BDHVC_April 1st_Dogs You Support
Using our services goes directly to supporting the work of the wonderful Birmingham Dogs Home charity.
Not only does the money we make go directly to the charity, but the clinic looks after and nurses the dogs we receive back to health, ready to find their new furever homes!
Dogs just like Spot (now Pippa) here, who came to us in a terrible state.
We were able to get her back to health and she's is now settled in her new home now and doing really well!
You can find out more about the charity and see which dogs are available for adoption here - https://birminghamdogshome.org.uk
BDHVC_12_Expert Tips
This week we want to raise awareness around the common foreign bodies we see our patients eat and swallow, these can go on to cause a gut obstruction which can be quite serious and make your pet unwell.
Common symptoms include:
🐾 Vomiting
🐾 Diarrhoea
🐾 A painful tummy – yelping or growling when you touch their tummy or sitting in a “prayer position” with their front legs on the floor and their bum in the air
🐾 Constipation (not being able to poo)
🐾 Low energy (lethargy)
🐾 Less or no interest in food
🐾 Weight loss.
If you are worried that your pet may have ingested something please contact your vet immediately.
Qualified nurse Emma is going to give you some tips and advice on what to do in an emergency. This is an owners guide to CPR, what to do if you find your pet not breathing.
Qualified nurse Emma is going to give you some tips and advice on what to do in an emergency.
This is an owners guide to CPR, what to do if you find your pet not breathing.
Always ensure you are calling your vets whilst giving CPR to ensure you can get advice and get help taking them to the vets too.
How to find us
At our Vet Clinic we currently have road works which has closed both ends of Catherine-de-Barnes Lane. This is due to be in place for quite some time. Access to us in now from Shadowbrook Lane in Hampton in Arden.
Please take a look at this video which will help give you an idea of the route from the Catherine-de-Barnes, Solihull end. You need to follow the round diversion sign.
If you have any problems please do not hesitate to give us a call on 0121 643 5211 and please allow extra time for your journey.
Earlier this months we talked about the importance of muzzling your dog. Caroline wanted to share a quick video with some tips and tricks on how to get started with your dog at home. We hope its helpful! 🐶
👑 Wow Violet! What a lot of fur! 🐶
🐾 Here is nurse Karoline telling us all about how to do a nose to tail health check on your dog at home. 🐾
If you have any questions or would like an appointment, give us a call on 0121 643 4324. Our reception team will be happy book you in, or ensure your queries are answered.
Rabbit feeding 🌾
Rabbits produce up to 300 droppings a day and they should be large round and golden brown. And that’s because 85% of their diet should be made up of a good quality hay!
Take a look at what your rabbit is eating in a day and make sure it is:
- 85% Hay
- 10% leafy greens
- 5% nuggets
Eating an appropriate diet can prevent obesity, teeth problems and can help them keep their bottoms clean.
If your rabbit has a reduction in appetite or starts to produce small and dark poo pellets this could be the start of a medical condition called gut stasis and we would urge you to seek medical treatment straight away.
Fireworks tips for your dogs, cats and small pets
Dogs 🐶
· Make sure you get your walks in while it is still light and only send them in the garden for toilet breaks when the fireworks have stopped.
· Close the curtains.
· Play some music at a comfortable volume to help cover the sound of the fireworks.
· Make a den so they can hide if they wish.
· Never punish them if they are scared and stay relaxed around your pets.
*Speak to our vet for advice – We can talk to you about pheromone therapy, calming supplements or we may even be able to supply medications if necessary*
Cats 🐱
· Get your cat in well before dark and keep them in until the fireworks have finished.
· Close your curtains.
· Make them a den so they can hide if they wish.
· Give them a litter tray close to their den.
· Play some music at a comfortable volume to help cover the sound of the fireworks.
· Don’t confine them, however well intentioned it may make them feel more stressed.
· Never punish them if they are scared and stay relaxed around your pets.
*Speak to our vet for advice – We can talk to you about pheromone therapy, calming supplements or we may even be able to supply medications if necessary*
Small pets 🐹
· If they live outdoors bring them inside overnight or for the duration of the fireworks.
· Give them plenty of hiding spaces.
· Make sure they have lots of extra bedding.
· Play some music at a comfortable volume to help cover the sound of the fireworks.
· Keep bonded pairs/groups together as normal.
· Give them some favourite treats or toys to keep them busy.
· Never light sparklers, bonfires or fireworks near to where they are housed.
*If your small pet is still scared, please speak to our vets for advice*
Top tips from the team here at the Vet Clinic on how to keep your small furrys warm this winter!
🐹
Top Tips...on grit!
Rock salt grit is a mixture of grit and tiny rock salt crystals that gets spread on roads and pavements to melt ice or snow.
Unfortunately, if our dogs walk through this grit I may cause them to become sore on their feet. Also, if your dog then goes on to lick their feet the high levels of sodium chloride potentially can be harmful when ingested.
What can we do to help?
- Avoid walking over gritted areas.
- Think about using dog boots or foot covers.
- Wash dogs feet when they come back from their walk.
TOXINS!
With Christmas just around the corner, it's essential to be aware of those things that contain toxins that may be harmful to your pets.
Becky, Anya, Laura, Matt & Vicky with their top tips!
Things to watch out for;
Chocolate & sweets
Grit (being licked from feet)
Seasonal plants (Poinsetta, Mistletoe & Holly)
Anti-freeze
Mince pies (raisins)
We offer travel advice and document service at The Vet Clinic as team members have undergone further training to become qualified Official Veterinarians (OV), meaning they can legally act on behalf of the government to provide certification for your pet to travel.
Want to know more?
Give us a 📞 0121 643 4324
