Cundall and Duffy Veterinary Surgeons

07/02/2025

Please see below the latest update from North Yorkshire Council.

We have been made aware that some veterinary practices in North Yorkshire have received a letter from us stating they should no longer take in stray dogs.

This letter was sent in error, and we are really sorry for any concern it has caused.

As the local authority, we have a statutory duty to collect stray dogs and at no stage was there a proposal to stop doing this. The letters should not have been drafted or issued and we are investigating this.

We have sent a correction to the practices and can categorically confirm vets can accept stray dogs, or alternatively people can report a stray dog online at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/environment-and-neighbourhoods/animals/dogs/lost-or-stray-dogs or call us on 0300 131 2 131.

We sincerely apologise for this mistake and are grateful for your help in sharing this information.

05/02/2025

Stray Dogs

Please be aware we are no longer able to take in any stray dogs in at the practice. Please contact the council below or cliff top kennels.

Further information is available on the council website https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/environment-and-neighbourhoods/animals/dogs/lost-or-stray-dogs

31/01/2025

While it's a frequent issue, bad breath in pets should not be considered normal. Often, it's a sign of underlying health problems that need attention. If you're used to your pet cuddling close to your face, you'll likely notice quickly if their breath becomes unpleasant!

Find out more about how to improve your pet’s bad breath here:

Dogs: https://bit.ly/407sv4B

Cats: https://bit.ly/4dP78rW

30/01/2025

Having your teeth brushed is a strange experience, and many pets will panic if it is not introduced slowly and gently. It may take a month or two to reach a point of “proper brushing” – this is normal and nothing to worry about.

Find out how to start brushing your pet’s teeth here:

Dogs: https://bit.ly/40bWJmU

Cats: https://bit.ly/40jQBsK

29/01/2025

Are you thinking about introducing tooth brushing into your pet’s care routine?

Check out what you’ll need below and for further information on brushing your pet’s teeth:

Cats: https://bit.ly/4dWyJYr

Dogs: https://bit.ly/3Yu8un

28/01/2025

This is particularly important when antibiotics are being used. We should always give antibiotics for the shortest length of time required to achieve a cure, however if a longer course is required this should be continuous for them to be effective and create the least antimicrobial resistance. Finishing a short course of antibiotics, seeing that symptoms recur, then restarting treatment is much less effective. This will usually require a longer total course of treatment (as bacteria will have multiplied again while treatment was not being given) and prove more expensive.

Sometimes a condition has improved but not resolved at the time of a recheck. Your vet will know what degree of improvement is expected in a particular timeframe and be able to decide whether your pet simply needs more time, or whether treatment plans need changing. If required, medication doses may be changed or additional medications can be prescribed. The earlier it is identified that a first-line treatment is insufficient for an individual case, the sooner we can intervene to achieve a cure
in a timely and economic fashion.

For more information on why rechecks are important: vetcollection.co.uk/health/why-rechecks-areso-important

27/01/2025

If your pet is overweight, the path to weight loss and a healthy happy pet isn’t always clear. Losing weight can be a challenging and lengthy process, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or confused by conflicting advice.

We are here to help with our weight clinics. Our veterinary nurses can help formulate a personalised plan for your pet, set achievable goals and help you with any setbacks.

Contact us today to book your weight clinic appointment!

26/01/2025

New year, new pet? The Healthy Pet Clubhas you covered. Vaccinations, Parasite control, Health checks, discounts in practice and more.

These benefits are included to give your pet the best start in life and to maintain their health as the years go by.

Find out how to join today: vetcollection.co.uk/health-plans-and-products/healthy-pet-club

25/01/2025

While reduced calorie intake is the most important part of weight loss, increasing energy expenditure through exercise and play can also have an impact. Exercise also helps prevent muscle loss and increase flexibility, supporting healthy aging.

Find out more about what you can do at home to support your pet’s weight management: vetcollection.co.uk/health/exercise-for-weightmanagement-in-pets/

24/01/2025

Our first priority when your pets visit us is their safety at all times.

Please ensure that cats are restrained in baskets or other suitable carriers, and dogs are kept under control and on a lead at all times in the car park and waiting room. If you need any assistance to meet these requirements, please let us know so that we may help.

23/01/2025

The pet insurance market can be very overwhelming but it can be made easier by deciding the type of policy that would suit you best to narrow your search.

Depending on the age of your pet and level of cover you would like to protect them with, you can then start considering the different polices for that type of insurance.

Remember not all pet insurance is the same so it is a good idea to check the cover provided and ask if you will be paying more for claiming.

22/01/2025

Many conditions we see that present as an acute problem are actually a sign of something underlying. The most common example is an ear infection due to underlying allergic skin disease. Although we can treat the ear infection, if we don’t address the skin disease the ear will continue developing infections and, eventually, develop chronic problems. The active infection is the priority and diagnosing and managing this should be the focus of the initial consultation, however at the follow-up appointment the vet will have more time to discuss other signs of skin disease and suggest further investigations or long-term management options to help control this and reduce the likelihood of recurrent infections.

This is the case for many other problems that are likely to recur or persist, such as urinary tract disease (particularly in cats), lameness, diarrhoea, or pancreatitis, to name a few.

For more information on why rechecks are important: vetcollection.co.uk/health/whyrechecks-are-so-im

21/01/2025

Hearing dog Albert has been on an adventure with his deaf partner Sarah, as they visited York city centre.

Albert took in all the sights, including the spectacular York Minster, and did so well in a busy environment with lots of people.

Not only that, but Albert also travelled on two forms of public transport and proved to be the perfect passenger on both a train and a river cruise.

Amazing job as always, Albert!

20/01/2025

Blue Monday typically falls on the third Monday of January and is often considered the “saddest day of the year”.

Fortunately, we all know that our pets are great at cheering us up, and here’s how they can help raise your spirits this January:- Studies show that interacting with pets—like stroking their fur or playing— releases oxytocin (the "feel-good" hormone) and lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone).

Walking a dog or playing with a cat keeps you active, which boosts endorphins and helps combat sadness or depression.

Pets are very intuitive, meaning they can sense when you are feeling down. Their comforting presence alone can be enough to soothe any feelings of stress, anxiety or sadness.

How do your pets help you beat the January blues? Share your stories and photos in the comments! 🐾🐈🐕‍🦺

19/01/2025

We love to see dogs and their owners having fun together, and what better time to pick up a new sport or activity? Whether you choose agility, scentwork, canicross, hoopers or one of the many other activities available, the benefits can include: Physical exercise - for you and your pet.

Mental stimulation that challenges your dog’s brain and fulfils their natural instincts. Strengthening your bond and trust, by sharing experiences and achieving new things together Improving your relationship at home - a tired and fulfilled dog is a well behaved dog.

Let us know in the comments below what your dog will be getting up to this year.

18/01/2025

With the cost of living increasing, you may be starting to feel the impact on your monthly budget and looking for ways to reduce outgoings.

Our animal companions are part of the family and provide immeasurable support during hard times, but looking after their needs also contributes to monthly bills.

You may ask yourself if you can afford pet insurance, but when times are tough having the right pet insurance may actually help you manage costs more effectively.

17/01/2025

Are you a member of The Healthy Pet Club?

We’d love to see some photos of our adorable members, so please post a photo of your four-pawed friends below!

Not a member of The Healthy Pet Club? Find out how to join today: vetcollection.co.uk/health-plans-andproducts/healthy-pet-club