually to avoid injury.

Healthy eating habits

What your dog eats is just as important as exercise. To help maintain a healthy weight:
🐾 Measure meals: Follow your vet’s advice on portion sizes.
🐾 Choose quality food: Pick a complete, balanced diet suitable for their age and lifestyle.
🐾 Limit treats: Keep treats to under 10% of daily calories.
🐾 Avoid table scraps: Human foods can be high in fat, salt, or sugar, leading to weight gain.

Small, consistent changes to your dog’s routine can help them stay lean, energetic, and at lower risk of weight-related health problems. A healthy dog is a happy dog — and keeping them in shape is one of the best ways to show you care.

If you’re concerned about your dog’s weight, book an appointment with our vets for a full nose-to-tail health check.

Keeping your pet at a healthy weight is one of the easiest ways to support a longer, more active life. Excess weight can...
18/11/2025

Keeping your pet at a healthy weight is one of the easiest ways to support a longer, more active life. Excess weight can stress the joints, heart, and other organs, and over time can raise the risk of problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

So how can you know whether your pet is at a healthy weight?
We use a tool called the body condition score to evaluate a pet’s physique, as it helps determine whether they’re underweight or overweight. This scale—typically ranging from 1 to 9—places healthy pets in the middle numbers. You can use the same basic idea at home by observing and gently feeling your pet’s body.

🐾You should start by standing above your pet and looking down at them, and then from the side:

Dogs: You should see a slight waist behind the ribs when viewed from above, and a gentle tummy tuck when seen from the side.
Cats: A visible waistline is ideal, though not as pronounced as in dogs. Avoid a sagging belly pouch, which can indicate excess fat.

🐾Next, run your hands gently over your pet’s ribcage:

Healthy weight: Ribs are easy to feel but not sticking out. There’s a light covering of fat over them.
Underweight: Ribs, spine, or hip bones are very prominent with little flesh covering.
Overweight: Ribs are difficult to feel without pressing firmly, and you may notice a thicker fat layer over the back and base of the tail.

If you think your pet might be over or under their ideal weight, don’t panic. Small changes in feeding and activity can make a big difference.

Not sure what your pet’s ideal weight is or how to help them achieve it?
We can help you understand what your pet should weigh and why. We can then create a tailored plan to help get your pet back into shape safely, avoiding the risks of crash dieting or sudden exercise increases.

Just call us on 020 8368 9798 to book an appointment.

🎃 Happy Halloween! 🕷Here are some helpful tips to keep your furry friends safe this spooky season 👻🐾Keep sweets out of r...
31/10/2025

🎃 Happy Halloween! 🕷
Here are some helpful tips to keep your furry friends safe this spooky season 👻🐾

Keep sweets out of reach. Many Halloween treats, especially chocolate, are toxic to dogs. Be sure all candy is stored safely away. If you’d like to give your dog a special treat, offer a few slices of apple — just remove the core and seeds first!

Be mindful when opening the door. With trick-or-treaters coming and going, there's a risk your dog might slip out. Try keeping them in a separate room or attach a lead before opening the door. It’s also a great time to double-check that your dog’s microchip information is up to date.

Dress-ups are optional. Costumes are fun for humans, but not all pets enjoy wearing them. If your dog is okay with dressing up, make sure their costume doesn’t limit movement, vision, or breathing, and has no small parts they could chew or swallow.

Consider skipping trick-or-treating. The noise, costumes, and excitement can be overwhelming for some dogs. It may be kinder to leave them at home in a quiet, familiar space with their favourite toys.

If you enjoy the fireworks, there are simple but important steps you can take to make the experience less distressing fo...
30/10/2025

If you enjoy the fireworks, there are simple but important steps you can take to make the experience less distressing for animals, both domestic and wild.

🎆Attending an organised firework display is one of the most considerate options, as it helps reduce the number of private displays scattered across neighbourhoods — which can cause prolonged stress for pets and wildlife.

🎆If you’re planning to set off your own fireworks, try to do so only on or around traditional celebration dates such as Diwali, Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, or Chinese New Year. Most pet owners expect fireworks around these times and will have taken steps to prepare their animals.

🎆Whenever possible, choose low-noise fireworks and give your neighbours plenty of notice, particularly if they have pets, horses, or other livestock that may be easily startled. Never set off fireworks near fields, stables, or paddocks, as panicked animals — especially horses — can seriously injure themselves.

🎆It’s also important to consider local wildlife. Fireworks can disturb birds roosting in trees or waterfowl resting on lakes, so avoid lighting displays near these habitats. Lastly, always check bonfires before lighting them, as hedgehogs and other small creatures may be using them for shelter or hibernation.

With a little planning and consideration, it’s entirely possible to enjoy fireworks while also protecting the wellbeing of animals around you.

Firework season can be particularly stressful for small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters, especially thos...
29/10/2025

Firework season can be particularly stressful for small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters, especially those kept outdoors.

To help reduce their anxiety, consider partly covering cages or pens with thick blankets. This can help muffle the loud noises and block out the flashing lights, while still leaving a small section uncovered so your pet can look out and remain aware of their surroundings.

Make sure they have plenty of bedding material available so they can burrow and hide — a natural behaviour that helps them feel safe and secure.

If your small animals are usually kept outside, it may be worth thinking about bringing them indoors during the fireworks period. However, this transition should be done gradually to avoid adding more stress. Planning ahead is key, and organizations like the RSPCA offer helpful guides on how to make this move as smooth as possible for both you and your pets.

With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can create a more peaceful environment and help your little companions feel safe during what can be a very unsettling time.

Firework season can be especially unsettling for cats, who are often more sensitive to loud noises and sudden flashes. T...
27/10/2025

Firework season can be especially unsettling for cats, who are often more sensitive to loud noises and sudden flashes.

To help your cat cope, make sure they have access to safe, quiet hiding places around your home — this could be under a bed, behind furniture, or in a cozy, dimly lit corner. If your cat chooses to hide, avoid trying to coax them out, as this can increase their stress. Instead, give them space and allow them to come out when they feel ready.

It's also best to keep cats indoors during this time to prevent them from becoming frightened and running away. Using pheromone diffusers, ideally started at least a few weeks before firework season begins, can help create a calming atmosphere and reduce anxiety. Playing classical music or leaving the TV on at a low volume can help mask the noise of fireworks outside.

Lastly, make sure your cat is microchipped and that your contact details are up to date — in the event they do manage to escape, this greatly increases the chances of being reunited quickly and safely.

Address

247 Oakleigh Road North
London
N200TX

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 7pm
Saturday 9:30am - 4pm

Telephone

+442083689798

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