Medivet

16/07/2024

Do you know how to spot blue-green algae?

Exposure to blue-green algae can cause long-term health problems in pets and can even be fatal. By drinking from or swimming in contaminated water, pets are at a high risk of becoming seriously ill.

Contact your vet immediately if you think your pet is at risk of blue-green algae poisoning. For more information of what to look out for and how to protect your pet, read our advice article here: https://bit.ly/3LqTmA4

10/07/2024

Wildlife casualties are brought in to us from time to time. Often these are not the rarer animals, but none the less we try and care appropriately for every wild animal that comes to us from pigeon to buzzard, and always with a view that these patients should be released when they are recovered.

Last week we were brought in two rarer and special creatures, a young kestrel and also a very small baby stoat. Sadly despite our best efforts the kestrel passed away, but the baby stoat was hand fed whilst in our care until it could be transferred to experienced wildlife carers for hand rearing.

Yesterday we were presented with this very handsome injured buzzard. He(?) has broken his right wing. In our care for around 24hrs we were then able to transfer him to a wildlife rescue with a vet who we hope can operate such that he can fly and hunt again in the future and be released eventually. Meanwhile today ‘just a pigeon’ was brought in, but this bird too gets the care it deserves and will be sent on to a wildlife rescue until it is well enough to release.

It is an honour to be able to try and help these wild creatures. They certainly present us with a different set of challenges to our domestic pets.

09/07/2024

The loveable Dexter enjoyed meeting the team today, building his confidence and of course getting treats from everyone! 🦴

Dexter is a gorgeous German Pointer and has already started his gun dog training! Good luck Dexter, we can’t wait to see you again soon! 💙

08/07/2024

Over the summer, our vets see a lot of dogs who have issues because of grass seeds. It is important to contact your vet immediately if you suspect your dog has an injury caused by a grass seed.

If walking your dog in long grass or woodland areas, we recommend checking your dog over and brushing away any grass seeds after the walk is done. Pay particular attention to paws, ears, eyes, and armpits.

To learn more about grass seeds, and our four simple steps for dealing with them, read our helpful advice article here: https://bit.ly/3zAdaOP

05/07/2024

Do you have questions about neutering your cat? It's something we strongly advise as it has many benefits for them and helps to tackle the number of stray cats in the UK.

Female cats will benefit from reduced risk of unwanted pregnancy, certain health conditions and even certain types of cancer. For male cats, neutering reduces their urge to fight other males, lessening the chance of certain diseases, and it also means they are less likely to mark their territory around your home.

Find out more about neutering your cat here: https://bit.ly/3VK9elK

04/07/2024

Here is the sassy but brave Kitty! 🐱

She was microchipped today by our vet Emma and had a fuss by Deputy Head Nurse Laura-May after👩🏼‍⚕️

Not only is it a legal requirement for cats to be microchipped, Kitty has wanted to venture out into the big wide world, trying to follow her big brother Max out of the cat flap! 😸

Since June this year, cats have to be microchipped by law. This includes indoor cats too. If not, you could face a fine of up to £500 💰

DID YOU KNOW ⁉️A microchip is about the same size as a grain of rice! 🍚

Just like a fingerprint, a microchip is unique to each animal. It is a code that is registered to a database and holds details of the pet, alongside contact details of the owner. This gives you the best chance of reuniting with your pet in case they become lost or stolen. 😰

Feel free to contact us on 01474 852661 to check if your pet’s microchip details are up to date. ☎️

Alternatively, one of the nurses can scan your cat or dog to check for a chip and implant one if necessary!

25/06/2024

It’s important to keep your pet hydrated all year round as it delivers lots of benefits to your pets health, but especially during the warmer months. Cats and dogs both sweat through their paw pads, so as they’ll do this more now it’s hot, they will need to be provided with more fresh water. 💧

Read our tips below on keeping your pet hydrated and how to spot the symptoms of dehydration in your dog, cat or rabbit.

https://bit.ly/4eFuUIK

19/06/2024

Our June newsletter is out this afternoon, featuring the latest seasonal advice including our summer articles for dogs, cats and rabbits.

And don't forget all of our practices still have 25% off cat microchipping until the end of June, call to book - https://www.medivetgroup.com/vet-practices/ 🐈

18/06/2024

With summer officially starting soon, it’s important to know how to make sure your pet stays happy, healthy, and protected as the days get longer and the temperatures get higher.

From what to look out for in your garden to keeping your pet hydrated, we’ve put together several useful articles that will help your dogs, cats, and rabbits keep their cool in the summer heat.

You can read more here: https://bit.ly/45wVVcT

13/06/2024

From small baby to independent sparrow, Chirpy is another sucess story. Brought into the clinic after being found on a driveway, our vet Nicola took this little one on with the help of SVN Lucy. Hand fed and further supported he (or she) has been released back into the wild this morning. Good luck with the rest of your life Chirpy.

11/06/2024

The adorable Coco at his first vaccination visit to Medivet Lawley with vet Georgia 🤩🐾

30/05/2024

Betty visited the practice today wearing the brightest t-shirt we’ve ever seen a cat wear! 👕

Our Deputy Head Nurse, Laura-May, helped vet Storm worm Betty, (and to ask Betty for the latest fashion advice whilst having a cuddle 💅🏼)

29/05/2024

Pets can develop skin allergies at any age, so it's important to make sure you know the signs and symptoms. Dogs may start scratching excessively, whereas cats may start licking their belly, back, or behind their legs more than usual.

The most common skin allergy is called atopic dermatitis, and although it's a lifelong condition, it can be controlled and managed, meaning your pet can lead a normal and healthy life. Treatments may include medication, supplements, or even newer monoclonal antibody treatments.

Read more about atopic dermatitis and how your vet can help here: https://www.medivetgroup.com/pet-care/pet-advice/skin-allergies-atopy/

29/05/2024

Here’s Tiger, Tiny and Uno visiting the practice for their routine worming treatment this morning 💊

Student nurses Amie and Lucy and vet Milly couldn’t resist a cuddle of course! 🤗

23/05/2024

Did you know that May is Vet Nurse awareness month? We champion the incredible work that veterinary nurses undertake every day here at Medivet West Kingsdown👩🏼‍⚕️

Did you also know that Veterinary Nurses can carry out a dental descale and polish under anaesthetic? 🪥

Here are the before and after photos of Moppet, who had her teeth scaled by our Deputy Head Nurse Laura-May.

Laura-May assessed each tooth for evidence of gum disease and reported to the vet, Emma, accordingly. She checked for any wobbly or damaged teeth for Emma to decide whether they need extracting. 🦷

FUN FACT: Medivet West Kingsdown are one of the very few practices to have a dental x-ray machine. They allow us to make better decisions about your pet’s teeth as it enables us to to see what’s going on below the gum line. 🩻

21/05/2024

The law is changing - from 10 June 2024, cats in England must be microchipped and registered on a database by the time they’re 20 weeks old. The penalty for not microchipping your cat could be a £500 fine. A microchipped cat has a much higher chance of being reunited - please microchip your cat. We're offering a 25% discount of microchipping until the end of June. Book an appointment today. https://www.medivetgroup.com/vet-practices/

21/05/2024

Last sighting in West Kingsdown

A Tayra has escaped from her enclosure at a wildlife conversation zoo, with “distraught” keepers warning the public not to approach her.

15/05/2024

What better way to participate this year’s than to spend some time with your pets?

This year’s theme, Movement: moving for our mental health, encourages people to move in a way that suits them. Whether you’re taking your dog for a walk or playing games with your cat, being physically active is great for our minds and bodies. It's also a great way to bond with your pet.

Increased physical activity is not the only mental health benefit of spending time with your pet. Read our article on the six other mental health benefits of being a pet owner here: https://www.medivetgroup.com/pet-care/pet-advice/six-ways-pet-ownership-benefits-your-mental-health/

13/05/2024

Dogs can pick up kennel cough multiple times throughout their lives, but in most cases, they can recover in a few weeks.

During this time, you should encourage your dog to rest and avoid collar and lead activity as it could put more strain on their respiratory system. You should talk to your vet if your dog’s cough persists, or if you notice any changes in behaviour such as a reduced appetite or less energy.

Our article on kennel cough explains more about the infection, what to look out for, and how to treat it. Read more here: https://bit.ly/44CKnV0

10/05/2024

🚧⚠️NOTICE ⚠️🚧

We will be having repairs to our driveway next Wednesday 15th May and Thursday 16th May.

This means the driveway will be accessible by foot ONLY.

Clients will need to park on the surrounding roads near the practice.

We are sorry for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

08/05/2024

Is your rabbit protected against Myxomatosis? This highly infectious viral disease has a very high mortality rate and can leave your rabbit prone to other infections.

The best way to protect your rabbit is to vaccinate them, especially as there is no cure if your rabbit becomes infected. There's also ways to reduce the risk of your rabbit catching the virus.

You can read more about them, and Myxomatosis, in our advice article here: https://bit.ly/4blrPLu

08/05/2024

Have you ever considered a career as a Veterinary Nurse? We are looking for a new patient care assistant who will have the opportunity to study for a veterinary nursing qualification in due course. Minimum GCSE requirements apply. Wonderful team and a rare opportunity to get into this career.

The Opportunity As a Veterinary Care Assistant, you will be an integral part of the practice team. Working with our Veterinary Surgeons, qualified Nurses, and Student nurses to provide exceptional care to our patients. Provide a gold standard service to our patients and clients Following cleaning pr...

08/05/2024

Everyone meet the beautiful Lily! 🌷
The most loveable lurcher who was incredibly brave today when she came in for the second part of her restart vaccine course.
Here she is jumping at the chance to take the treats right from the nurse’s hand! 🦴😋

07/05/2024

Whether the sun is out or hiding in the clouds, your pets will want to be out in the garden this spring. Did you know there may be some hidden dangers in your garden that can injure or poison your pet?

Pets can develop allergies to certain plants, pollen, and insects. If you notice any hay-fever like symptoms, such as itchy, watery eyes or sneezing, contact your vet for advice. They can help you identify the causes and ease your pet’s symptoms.

Read more about keeping your pet safe in the garden here: https://bit.ly/3QCazcF

01/05/2024

❤️

These are the many skills of a vet nurse, some you may know and others might be more of a surprise.

Over the month we'll be sharing photos and stories of our amazing vet nurses at Medivet 🐾

27/04/2024

❤️🌍🐾

This years theme is all about celebrating veterinarians as essential health workers. We're thankful to all of the veterinary professionals at Medivet who dedicate their time to caring for our clients and their pets everyday.

26/04/2024

Can you feed your rabbit cauliflower, courgette, or brussel sprouts? The answer is yes, but only in small amounts. Vegetables should account for around 15% of their diet.

We’ve put together an essential guide to caring for your pet rabbit that will help you make sure your rabbit stays happy and healthy. It includes information about their diet, the vaccinations they need, what environment they should be kept in, and how to manage their behaviour.

Learn more about your rabbit and what they need in our essential rabbit care guide here: https://bit.ly/44fPM4a

26/04/2024

Can you feed your rabbit cauliflower, courgette, or brussel sprouts? The answer is yes, but only in small amounts. Vegetables should account for around 15% of their diet.

We’ve put together an essential guide to caring for your pet rabbit that will help you make sure your rabbit stays happy and healthy. It includes information about their diet, the vaccinations they need, what environment they should be kept in, and how to manage their behaviour.

Learn more about your rabbit and what they need in our essential rabbit care guide here: https://bit.ly/44fPM4a

25/04/2024

Please join us in welcoming back our vet Milly! 👋🏻
Some of you may remember Milly as one of our first Assistant Vets from back when we started Medivet West Kingsdown. Now, after honing her skills in our 24 hour hospital in Dartford, she is back and ready to welcome you and your pets at the surgery! 🐱👩🏼‍⚕️

Here she is examining Kiki, (our wonderful ambulance driver) Tania’s gorgeous rescue dog. 🐶

19/04/2024

✨A day in the life of Betsy getting spayed✨

Here you’ll see the process of how our team care for the patients before, during and after their operations 👩🏼‍⚕️🩺😷

17/04/2024

Training your dog and teaching them commands can be really rewarding. If you're wanting your dog to learn some simple commands, we've put some tips together to help.

All dogs learn at a different rate so be patient, be consistent in your approach, avoid distractions, reward them with praise and occasional treats, and always have fun while you're doing it.

Read our dog training tips here: https://bit.ly/4dc7gCS

17/04/2024

Meet Blossom! 🌼 🌸

Blossom is a gorgeous maltipoo who may be small weighing only 1.8kg but gave everyone so much love when she came in for her worming treatment. 🥰
Today was her first visit at the practice where she enjoyed many cuddles (especially from our vet Storm!) and we look forward to seeing her again soon! 😍

16/04/2024

Our April newsletter is out today, featuring the latest advice including our guides on dog, cat and rabbit nutrition. 🐾