Black Sheep Vets

12/11/2024

Can you imagine if we all had the excitement of a puppy on that day when you discovered that you had YOUR OWN TAIL !!!!

Built-in entertainment FOREVER !!

09/11/2024

Did you know that cats like to play fetch? 😺

According to research, cats who initiate fetching sessions play with more enthusiasm and invite you to play with them more frequently.

But not all cats enjoy playing fetch, and it’s important to pay attention to your feline’s preferences, since play is essential for a cat’s wellbeing and strengthens your bond with your furry friend.

How does your cat like to play? Share in the comments!

07/11/2024

So I’m thinking of taking my many years of experience as a veterinary surgeon and creating a side business, because I’ve found a particular smell that is just heavenly and I need to know how to recreate or bottle it it…

That smell is of course …..

New puppy smell ( I’m not talking about the wee and poo side- but the gorgeous scent around their face when you snuggle them- heavenly !).

Names for this new puppy fragrance appreciated in advance 😝

05/11/2024

This is a myth! They can also purr in times of illness and as a self-soothing response during stressful situations.

Did you know this one? Tell us in the comments below!

04/11/2024

Congratulations on your graduation, Eloise! 👩‍🎓

We’re so proud of you and lucky to have you on our team. You have fit in brilliantly, your compassion and dedication shine through in everything you do.

Here’s to all the amazing things ahead as you start your journey as an RVN! 🐾

01/11/2024

Bonfire Night is almost here, and we would like to remind you to please check underneath your bonfires for hedgehogs (or any other animals that may have chosen to hide there) before lighting them! 🦔🔥

These little garden friends often hide under bonfires or piles of leaves for hibernation, and might not notice you lighting your bonfire before it’s too late.

To avoid burns, or even more severe problems, do a quick check before starting the fire, and if you spot a hedgehog in distress, don’t hesitate to call the British Hedgehog Preservation Society on 01584 890 801 for advice ☎️

31/10/2024

Today is Halloween and your pets can also be involved! Are you considering trying out a costume for your furry friend this year?

Before going out to buy or make something, keep these things in mind for a great Halloween night for everyone:

🎃 In case your furry friend isn’t used to dressing up, it might be best to just give them a collar or harness with spooky accessories.

🎃 If your pet is happy do dress up, try choosing a costume that does not block sight, hearing or smell.

🎃 Mobility is also important and a well-built costume lets your pet move without any difficulty.

🎃 If your pet starts showing any discomfort, it may be time to consider taking the costume off.

What else would you suggest? Give us your best tips in the comments below!

31/10/2024

🎃 HAPPY HALLOWEEN 🎃

If you are passing the practice today please take a dog treat for your good boys/girls.

We would love to see a photo of them getting their treats in the comments!

30/10/2024

‼️ HELP NEEDED ‼️

Please can you help with name suggestions for this pretty little girl? We are big Harry Potter fans in the Goodear household so anything Hogwarts and magical would be a bonus 🧙‍♀️

Stay tuned for my next update of how she is settling in…

30/10/2024

29/10/2024

Edit - now with dog warden

Are you missing me?
Please get in touch ASAP.
01507 609 929.

29/10/2024

After 2 years without my own dog, we’re going to pick up our new puppy tomorrow. Join me on this adventure and learn lots of new skills and tips about bringing up a puppy.

27/10/2024

Has your dog ever done anything that embarrassed you so much that you wished there was a hole in the ground? 🐕🤭 We'd love to hear your stories!

24/10/2024

Has your dog ever suffered from a skin infection? 🐕

Skin infections can be caused by different agents, such as parasites, bacteria and fungi.

These are common in dogs and usually raise a red flag 🚩 for us, as most skin infections are secondary. This means that behind the infection is something else that needs to be investigated. 🔎

Common problems that can lead to skin infections include hormonal diseases, such as hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease, and anything that causes itching (and scratching), such as fleas and allergies.

Treatment will depend on the infectious agent involved, as well as the underlying cause. If both of these are not addressed adequately, infections are likely to happen again and become recurrent.

If you notice any skin lesions on your dog or they seem to be itching more than usual, don't hesitate to talk to us!

20/10/2024

If your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t, don’t panic! The most important thing to do is to assess the situation and call us as soon as possible.

So, keep calm and:

🐕 See if anything is stuck in their mouth or airways, and if it is, try removing it gently if you’re confident you can do so without pushing it down further.

🐕 If you saw what they ate, get as much information as possible (for instance, the container or wrapper) and let us know, as this can help us assess your pet’s situation better.

🐕 In case you see panting, drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea or seizures and you have a strong suspicion they ate something poisonous, get to us right away.

If this happens to you, it’s essential that you are prepared to react quickly and efficiently to prevent any serious harm. Have our emergency number saved on your phone and don’t hesitate to contact us if needed!

16/10/2024

Did you know that there’s a lot you can do at home to improve your pet’s experience with us? 🤔

If your pet is not 100% comfortable coming in for an appointment, getting them used to what we usually do during a health exam can help them feel more relaxed.

For instance, practice checking their ears, touching their lips, trimming their nails or feeling their belly and then offering them a reward afterwards. This will make them feel more comfortable during our physical examinations. In no time, they’ll be used to these common procedures and will feel much more at ease during appointments!

13/10/2024

Though cats can’t talk, they’re perfectly proficient in non-verbal communication!

If they squint at you with a relaxed facial expression, it usually means that they trust you, but if the cat’s ears are back and they seem a bit crouched and puffy, this is definitely an invitation for you to back off. ⛔

Are you familiar with your cat’s body language? Let us know in the comments!

09/10/2024

Many pet owners may not be aware of this, but conkers (also called horse chestnuts) are poisonous to dogs! 🌰 🐶

During this time of the year, it is common to find them on the ground, and our dogs might find them tasty or something fun to play with. However, conkers contain aesculin, a toxic substance that can be dangerous.

Signs of toxicity depend on the amount ingested and might include:

👉 Vomiting and diarrhoea

👉 Abdominal pain

👉 Excessive thirst

👉 Lack of energy

Need help navigating this and other seasonal pet issues? Give us a call today! 📲