Holistic Vet Norfolk

04/09/2024

I visit this cat, Bertie, in his own home for acupuncture for his chronic pain. He is completely unhandleable at the vet clinic, but we manage with him in his chosen spot at home.

03/09/2024

A Lovely review received today...and here is Mashy with her needles...no restraint needed.

What a revelation our visits to Shelagh have been. Our dog Mashy has responded really well to the acupuncture and, after only 3 visits, it's already working wonders with her pain levels and has definitely improved her overall wellbeing. What makes Shelagh really stand out from the crowd though is her empathy and excellent understanding of doggy behaviour and her holistic approach to canine wellbeing - as well as the acupuncture we have also covered diet, the use of essential oils and doggy massage techniques in our appointments. This has all resulted in a very happy and content Mashy and a very relieved and grateful owner! I simply cannot recommend Shelagh highly enough!

03/09/2024

Client Reviews

John Clogan
We can not thank Shelagh enough for the kindness and compassion she shared when we had to euthanase out beloved cat Bakewell. If moments like this can be beautiful, this was a beautiful moment. Thank you so much.

Response:
I am touched. Thank you for being beautiful cat servants.

30/08/2024

Friday Funny!

28/08/2024

Amazing, we have a Rainbow Bridge day. Let's share the love and memories by adding one photo and the year when they crossed. ❤️❤️❤️

09/08/2024

How to Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer!
As August heats up, we all know keeping cool and hydrated is essential. But what about our four-legged friends? Our dogs, with their fur coats and boundless energy, need extra care during these summer months.

Hydration is Key
First, just like us, dogs need plenty of water to stay hydrated. Make sure your furry friend has constant access to fresh, clean water. A fun tip is to add some ice cubes to their bowl – not only does it keep the water cooler for longer, but dogs enjoy playing with the ice cubes too!

Paws Off the Hot Pavement
Imagine walking barefoot on a sizzling pavement. Your dog’s paws are just as sensitive. Try to walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when the ground is cooler. If you must take them out during the day, stick to grassy woodland areas if possible and check the pavement with the back of your hand to ensure it’s not too hot. PLEASE remember sand can get hotter than pavements.

Shady Spots and Cool Retreats
Creating a cool retreat for your dog can make a world of difference. Set up a shady spot in your garden or home where your dog can escape the heat. A paddling pool filled with cool water can be a delightfully refreshing play area. Indoors, consider a cooling mat or even a wet towel for them to lie on. Using a cool wet flannel to wipe around the face, neck, ears, and belly is also refreshing and can help them cool off quickly.

Frozen Treats
Who doesn’t love a cold treat on a hot day? Dogs are no different. You can easily make some DIY frozen dog treats. Try making an ice lolly using a blend of yoghurt and peanut butter or fruits. Frozen bone broth and frozen sprats also make excellent ice lollies. Not only are these treats cooling, but they also provide a fun activity for your dog.

Cooling teas like peppermint and chamomile are also a refreshing treat for your pooch.

Grooming Matters
While it might seem logical to shave your dog’s coat to keep them cool but get your groomer's advice about the best course of action for your type of dog. A dog’s coat helps regulate their temperature and protects their skin from sunburn. Regular brushing to remove excess fur and prevent matting can help your dog stay cooler.

Air Conditioning and Fans
If you’re enjoying the cool air from your fan, make sure your dog does too! Allow your dog to relax in a cool, room, or set up a fan in their favourite resting spot.

Watch for Signs of Overheating
Even with all these precautions, it’s crucial to keep an eye out for signs of overheating. Heavy panting, excessive drooling, lethargy, and coordination problems all indicate heat stress. If you suspect your dog is overheating, move them to a cooler area immediately, and transport to your vet, preferably wet in an air conditioned car.
Keep Playtime Cool

While dogs need to get their exercise, try to keep playtime cool and controlled. Avoid strenuous activities during peak heat hours. Instead, opt for gentle walks or indoor play sessions. Try brain training games (see our recent series) keeps your dog entertained and mentally stimulated without overheating them.

Keeping your dog cool in the summer is all about a mix of fun, common sense, and a bit of creativity. By following these tips, you can ensure that your furry friend stays comfortable, happy, and safe during these hot months.

We hope you found these tips helpful. Feel free to share your cool-down strategies with us below in the comments. We love hearing from our community!

06/08/2024

Some dogs fall asleep during their acupuncture, this one falls asleep straight afterwards. I enjoyed the cuddle. She is very elderly and visits to help manage her back pain.

06/08/2024

Testimonial Tuesday

Daphne is at peace now. Thank you for allowing me to provide that solace for your family and Daphne.

Dani Cameron
Thank you enough for your kindness & compassion today. You made a very awful day more than bearable. It’s like we’ve always known you.

We could not have asked for a better end for Daphne. & we really can not thank you enough.

23/07/2024

Testimonial Tuesday

Thank you Jen, for your kind words. I love supporting the senior pets and their families. Working the way I do, have the time to build trust with nervous dogs and cats, using observation and a very light touch until they get to know me and invite more touch. I look forward to seeing you again for more acupuncture in due course.

Jen Miles
Shelagh is incredibly knowledgeable and was sensitive to the needs of my old, arthritic dog. The acupuncture worked really well and I will definitely be going back for more treatment.
Like

20/07/2024

Such important preventative advice....protect those young joints for a less painful old age.

Control the things you can control by simple prevention. Just because a dog CAN jump out of the car doesn't mean to say they should be asked to...repeatedly.

16/07/2024

Testimonial Tuesday
Lisa Thompson
2 months ago
I had a raw feeding consultation with Shelagh a few years ago now and her knowledge and support was amazing and took the fright factor out of Raw feeding. The reason I am writing this review now is that Fred is now 5 and he went to the Vets yesterday for an annual check up, as soon as they opened his mouth there was a "Wow, amazing teeth and such healthy gums, you must clean them for him all the time". Me: "Actually no, I have never cleaned his teeth, he is on a raw diet so I don't need to" There was a small silence. So the reason for the review is that I would strongly recommend Shelagh for a consultation on Raw feeding, the health benefits are immense and she has so much knowledge to share.

Lisa, Thank you for your kind words.
I spent 25 years in clinical practice asking the question "what do you feed your dogs?". I noticed over the years that the owners who replied "Raw" had pets with healthier coats, lovely teeth, fewer skin issues, fewer gut issues, highly unlikely to be overweight and generally visited the vets less often.
Hence the journey I have travelled to become the holistic vet I am today. Yes, you have to devote a bit of time learning about raw feeding, and yes it is less convenient than scooping kibble from a bag. The health benefits are clear to see.
I have read all the books, been to the conferences, done all the learning and am here to help you take the leap, or refine and improve if you are worried your pet isn't getting quite all the nutrients it needs. As our pets age, the often need different things in their diet, additional supplements or herbs to support specific conditions etc. I am here to guide you on that journey of discovery.

11/07/2024

This lovely Welsh Collie, R, has arthritis in multiple joints, and has been on lots of conventional medication, including steroids which were causing issues with side effects - muscle loss, poor hair coat, excessive thirst (and peeing), a pot belly and hunger.

He started a course of acupuncture, we used Applied Zoopharmacognosy to help correct some nutritional gaps, and herbal tincture to support his body to cope with the steroids. His owner has some essential oils diluted to a safe concentration for application directly over his sore joints if needed.

He has responded so well that we were able to taper down several of his drugs, reducing side effects and improving his quality of life. His coat has thickened up and returned to being a rich red colour, with no more dandruff. He is back to enjoying exploring the Norfolk countryside with his owner.

See the website www.holisticvetnorfolk.com for more details and how to book an initial consultation with me.

11/07/2024

Itchy dog? An allergy to house dust mites or storage mites can be an underlying cause...

Take a look at the amount of dust in the bottom of a bag of cold pressed dog food that I had had open for about 6 weeks. This "dust" is created from the feeding activities of storage mites (Acarus siro, Tyrophagus putrescentiae). The mites are not toxic per se, but can trigger an allergic response - frequently itchy ears, face or feet.

The solution, I hear you ask?
Stop feeding ultra processed fast food, commonly known as dry pet food.
Feed raw or freshly cooked instead, DIY or purchase premades.

If you have an itchy dog, and want to have some holistic ways of dealing with it rather than endless pharmaceuticals, do enquire about making an appointment - see the website for more details
www.holisticvetnorfolk.com

09/07/2024

The lovely Miss C has progressed from plain acupuncture to electro-acupuncture.

The wires deliver a tiny electric current down the needles to intensify the acupuncture stimulus. Miss C doesn't mind a bit, I control the intensity very carefully to remain just under her tolerance threshold.

Acupuncture, hydrotherapy, essential oils and lots of love, care and enrichment from her owners are keeping this arthritic dog happy. She is very keen to visit both me and Doggy Paddle Norwich

09/07/2024

Testimonial Tuesday

Myhia was such a beautiful soul. You are an amazing family caring for her needs so well. She will live on forever in your hearts and memories. Thank you for your kind review.

Simon to
Had to make the hardest decision to have our beautiful Myhia put to sleep at home on Monday 1st July. Can’t even type properly writing this so so heart broken 💔 want to thank Shelagh and her team for being so caring and making it easier for our Myhia pass peacefully at home left us lots of keepsake as well. Definitely highly recommended.

25/06/2024

Testimonial Tuesday

Jane, I feel your loss, Finny was the best boy, you gave him the most perfect life for his special needs! Thank you for your lovely review. The agapanthus you gave me are just coming into flower and are being renamed the "Chaos and Finbarr" agapanthus.

Jane Bishop

There's no getting away from the pain of losing a pet, but boy did it help to have Shelagh. My boy was so frightened of the vets all his life that I spent a lot of time worrying about how the end would happen. The end happened with him aged 14 falling asleep under a tree in our garden with no stress, no worry, just utter peace. Shelagh has the perfect mix of professionalism and compassion. It was enormously comforting then and still is to know what a long life and peaceful goodbye he had.

20/06/2024

Wilf is one of my regulars. He seeks out the same toy every time, and only settles once he is chewing at the squashed squirrel!

19/06/2024

Beautiful Charlie visiting for her second time today for help with her arthritis pain. She has accepted the whole needling part really well, settling down just next to the soft squishy mat!
What odd places does your dog like to rest in?
Photo of Jayne on her new ramp in the comments.

18/06/2024

Testimonial Tuesday

Thank you Abbie. Losing Herbie must be so hard, he was truly a close member of your family. A real gentleman. I am glad that your pain was eased a little by his passing at home, with liver paste!

Abbie Fisher

When we had to make the hardest decision we knew we wanted Herbie to be at home and not have the added stress of travelling to a vets.

From the first phone call Shelagh was very caring, when she arrived she was professional yet very understanding, she gave us time and we did not feel rushed. She knew when to be with us and when to leave us with Herbie and gave him plenty of love, she spent time with our other dogs and kept everyone calm and relaxed. She made it that little bit better for such a horrible day for us. We would highly recommend Shelagh.

11/06/2024

This is great news regarding the WSAVA’s stance on routine neutering. I can also highly recommend Lise Hansen’s book that is mentioned in this post.

It is official!

Routine neutering of dogs is a thing of the past

This week WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) released guidelines to encourage vets everywhere to stop routine neutering of dogs. Please help spread the word, especially if you meet puppy owners who are considering neutering. Anyone who would like to know more about this topic will be happy to hear that there is a chapter devoted to it in my book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Book-Cat-Dog-Health/dp/1787114155/ref=pd_ci_mcx_mh_mcx_views_0?pd_rd_w=2HenD&content-id=amzn1.sym.d5a0ab5a-748f-42eb-9e27-b9d396f7ecd2%3Aamzn1.symc.ca948091-a64d-450e-86d7-c161ca33337b&pf_rd_p=d5a0ab5a-748f-42eb-9e27-b9d396f7ecd2&pf_rd_r=BVCJ8DDVD9J4Y1C2CCPB&pd_rd_wg=HIf6Z&pd_rd_r=19088b55-e9f7-4275-88ab-3d32dac4af3b&pd_rd_i=1787114155

11/06/2024

Testimonial Tuesday

Thank you Lynn for your kind words. A slow hands off approach yields rewarding results, given sufficient time. I could not go back to 15min appointments now!

5.0 Star
Lynn Hobbs
Very pleased with how Shelagh interacted with our dog Penny, a nervous Labrador. She put her at ease straight away, making the experience comfortable for her and making it easier to assess her osteoarthritis. And she was able to administer acupuncture needles with ease.

Highly recommended.