The Vet Whetstone

25/06/2024

Rabbits are a lot more complex than we think, especially when it comes to their diets. Up to 90% of their diet should consist of hay or fresh grass. They only need a small amount of nuggets, contrary to popular belief! Greens and herbs should only be given in small handfuls everyday, as this adds some variety to their diet. And always remember to supply your bunny with fresh water. 🐰

24/06/2024

With lovely, hot weather approaching this week, please make sure you’re taking extra precautions for your furry friends!
- Avoid going for walks during the middle of the day. Keep walks to early morning, or after the sun has gone down.
-Ensure they have access to fresh water at all times. Ice cubes can be added to keep it cool
-Never leave your pet in a hot car, even if you think you’ll be quick!
-Lay down damp towels for your pet to lay on if they’re feeling a bit hot and bothered.

24/06/2024

Today is the start of Rabbit Awareness Week! This year's theme is Healthy Diet, Happy Bunnies!

21/06/2024

There has been some confusion surrounding whether the practice is independent or part of a corporate group. We would like to confirm that we are 100% an independent family owned practice and not part of 'The Vet' group. The practice was established in 2002 by Albert, whom still runs and owns the practice today.

19/06/2024

Does your dog struggle to breath during the warmer months?

BOAS, or Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, is a common issue among short-nosed, or brachycephalic breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus and Boxers. BOAS can impact their breathing, which can affect their sleeping, exercise and digestive health.

If left untreated, BOAS can lead to severe respiratory distress, particularly following exercise in warmer weather. Due to the stress placed on the body, due to the constant effort to breath, many other complications can arrise, such as behavioural issues due to discomfort, or gastrointestinal issues in the form of regurgitation of food.

Signs to look out for are:
-Intense snoring
-Noisy breathing
-Coughing and gagging
-Sleep apnoea
-Behavioural changes

If you're unsure whether your dog needs to be treated for BOAS, please give us a call today to speak to one of our lovely reception or nursing team!

18/06/2024

It's been 7 days since the law for microchipping cats changed. All pet cats, including indoor cats, in England must be microchipped by 10 June 2024. The new rules means that cats must be microchipped before they reach the age of 20 weeks. As part of the new rules, you must keep your contact details up to date on a Defra-approved microchipping database. If you still need to get your cat microchipped, give us a call today to book an appointment!

17/06/2024

NEW IN!! We now have toys, made from recycled plastic bottles, in stock. 🦜🦒🦁🐊

17/06/2024

There are currently temporary traffic lights on Oakeligh Road North! Please give yourself extra time when coming to us for an appoitment 🙂

14/06/2024

How adorable are Cookie and Gucci, who came to visit us today for their vaccines. They melted our hearts ❤️🥹

11/06/2024

WE ARE RECRUITING FOR A RECEPTIONIST!!
A rare opportunity has arisen for a veterinary receptionist to join our team.
If you have excellent communication and organisational skills, an ability to multitask and are an enthusiastic and caring individual, then please apply by sending your CV and cover letter to [email protected].

11/06/2024

28/05/2024

Our telephone lines are extremely busy this morning after the bank holiday, so we apologise if you are on hold for a little longer than normal.

Could we kindly ask that any non-urgent enquiries are emailed to us on [email protected].

24/05/2024

Why are Veterinary Nurses great?

If you don’t know already, vet nurses do many things! From taking the call to book in a client, triaging emergencies, admits, venepuncture and IV catheterisation, monitoring anaesthesia, performing diagnostic tests, preparing medication, discharging patients back to their owners. Nurses can even perform minor surgery under Schedule III legislations.

23/05/2024

Meet Ginny! Ginny stayed with us for the day for a dental procedure. As you can see from the picture she loves her cat hidy house! We ensure all patients feel as safe and settled as possible during their stay with us.

22/05/2024

We are now reaching the end of 'No-Mow May' when the grass is at its longest. This can cause serious problems for pets, who walk through the grass and pick up grass seeds in their fur. These grass seeds can then get imbedded in their skin and cause open wounds.
To prevent this from happening do the following:
* Inspect your pets paws and remove any grass seeds
* Wash your pets paws after each walk
* Ask your groomer to clip the fur short around their toes and paws.

21/05/2024

Who says that dogs dont like coming to the vets! Meet Togo, who loves to greet us at the reception desk and get a treat!

20/05/2024

Did you know?!
1. Rabbits body language is sutle and therefore it is harder to figure out how they are feeling.
2. Rabbits require a annual vaccination, just like cats and dogs.
3. Rabbits do not like to live on their own and are much happier in pairs or more.
4. Rabbits can be neutered to improve some negative behaviours
5. Rabbits teeth grow at a rate of 1cm a month!

Please give us a call if your bunny needs an appointment!

18/05/2024

Albert loves welcoming new members to The Vet Whetstone family...

17/05/2024

The deadline is fast approaching, it will be compulsory for your cat to be microchipped by the 10th June, if not you could be facing a fine of up to £500. Microchips can easily be implanted during a consultation, so please give us a call today to book your appointment.

16/05/2024

Noticed your cat coughing? 🐈 Cats can get asthma, sometimes called inflammatory airway disease, and coughing could be a sign. Coughing can look a little like the cat is trying to be sick and may be mistaken for hairballs. Taking a video to show your vet is the best way to establish if the cat is truly coughing.

The terms ‘feline asthma’ and ‘chronic bronchitis’ are often used interchangeably in cats and are used to describe chronic disease of the small airways (bronchioles) within the lungs.

Find out more about the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and inhaler training 👉 https://icatcare.org/advice/asthma-in-cats

27/04/2024

Dogs can get Contagious Canine Cough directly from other dogs or just from where other dogs have been. The best way to keep your dog protected is with a vaccine, talk to one of the team for an appointment today.

25/04/2024

Protect your pet and your family from the threat of parasites. Keep on top of your pet’s parasite protection with our Pet Health Club – and receive your pet’s parasite protection direct to your door, whenever it is due.

24/04/2024

Want to know more about helping your pet in an emergency?

The RVC are hosting a Pet First Aid Evening - designed for cat and dog owners on Thursday 4th July 2024

📍 RVC Hawkshead Campus (near Potters Bar, Herts)

Featuring speakers from RVC's emergency team at Europe's largest small animal hospital - RVC Queen Mother Hospital for Animals

Info/online bookings : https://rvc.uk.com/pet-first-aid-event-Jul-2024

23/04/2024

Daisy and Cooper came to visit us last week for their vaccinations. How beautiful are they! 😍

22/04/2024

Allergy season is fast approaching, some of us have already been feeling the effects of hayfever 🌾 Your pets can also experience seasonal allergies, but there are steps you can take to prevent these. If your pet suffers with allergies and you've tried all the steps above, feel free to book a consultation with us, to see if there is anything we can do to help.

21/04/2024

Did you know? The Government has announced that microchipping will be a legal requirement for cats in England from 10 June 2024. The new rules mean cats must be implanted with a microchip before they reach the age of 20 weeks and their contact details stored and kept up to date on a pet microchipping database. If your cat doesn't have a microchip, please book them in before the 10th June!

19/04/2024

GRASS SEEDS!! Warmer weather unfortunately means grass seeds are coming. Grass seeds are wind pollinated and wind-dispersed, so grass doesn't rely on animals like other plants do to expand to new territory. Grass grows quickly too, meaning it's often the first plant to move into a cleared area. After walking your dogs in long grass, make sure to check their paws and ears for any signs of grass seeds. During the warmer months, we have an influx of patients with grass seeds imbedded in their ears and paws. This usually requires a sedation in order for us to remove the grass seed and can become quite painful. If you notice your dog licking their paws a lot or shaking/scratching their ears, this could mean a grass seed is embedded. Give us a call if you're unsure 🌾

17/04/2024

Some of you may have heard of Alabama Rot, or Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV). A fatal disease that affects dogs. Contrary to the name, there have been a number of cases seen in the UK. Currently sitting at 292.

Alabama Rot damages the blood vessels in the skin and kidneys, which causes visible sores on the skin. These sores typically appear below the knee or elbow, and occasionally on the face or at the bottom of the chest or abdomen. It can lead to severe organ dysfunction, including kidney failure. Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for Alabama Rot.

Alabama Rot is not contagious, but is thought to be transmitted by your dog walking through wet muddy woodland areas during winter and spring months. Once the skin sores appear, kidney failure can be apparent in as little as 3 days!

For a live map of Alabama Rot cases, follow the link here: https://www.alabama-rot.co.uk/live-map-of-cases/