Shannon Lodge Veterinary Surgery

13/01/2025

The most common reason for a re-examination is to determine whether your pet is actually better. Some problems have an expected course of disease, such as kennel cough, so we may only request a recheck if your pet isn’t better in the usual timeframe.

For other conditions, it can be difficult to tell if they are better or not at home, for example an eye ulcer that needs special stain applying, an ear infection that requires examination with an otoscope or cytology performing, or a urinary tract infection that needs urine testing to check for blood or bacteria.

If we don’t identify that the condition is not resolved, the consequences can include ongoing pain or discomfort for your pet, increased cost overall, and sometimes even permanent damage to the affected body parts.

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

11/01/2025

As we move into the colder months of January and February, the chance of snow and ice increases and therefore you may find yourself heading out on a frosty dog walk more often than not!

Check out our top tips below on keeping your dog safe when out and about in snow and ice.

Remember, if the weather is really bad and you don’t think it is safe to head out, then there is no harm in skipping the odd dog walk and playing games indoors with your canine buddy.

10/01/2025

January marks the beginning of Walk Your Dog Month, designed to encourage dog owners to be more active and ensure their pets get sufficient exercise. It highlights the importance of regular walks for a dog's physical and mental health whilst promoting a healthier lifestyle for pet owners too.

It will not come as a surprise that there are many benefits to regular dog walks:

Physical Health: Prevents obesity and keeps dogs fit.
Mental Stimulation: Outdoor walks provide sensory enrichment through smells, sights, and sounds.
Behaviour Improvement: Exercise can reduce boredom, destructive behaviour and anxiety.
Bonding: Strengthens the relationship between owners and their pets.

Have you enjoyed many winter walks this season? ️ Throughout January we will be sharing many more pet care tips, so do keep an eye on our social media platforms.

09/01/2025

Salt and grit used for de-icing roads can pose risks to a dog’s paws. It can irritate their paw pads, causing redness, cracking or peeling.

In an attempt to remove the salt, dogs may lick their paws, but this can lead to them ingesting chemicals that can upset their stomachs or cause more severe issues. Grit found on the roads sometimes causes micro-cuts and abrasions on paw pads, increasing the chance of infection.

Prevention and Care:
Use dog boots to shield paws from salt and grit.
Apply a paw wax or balm before walks to create a protective barrier.
Rinse and wipe your dog’s paws with warm water and a soft cloth after walks.
Check paws regularly for cuts or signs of irritation.
Trim fur between paw pads to prevent ice and grit accumulation.

First Aid for Irritated Paws:
Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Apply a soothing paw balm or petroleum jelly.
If irritation persists or there are signs of infection (redness, swelling, limping), please call us to book an appointment.

09/01/2025

📢 LOST RABBIT ALERT

This male rabbit (entire) has been handed into our practice today, he was found in Alfreton Park, Alfreton this afternoon by one of clients. He is not microchipped.

If you recognise him or have any information to help locate his owner, please contact us on 01623 442718.

26/12/2024

🎁🐾 Happy Boxing Day from All of Us at Shannon Lodge🐾🎁
We hope you and your pets are enjoying the festive season and taking time to relax after all the Christmas excitement! Whether it’s extra cuddles, a winter walk, or snoozing by the fire, we hope today is filled with joy and warmth. 🐶🐱

Remember, the holidays can sometimes bring unexpected surprises for our furry friends.
If you need us, we’re here to help—check our holiday hours on our website or give us a call.

25/12/2024

🎄✨ Merry Christmas from All of Us at Shannon Lodge Vets! 🎄✨

This Christmas, we wish you and your pets a season filled with love, joy, and paw-sitive moments! 🐶🐱🎅
Remember to keep your pets safe during the festivities—watch out for chocolate, tinsel, and other holiday hazards! 🎁✨

If you need us over the holidays, check our hours on our website or give us a call.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎉

24/12/2024

🎄✨Christmas Eve is the purr-fect time to spread holiday cheer to our furry friends, and this year we are feline festive!

🎁💚Here are a few ways you can spoil your pets and make this Christmas unforgettable:
🎅 Festive Treats: Treat your pet to a Christmas-themed snack. You can find pet friendly recipes online or grab some from your favourite pet shop.
🎄 Special Stockings: Fill a stocking just for them! Toys, treats, and a cosy blanket make perfect stocking fillers.
🎁 Extra Cuddle Time: Snuggle up! Pets adore quality time, so give them lots of love and attention.
🧸 Gift a New Toy: Something to keep them entertained all season long!

Does your pet enjoy the holiday festivities? Share your favourite festive photos of them below!🎄
Wishing you and your pets a cosy Christmas Eve filled with joy! ❤

22/12/2024

Over the busy festive period, kindness has never been so important. We understand that our clients may be feeling concerned about their pet. We are experiencing a high demand for our services and are doing our best to prioritise urgent and emergency
cases.

Please bear with us as we continue to provide care to all, in a manner that keeps you, your pets and our staff safe. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

18/12/2024

17/12/2024

Beautiful Snowy and Mistletoe not only have lovley festive names, but also make the most perfect Ying and Yang 😍❤️

17/12/2024

Over-indulgence is commonplace over the holidays, and while we can decide whether we really need a bit more cake, our pets will often accept whatever’s on offer.

However, some foods we have around at Christmas pose significantly more danger than an upset stomach; so it’s important to keep them out of paws reach!

For further information:
vetcollection.co.uk/health/keeping-pets-safe-at-christmas
If you are concerned about your pet over the festive period and need to see a vet, please call us on: 01623 442718

11/12/2024

There are lots of new things in the house at Christmas; decorations, wrapping paper, new toys and lots of boxes to play in.

Unfortunately, some things around the house can pose more risk than others, check out our list of pet festive risks around the house below.

For further information:
vetcollection.co.uk/health/keeping-pets-safe-at-christmas

If you are concerned about your pet over the festive period and
need to see a vet, please call us on: 01623 442718

06/12/2024

You may receive an email from Petchip.network Petchip. Network - Petchip Network advising that your pet’s microchip registration has expired and you need to pay for it to be updated – PLEASE IGNORE. THIS IS A SCAM.

The email comes with a link taking you to a page showing your pet’s name, microchip number, your contact phone number and looks very convincing. PLEASE IGNORE.

There is a list of approved databases on gov.uk: Get your dog or cat microchipped - GOV.UK Typically you would only pay a fee on first registering your pet or if you contact the company to update your details.

It is important to keep your pet’s microchip contact details up-to-date including if you move address or change phone number/ email address. Please contact your microchip provider to update your details.

06/12/2024

FESTIVE FOOD DANGERS

A cheeky patient decided to tuck into a whole tub of roses chocolates earlier this week… like us, he couldn’t resist the temptation, unaware of the danger of chocolate toxicity and packaging!!

During the festive season be sure to keep treats such as chocolate, mince pies, Christmas cake, Christmas pudding and alcohol out of reach from pets as these can pose a significant risk to health.

29/11/2024

Meet handsome Alfie 😍 a regular visitor here at Shannon Lodge. Alfie was with us this week for a blood glucose curve to monitor his diabetes and was an absolute pleasure to spend time with! He has so much love to give and gave us plenty of kisses and cuddles and also did a few tricks for us!😍 🐾

27/11/2024

Parasites are not just around during the warmer months, due to our central heated homes, for example, fleas can be a problem all year round.
Vet prescribed parasite treatment is one of the benefits included when you join The Healthy Pet Club.

Find out more here:
vetcollection.co.uk/health-plans-andproducts/healthy-pet-club

25/11/2024

We really do have the most lovely clients 🩷 Thank you to Teddy and his family, who came for a Healthy Pet Club check today, for our treats 🍫 😋